Fans of low tide can rejoice

This week will offer shoreline nature show

By John Dodge | The Olympian • Published June 01, 2008

Three days of extremely low early-afternoon tides are in store for beachcombers and shoreline explorers in South Sound in the coming week.

The tides, which will recede to more than minus-4 feet, are the lowest since June 2004 and will reveal marine life that's normally submerged, said David Jamison, a marine biologist and Boston Harbor resident who writes a weekly feature for The Olympian's Environment page.

Marine life likely to be exposed includes eelgrass beds, certain species of starfish, and sea pens, colonial marine creatures that resemble antique quill pens.

Public beaches well-suited for low-tide exploration include Thurston County's Burfoot Park on Budd Inlet, Tolmie State Park on the Nisqually Reach, the county's Frye Cove Park on Eld Inlet and Potlatch State Park at Hood Canal south of Hoodsport.

The predicted low tides and time of day for Budd Inlet are:

• Tuesday: minus-4.2 feet at 11:56 a.m.

• Wednesday: minus-4.6 feet at 12:43 p.m.

• Thursday: minus-4.5 feet at 1:31 p.m.

Beachcombers are encouraged to observe and take photographs of exposed sea life but should resist touching it, scientists say. If children's curiosity leads to overturned rocks, be sure they replace the rocks the way they found them, Jamison said.

People also should fill in holes dug in search of burrowing creatures, he said.