Explore the visually striking Lighthouse and Chimney Rock areas for wildflowers, nesting seabirds, and a variety of marine mammals.
About this event
The area between the Lighthouse, Chimney Rock and Drakes Beach is one of the most visually striking parts of the national seashore.
In the spring its natural history is equally rich. Blooming paintbrush, lilies, iris and other wildflowers put on a dramatic and diverse display. Young or molting Elephant Seals rest on beaches while Harbor Seals, California Sea Lions and other pinnipeds feed in the rich marine habitat. Sometimes we see migratory Gray Whales, perhaps mothers with their nursing calves. Pigeon Guillemot, Common Murre and Brandt's Cormorant are some of the birds nesting in the area while loons, Surf Scoter and Brant migrate past the point, occasionally in the thousands.
The geology of this area, including old granitic cliffs and younger sedimentary deposits is equally diverse. All this and more contribute to a wonderfully rich tapestry of biological diversity. In several short hikes with minimal elevation gain we will explore this area and discover its full splendor.
David Wimpfheimer is a professional naturalist and biologist. After earning a degree in Biology from Beloit College he has pursed his passion, the natural history of the American West. For almost forty years David has shared his extensive knowledge about all aspects of the natural world with hundreds of groups including the Smithsonian Institution, California Academy of Sciences, Road Scholar, and Oceanic Society.