Based on physical model tests of the flume, the local scour characteristics of the tripod pile foundation for a tidal current energy turbine were investigated, and the effects of the installation angle of the foundation and flow intensity on the evolution of local scour depth of the tripod pile foundation under full machine operating conditions were explored. The experimental results indicate that as the flow intensity increases, both the scour rate around three piles of the tripod pile foundation and the maximum scour depth increase, with the maximum scour depth occurring at the upstream face of the piles. The scour development around the tripod pile foundation varies with changes in the installation angle, showing the most severe scour when the installation angle is 30°. At a 0° installation angle, the upstream piles experience relatively weak scour. When the installation angle reaches 30°, the pile located alone on one side exhibits the fastest scour rate. At a 60° installation angle, the upstream piles demonstrate greater scour depth.