Seattle Naturalists’ Event Roundup: December 29, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Your Guide to Seattle-Area Nature Events from local organizations:
We’re ringing in the New Year with very late-night low tides, perfect for winter tidepooling if you don’t mind staying up late. Tides get very low as we head into the weekend, paired with a Full Moon (the Wolf Moon) on Saturday night—beautiful for moonlit walks and shoreline exploring (just expect brighter skies for stargazing).
There are also New Year’s Day bird outings, a polar plunge for the bold, and multiple opportunities to give back through habitat restoration. As always, check event pages for updates, weather conditions, and registration details before heading out.
Tuesday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve
Low Tide for Tidepooling
Time: 8:17 PM
Tide Height: -2.3 ft
Description: A solid evening low tide to close out the year. Dress warm, bring a red-light headlamp, and tread carefully around slippery rocks.
Thursday, January 1 – New Year’s Day
Neighborhood Bird Outing: Lake Union Park
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Organization: Birds Connect Seattle
Link: https://birdsconnectsea.org/calendar/
Description: Start the new year with birds! A guided neighborhood walk focused on winter birds around Lake Union. Free and beginner-friendly.
New Year’s Day Alki Beach Polar Bear Swim
Time: 10:00 AM (sharp)
Location: Alki Beach
Link: https://westseattleblog.com/2025/12/alki-beach-new-years-day-2026-polar-bear-swim-is-on-with-a-new-request-and-message-of-thanks/
Description: A Seattle New Year’s tradition. Whether you’re plunging or spectating, expect community spirit and very cold water.
Low Tide for Tidepooling
Time: 9:06 PM
Tide Height: -3.1 ft
Description: An excellent late-night tide for intertidal exploration.
Friday, January 2
Low Tide for Tidepooling
Time: 9:54 PM
Tide Height: -3.5 ft
Saturday, January 3
Bird Habitat Restoration at Marymoor Park
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Organization: Eastside Audubon
Link: https://www.eastsideaudubon.org/calendar/marymoor-restoration/202601
Description: Help restore bird habitat through hands-on stewardship work. Registration encouraged.
Restoration | Rooted in Reciprocity
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Organization: Seward Park Audubon Center
Location: Seward Park, Seattle
Link: https://sewardpark.audubon.org/events/restoration-rooted-reciprocity
Description: A community-centered restoration event grounded in reciprocity and care for the land. Registration encouraged.
Low Tide + Full Moon (Wolf Moon)
Time: 10:42 PM
Tide Height: -3.5 ft
Description: A very low tide coinciding with the Full Wolf Moon—great for moonlit shoreline walks and atmospheric winter exploring.
Sunday, January 4
Neighborhood Bird Outing: Birds and Habitat – Along Arboretum Creek
Time: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Organization: Birds Connect Seattle
Link: https://birdsconnectsea.org/calendar/
Description: Learn how birds use riparian habitat along Arboretum Creek. A relaxed, educational walk suitable for all levels.
Low Tide for Tidepooling
Time: 11:29 PM
Tide Height: -3.0 ft
Description: Another very late-night low tide to wrap up the week—bundle up and enjoy the quiet of the shoreline.
Photo By Madison Kirkman, Blood Moon from 2025