Matilija Hot Springs
VicinityMap Satellite
Included in this area are the lower portions of the north and south forks of Matilija Creek and the surrounding slopes.
Along the creek there is a rich riparian community, characteristic of that found along perennial streams of the region. Conspicuous vegetation includes white alder, Alnus rhombifolia, sycamore, Platanus racemosa, big-leaf maple, Acer macrophyllum, poison oak, Toxicondendron diversilobum, California bay, Umbellularia californica, and cattails, Typha spp. The slopes are chaparral.
This area is the type section for the Matilija (sandstone) Formation, of Eocene marine origin. A fossil locality is found here.
There are several hot springs in the area.
Integrity: In the immediate vicinity of the springs are various well-used recreational facilities, roads and a gauging station. Immediately upstream is a dam. As a result of the topography much of the area is virtually undisturbed.
Use: Research, educational, observational. Some private.
January 1977
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman