
Only a few blocks from the Space Needle, beaches in Myrtle Edwards Park have surprisingly good low-tide lookings given their adjacency to downtown Seattle. While there is not a great deal of explorable territory along this waterfront, there is still a significant amount of biodiversity to be discovered at this location.
There are three main beaches along the waterfront of Myrtle Edwards Park. I have had the most success when exploring the first beach, though the other two are worth a peek. Even with a thorough looking do not expect to spend a ton of time here. If you live near downtown this is an excellent spot for frequent brief visits.
When the tide recedes below -1', rocks at the lowest point of the first beach are exposed. Among those rocks is where you want to look. Take care when treading on the seaweed as it is quite slippery down there.
Beyond the tide pools, this area is great for all sorts of wildlife. Harbor seals, river otter, sea lions and a variety of jellyfish frequent the area spanning from the Seattle Aquarium to the end of the Elliot Bay trail. Bald eagle nest in trees along this part of the Sound and often can be seen getting chased of by the Northwestern crow. Watch the crows for clues- at low tide they enjoy scavenging and can point you towards interesting (tasty to them) findings.
LOCATION
Approaching from the Olympic Sculpture Park (paid parking available here or on the street) head down toward the waterfront. The first beach is a little ways along the path on the left. Follow the pedestrian path a ways further to get to the second beach, which is nearby a small utility building. The third beach is much larger and easily visible when you walk a short distance further.