BIRD ISLAND TRAIL

From southern parking area; round trip 8/10 mile, 30 minutes through coastal scrub. Access to two sandy beaches. Good views of Bird Island and China Cove.

On the way to the Bird Island overlook, you pass between woods and sea, high above two white sandy beaches - China Cove and Gibson Beach. Both are accessible via long staircases. China Cove's sparkling jade-green waters are framed by hanging cliffside gardens.

Swimming and wading are allowed, but the water is icy-cold all year. No wet suits, boogie boards, or other equipment are allowed in this area.

Into these cliffs the sea surges, cuts through the tiny cracks and faults in the brittle granite rock, and in time creates caves that slowly become archways. These eventually collapse, forming islands like Bird Island.

As you walk the loop on Pelican Point, you pass wildflower displays that change seasonally. Here you overlook Bird Island, which becomes a large sea bird colony in spring and summer. Hundreds of Brandt's cormorants nest close together on the flat part of the island. Watch for sea otters resting in kelp offshore and for basking harbor seals on rocks just above the water.