At low tide, Haystack is accessible and a lot of fun for tide pool viewing. But the main part of the rock is a bird refuge, so make sure you pay attention to the signs telling where not to go.

An odd bit of local lore here that some like to tell to uninitiated newcomers is that Haystack was manmade. Usually, this weirdo tale is told by drunks - so watch for that tale if you’re hanging out at the local bars.

Below, more of the Needles and tide pool sights around Haystack Rock - an extreme close-up of a barnacle.