Sea Stacks Along the Coast

The isolated rock towers just off the shore of Northern California's Coast are referred to as sea stacks.

Similar formations occur around the globe. The ones seen here, part of Redwoods National Park, are remnants of the collisions of the North American, Pacific, and Gorda tectonic plates, here at the Mendocino Triple Junction. The waves pounding into the coast erode softer layers of rock (mudstone), leaving these large formations of harder (chert, greenstone, and sandstone) rock behind.

I particular liked the offsetting contrast of the lavender Lupinus albifrons in the foreground, and the fact that even on a hot, clear, late summer afternoon day, the presence of the coastal fog (or marine layer), ensures that the coast redwoods will get their water requirements met.

Tallest Living Things on Earth

Hard to believe that these giants get upwards of a third of their water requirements from the omnipresent coastal fog.

The industrial revolution arrived in California in the mid-19th century driving intense demand for lumber. The massive coast redwoods seemed a boon for commercial loggers, but their efforts quickly decimated the old growth forests. Today, about 6% of the original coast redwood habitat is old-growth forest, and much of what remains was reforested with other species of trees that made it hard for the remaining redwoods to survive.

By the early twentieth century, conservationists had lobbied to protect these lands and trees, and a complex system of state and nationally protected lands emerged. In 1994, the California state and National Park services agreed to co-manage the lands as one unit. There has been significant progress in restoring the Mill Creek Watershed to a more natural state, removing old logging roads and clearing some of the Douglas-fir planted by the logging companies, to allow for the redwoods to thrive and flourish again.

Though not quite as staffed and managed as other National Parks, Redwoods National and State Parks is a magnificent place for hikers, nature lovers, and photographers. Take the opportunity to visit Northern California and see for yourself. You'll be glad that you did!