Low tide draws islanders to Point Robinson
Published 2:40 pm Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Under a clear blue sky, with Mount Rainier fully visible across the water, families spread across the exposed beach at Point Robinson on Sunday, June 14, for a Low Tide Celebration highlighting the hidden life of Puget Sound.
The free, family-friendly event, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Point Robinson Lighthouse, coincided with an especially low tide of -3.96 feet at 10:48 a.m., revealing broad stretches of sand, eelgrass and tide pools for visitors to explore.
Children splashed through shallow water, carried buckets and beach toys, and followed adults across the beach as Vashon Nature Center naturalists led guided tours of the shoreline. The tours encouraged visitors to look closely at the marine life normally covered by the tide and to learn how to protect fragile nearshore habitat.
Near the water, families were invited to take a “Beach Naturalist Pledge,” promising to watch their steps, gently return rocks and seaweed to their places and protect the creatures they found. Other booths offered hands-on activities and information about Puget Sound’s marine ecosystem, including a “Planktopia” tent decorated with tall jellyfish and plankton-themed displays.
The celebration also included kids’ activities, live music from the Vashon Community Street Band and tours of the historic lighthouse led by Capt. Joe Wubbold, U.S. Coast Guard, retired.
By late morning, the beach was dotted with families, dogs, beach naturalists and curious children, all taking advantage of the rare low tide and postcard-clear views of Mount Rainier rising over the sound.
