Being able to read tide charts is very important when hiking along coastlines. It could very well be the difference between having a safe trip or possibly being washed out to sea. Below you will find a short lesson on reading them.
Tide charts give the time and height of morning and evening high and low tides in good weather. Look over your map for the route you will follow. Note any locations where you see the words “danger,” “caution” or “round at low tide.” If your map does not include this type of information, obtain a map with those references. See the map key for definitions of hazards. They will vary between maps. “Danger” usually means that a headland cannot be rounded at any time by walking on the beach. “Caution” usually suggests a low tide height below which it may be safe to round headlands. Check the time and height of the two low tides for the day you will be hiking. Note that occasionally there may be only one low tide per day. The safest time to round headlands is within one to two hours before low tide. Rounding a headland on an incoming tide can be dangerous.
Always check at the ranger stations for additional tips on safe beach hiking and beach terrain.
Source: NPS