I will be in Portland on business in February, but with a free day that I'd like to use to visit the coast (I will rent a car). Can anyone recommend destinations within a few hours of Portland, hopefully with interesting and accessible tidal pools. I'm not interested in visiting galleries or shopping, but would like to focus on outdoors activities and wildlife.

Thanks

Cannon Beach. Check the tide charts.

Yup, Cannon Beach, and specifically Haystack Rock. You'd also want to head up to Ecola State Park, just to the north. Scenery up there is spectacular, and there are some nice tidepools around the rocks at the south end of Indian Beach (north end of the park).

You know to bring rain gear, don't you? Also, the drive crosses the coast range, with passes over 1000 ft. It would be unusual that there be snow, but if you have any doubts, check.

http://www.cannon-beach.net/cbrecreation.html

If you google tide pools at Haystack Rock you can get many great photos, starfish etc.
We have plenty of our own photos I think the weather might make it difficult in Feb but I hope it is good enough for you to at least walk around and see Cannon Beach.
Drive 10 miles south on 101 and visit the town of Manzanita too. beachbum is right, Ecola State Pk scenery is amazing!

Link to wildlife commonly found on and around Haystack rock:

http://tinyurl.com/2cotxd

Link to tide tables:

http://www.cannonbeach.org/tides.html

If you're interested in viewing large mammals, there used to be a wildlife area near Jewell (off Hwy 26 on the way to Cannon Beach) where you could see elk in the late fall and winter. Does anyone know if it's still there? I believe Oregon Fish and Wildlife ran it as a winter habitat.

Thank you, this information is very helpful.