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Map Satellite A variety of features combines to make this area one of the more unusual in the Santa Monica Mountains. Chaparral comprises approximately three-quarters of the vegetative cover, with chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum, mountain mahogany, Cercocarpus betuloides, coffeeberry, Rhamnus californica, and Ceanothus spp. Individual specimens of Ceanothus oliganthus and Rhamnus californica have been estimated to reach heights of 10 meters and 8 meters, respectively. There is also a mixed evergreen forest with coast live oak, Quercus agrifolia, bay, Umbellularia californica, and the locally uncommon big-leaf maple, Acer macrophyllum. Along the canyon bottoms, by the stream beds, there is a riparian community with sycamore, Platanus racemosa, black cottonwood, Populus trichocarpa, and ash, Fraxinus velutina (var. coriacea). One of the few populations of brown dogwood, Cornus glabrata, in the Santa Monicas occurs here. Seeps and moist areas support excellent stands of chain fern, Woodwardia fimbriata, and bracken, Pteridium aquilinum, with several exceptionally large individual specimens. There is also a fine colony of the stream orchis, Epipactis gigantea. Mountain lions, Felis concolor, are among the numerous animals found in the area. Geologically, the area is underlain by sandstones of Oligocene nonmarine origin. Several streams, some perennial, with waterfalls and cascades, occur here. Integrity: Much of the area is virtually pristine, though there is a firebreak as well as a transmission line and access road located in the upper reaches. There has been some siltation from these cuts. Use: Research, educational, observational. A portion of the area has been proposed as an ecological reserve. A part of the area is private. December 1979
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
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