Hike the Patrick’s Point State Park Rim Trail, which traces the centuries old bluff path used by the Yurok Tribe. The monument rocks off the point, including Turtle Rocks a nautical mile west, provide habitat for abundant wildlife. Binoculars are a must in order to identify the variety of seabirds and pinnipeds (i.e., seals and sea lions) that occupy them.

From November to March this is a great location to watch whales (including gray whales and orcas) moving around the California Coastal National Monument rocks and islets.

Patrick’s Point State Park is just one square mile, located 5.3 miles north of the town of Trinidad on Patrick’s Point Drive off Highway 101.

Patrick’s Point Drive between Trinidad and the state park offers a number of roadside vistas of the monument rocks and islets, including a Steller’s Sea Lion haul-out area and select views of Green Rock, home to a very large nesting colony of Common Murres.

Year-round

Fees: Yes