Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Map SatelliteIn addition to the important grove of virgin redwood, Sequoia sempervirens, there are several other features of interest in this park. There is a large meadow, much of which is composed of exotics; however, in the drier portions are good stands of purple needlegrass, Nassella pulchra. In the chaparral area the rare Arctostaphylos silvicola is found. The rare Erysimum teretifolium possibly may be found within the park.
Geologically, portions of the area are Mesozoic granitics; however, most of the area is of Santa Margarita sandstone laid down in the Upper Miocene.
There are sharp bluffs along the course of the San Lorenzo River. See also Inland Marine Sand Hills.
Integrity: There are buildings and recreational facilities near the entry, and a highway and rail line cut through a portion of the park, but much of the area is relatively undisturbed.
Use: Research, educational, observational, light recreation.
October 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman