This past August, I spent time in the other Portland and a few days along the Oregon coast. There are certainly similarities to draw between both coastlines - rocky, moody, moss-covered forests - it’s just that everything in the PNW felt significantly bigger, more dramatic. Maine, but on steroids.
This includes the marine life! Look at these guys:
Starfish are everywhere. Frankly, it would be hard to visit a beach and not see them. But in Maine? These guys are much harder to spot. But, of course, the ultimate challenge of stumbling upon a sea star has just made me more determined.
But here’s the disclaimer of all disclaimers:
Don’t remove starfish! Don’t touch them - at all! Don’t mess with their homes! Not only can this lead to them suffocating, but any oils/sunscreens/etc. on our hands are poisonous to these sweet little guys. This means keeping a watchful eye on kiddos too - it’s very tempting to hold them, but it’s not a touch tank at an aquarium.
Watch, observe, snap a photo if you’d like and carry on. It’s on us to not lead to their population decline.
Spring is also seal-pupping season in Maine - so with our slow changing of seasons, I’ve been taking time to plot some new trails to take in wildlife. But before that, I thought I’d share some of my all-time favorite spots. In an effort to always encourage everyone to get outside - here are some special trails and places that I have been lucky to spy some pretty incredible marine life:
Seal Searching
It’s not too hard to spot a seal in Maine - after all, you could just have a lobster roll at Luke’s Lobster and you’re bound to see Sealy Dan pop his head up. But seeing them in huge numbers is different - and what’s more fun than completing a trail alongside some sunbathing seals?
Devil’s Back Trail (Harpswell, Maine)
To catch some sleepy seals, you’ll want to complete the East Loop of this 2.5 mile trail system that runs along Gun Point Cove. Towards the middle of the loop, you’ll see signs for “Seal Rock” - which is exactly as it sounds: at low tide, a huge rock emerges where you’re likely to see seals sunbathing, sleeping or taking a swim. On a recent visit, I must have counted 20+ seals.
Indian Point-Blagden Preserve (Bar Harbor, Maine)
On the Western Side of Bar Harbor, you’ll find this gorgeous preserve. Visit at low tide, and you’ll hear the seals barking in the distance of this 2.5 mile trail.
Fort Popham (Phippsburg, Maine)
A Civil War-era coastal defense fortification at the mouth of the Kennebec River, this park provides a perfect backdrop for a day of exploring. On my last visit, seals were abundant - swimming, playing and barking in the water alongside the fort.
Sea Star Seeking
I’ve never seen starfish along the Maine coast that came even close to how big the above ones are - but that doesn’t make it any less magical when you spot one! Here are a few places I’ve been lucky to see these beautiful guys: