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Map Satellite Within this State Park are several plant communities. Immediately behind the sandy beach are dunes with Ambrosia chamissonis, Abronia latifolia and the non-native Carpobrotus chilensis the dominants. In portions of the park there is a forest with Bishop pine, Pinus muricata, shore pine, Pinus contorta, tan-oak, Lithocarpus densiflora, Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and grand fir, Abies grandis. On the headlands there are remnant coastal prairie and northern coastal scrub.
Five rare plants are found in or near the park; they include Campanula californica, Castilleja mendocinensis, Erysimum menziesii, Lilium maritimum and Chorizanthe howellii. The latter is found in only this area.
There is a small lake, Cleone, formerly a tidal lagoon but now closed to the ocean by a road constructed some 30 years ago. The lake, fed by Will Creek, is gradually silting in. Freshwater marsh plants such as cattails, Typha sp., and willows, Salix sp., border it.
The lake is frequented by a variety of birds, including numerous waterfowl during the migratory season. Harbor seals, Phoca vitulina, are abundant on the offshore rocks.
Integrity: Portions have been logged, the lagoon blocked, the vegetation around the lake pruned, and various park facilities have been built. However, despite relatively heavy use, portions are still in good condition.
Use: Research, educational, observational, present.
December 1977
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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