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Map Satellite Most of this wilderness area lies on steep, ocean-facing slopes, with cliffs up to 150 meters (500 feet) high, and is dissected by numerous canyons.
Vegetation on the slopes consists primarily of a mixed conifer forest, with redwood, Sequoia sempervirens, dominant. Other species in the forest include Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, tan-oak, Lithocarpus densiflorus, and some madrone, Arbutus menziesii. Along the stream courses there is a riparian association, with red alder, Alnus oregona, predominating.
In the northern portion there are some coastal terraces covered with grasses, primarily exotics. The rare grass Calamagrostis foliosa occurs here.
At several of the numerous creek mouths small marshes are present.
Animal life is abundant and typical of the region. Among the species found hers are black bear, Ursus americanus, mountain lion, Felis concolor, ringtail cat, Bassariscus astutus, and osprey, Pandion haliaetus. Pigeon guillemot, Cepphus columba, pelagic cormorant, Phalacrocorax pelagicus, and Western gull, Larus occidentalis, breed on offshore rocks.
The beach from High Tip north is composed of black sand.
Integrity: There are several buildings in the area and portions have been farmed. Several campsites and trails are present.
Use: Research, educational, observational, present.
July 1982
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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