2 Types of Octopus in Washington
Washington's coastal waters host several octopus species, most notably the giant Pacific octopus and the red octopus. Start your search near the San Juan Islands or Olympic Peninsula for the best chances of spotting one. This guide covers the main types you might encounter and how to tell them apart.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 7, 2026.
- 5
- species recorded
- May, June, April
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
2 types of octopus recorded in Washington
2 octopus species have a verified observation record in Washington, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
1
2
Plus 2 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
1,392 verified observations on iNaturalist of octopus have been recorded in Washington, most often in May, June, April.
When octopus are recorded in Washington
Washington's coastal waters host several octopus species, most notably the giant Pacific octopus and the red octopus. Start your search near the San Juan Islands or Olympic Peninsula for the best chances of spotting one. This guide covers the main types you might encounter and how to tell them apart.
What Are the Most Common Octopus Species in Washington?
The most frequently encountered octopus in Washington is the giant Pacific octopus (*Enteroctopus dofleini*), which can have an arm span of up to 20 feet. The red octopus (*Octopus rubescens*) is smaller and commonly found in tide pools and shallow waters. Other species like the Pacific striped octopus are rare but possible.
In Washington, octopuses sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
How Can You Tell Different Octopus Types Apart?
Focus on size, color, and arm length. Giant Pacific octopuses are massive with a reddish brown color and large, distinct suckers. Red octopuses are much smaller (arm span under 2 feet) and typically bright red or orange. Also note behavior: giant Pacific octopuses are more reclusive, while red octopuses are often seen crawling in open tide pools.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
Where and When Are Each Type Most Likely to Be Seen?
Giant Pacific octopuses are most often spotted by divers in rocky subtidal zones near the San Juan Islands, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Peninsula. They are active year round but more visible at night. Red octopuses are common in intertidal zones during low tide, especially from spring through fall. Check areas with abundant crab and clam beds.
What Do Octopus Sightings Tell You About the Local Ecosystem?
Octopuses are indicators of healthy marine ecosystems. Their presence suggests clean water, abundant prey like crabs and mollusks, and adequate rocky cover. The decline of giant Pacific octopus populations in some areas may signal overfishing or habitat degradation. For more on octopus ecology, visit ourOctopus hub.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
Are There Any Rare or Unusual Octopus Species in Washington?
Occasionally, the Pacific striped octopus (*Octopus chierchiae*) has been reported off Washington's coast, but sightings are very rare. The two spot octopus (*Octopus bimaculoides*) is occasionally found in southern Washington waters. If you think you've seen something unusual, record the location and time, and report it to local marine research groups.
How Can You Celebrate Washington Octopuses with Easy Street Markets Gear?
After a day of tide pooling, show your appreciation for these intelligent creatures with octopus themed items from Easy Street Markets.
Octopus Kraken T-Shirt
This bold Kraken design is perfect for wearing on your next coastal adventure.Check Price and Availability
Reading Octopus, tea, coffee and books gift T-Shirt Bubble-free stickers
Decorate your gear or journal with these fun, bubble free stickers featuring a book loving octopus.Check Price and Availability
Women's Octopus T-Shirt
A light blue tee with an authentic octopus design for everyday comfort.Check Price and Availability
For more ocean wildlife apparel, browse ourwildlife tote bagsand other options.
Octopus As Student T-Shirt with A Backpack and Apple
A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
Frequently Asked Questions About Octopus Types in Washington
**Can you find octopuses in Puget Sound?** Yes, both giant Pacific and red octopuses are common in Puget Sound, especially near rocky reefs.
**What is the biggest octopus in Washington?** The giant Pacific octopus is the largest, weighing up to 150 pounds.
**Are octopus safe to handle?** They are not venomous to humans, but bites can cause infection. Observe from a respectful distance.
**Where can I learn to identify octopus species?** Check ourWashington octopus species guidefor more details.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
What Are the Most Common Octopus Species in Washington?+
The most frequently encountered octopus in Washington is the giant Pacific octopus (*Enteroctopus dofleini*), which can have an arm span of up to 20 feet. The red octopus (*Octopus rubescens*) is smaller and commonly found in tide pools and shallow waters. Other species like the Pacific striped octopus are rare but possible. In Washington, octopuses sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
How Can You Tell Different Octopus Types Apart?+
Focus on size, color, and arm length. Giant Pacific octopuses are massive with a reddish brown color and large, distinct suckers. Red octopuses are much smaller (arm span under 2 feet) and typically bright red or orange. Also note behavior: giant Pacific octopuses are more reclusive, while red octopuses are often seen crawling in open tide pools. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
Where and When Are Each Type Most Likely to Be Seen?+
Giant Pacific octopuses are most often spotted by divers in rocky subtidal zones near the San Juan Islands, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Peninsula. They are active year round but more visible at night. Red octopuses are common in intertidal zones during low tide, especially from spring through fall. Check areas with abundant crab and clam beds.
What Do Octopus Sightings Tell You About the Local Ecosystem?+
Octopuses are indicators of healthy marine ecosystems. Their presence suggests clean water, abundant prey like crabs and mollusks, and adequate rocky cover. The decline of giant Pacific octopus populations in some areas may signal overfishing or habitat degradation. For more on octopus ecology, visit ourOctopus hub. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
Are There Any Rare or Unusual Octopus Species in Washington?+
Occasionally, the Pacific striped octopus (*Octopus chierchiae*) has been reported off Washington's coast, but sightings are very rare. The two spot octopus (*Octopus bimaculoides*) is occasionally found in southern Washington waters. If you think you've seen something unusual, record the location and time, and report it to local marine research groups.
How Can You Celebrate Washington Octopuses with Easy Street Markets Gear?+
After a day of tide pooling, show your appreciation for these intelligent creatures with octopus themed items from Easy Street Markets. ### Octopus Kraken T-Shirt This bold Kraken design is perfect for wearing on your next coastal adventure.Check Price and Availability ### Reading Octopus, tea, coffee and books gift T-Shirt Bubble-free stickers Decorate your gear or journal with these fun, bubble free stickers featuring a book loving octopus.Check Price and Availability ### Women's Octopus T-Shirt A light blue tee with an authentic octopus design for everyday comfort.Check Price and Availability For more ocean wildlife apparel, browse ourwildlife tote bagsand other options. ### Octopus As Student T-Shirt with A Backpack and Apple A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
Keep exploring
More places to see octopus
More wildlife in Washington