Point of the Arches

photo banner of different intertidal species

Point of the Arches Long-Term trends

Point of the Arches Biodiversity Survey findings

Point of the Arches is located in the Olympic Coast Region of Washington within Olympic National Park and Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. This moderately sloping site consists of extremely uneven terrain, containing many deep cracks and folds.

overview of research site

Point of the Arches is dominated by consolidated bedrock, and the area surrounding the site is comprised of a mixture of consolidated bedrock, boulder fields, and sandy beach.

closeup of research site

Long-Term Monitoring Surveys at Point of the Arches were established in 2009, and are done by Olympic National Park. Long-Term monitoring surveys currently target the following species: Chthamalus/Balanus (Acorn Barnacles), Mytilus (California Mussel), and Pisaster (Ochre Star). For more information see the Long-Term trends at this site.

Biodiversity Surveys were done in 2023. The Biodiversity Survey grid encompasses two sections that are approximately 10 meters (along shore) x 10 meters (seaward), and 8 meters (along shore) x 33 meters (seaward). For more information see the Biodiversity Survey findings at this site.

For more information about Point of the Arches, please contact Steven Fradkin (Steven_Fradkin@nps.gov).

Last modified: Jul 14, 2025