Approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) of coastline and the numerous offshore rocks are included in this area. To the north is Agate Beach, a sandy strip with agates and, against the cliffs, piles of driftwood. South of the beach the shoreline changes to steep, craggy inlets and rugged promontories with occasional ledges and rocky beaches.

On the beaches there is some of the coastal strand community.

The marine flora and fauna are typical of the northern rocky exposed coast. There are a number of rocky intertidal and subtidal communities rich in algae and invertebrates. Abalone, Haliotis spp., are abundant.

The rare snail, Monadenia fidelis ssp. trinidadensis, occurs along the cliffs. The burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia, has been observed here.

Integrity: The area is part of the Patrick's Point State Park and is well used, though the plants and animals are protected.

Use: Research, educational, observational, present.

July 1977

Humboldt
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2005 Steven Louis Hartman