Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
water level is at its maximum and the beach is covered. During low (or ebb) tide, the
water recedes and the beach is exposed.
The tides are generated when the combined gravitational forces of the moon
and sun tug on the planet's surface against the force of gravity pulling inward toward
Earth's core. Both the sun and moon draw ocean water to positions directly beneath
them. High tides are actually bulges that form as water flows toward two regions
on the surface—one facing the moon, where gravitational pull is strongest, and the
other facing directly away, where gravitational pull is weakest. Low tides represent
the corresponding withdrawal of water from regions midway between these bulges.
The tides shift as Earth's daily rotation moves the surface closer or farther from these
gravitational pulls.
Onward, the trail turns southeast toward a junction with the
Mound Meadow
Trail
(0.3 mile, 15'), on the left heading northwest. You could take this to the Pine
Ridge Trail for a short half-mile loop back to
Piney Woods.
For a richer visit, contin-
ue on the South Shore Trail along the reserve's exquisite southern boundary, encom-
passing some of the state's most beautiful coves and inlets.
The trail meanders within sight of the shore and colorful kelp beds off
Weston
Beach.
These rocky promontories are typical of the Carmelo formation, a mix of
water-sculpted rocks, fine sediment, and debris deposited by ancient avalanches that
occurred in a narrow underwater canyon. Wave action, erosion, and uplift over the
past 39 million years have exposed the formation, leaving a complex pattern of graded
beds and pebbly beaches.
Leaving Weston Beach, you may want to duck off the trail and descend a few feet
to
Hidden Beach
(0.4 mile). Look amid the intertidal rocks for feeding shorebirds
such as the black oystercatcher, which boasts a red bill and loud whistled yelps.
Past Hidden Beach the South Shore Trail emerges at the southern parking area,
where the
Bird Island Trail
begins (0.6 mile, 25'). If you're short on time, you could
park here and explore China Cove and Bird Island, favorite destinations in the reserve.
The short detour to
China Cove
leads up a set of stairs to the headland, where an-
other long, steep set of stairs descends to the white sand beach and sparkling waters.
This calm, protected cove is a safe place to wade or explore nearby arches. Year-round
water temperatures hover in the 50s Fahrenheit, so you may only want to get your feet
wet.
Bird Island Trail heads west to a 0.4-mile loop around
Pelican Point,
passing
brittle granite cliffs that do battle with the pounding Pacific. Over time these cliffs
crack and fault, forming caves and archways that eventually collapse, leaving spires
like
Bird Island.
Bring your binoculars to scan the thousands of migratory and res-
idential seabirds and shorebirds. In spring and summer the island is a nesting site for
hundreds of cormorants, known for their sleek black torsos and snakelike necks. Also
