Visit Pyramid Point State Marine Conservation Area

Pyramid Point Kamph Memorial Park - photo copyright Jim Johnston

Pyramid Point State Marine Conservation Area is California’s Northern-most marine protected area. Nestled up against the Oregon border, it provides unique habitat not often seen in other California marine protected areas. The landscape includes both sandy and rocky beaches, each with offshore rocks that can harbor seabird colonies, and shallow rocky reefs.

Interesting Facts:

• Pyramid Point is located in the ancestral territory of the Smith River Rancheria, indigenous people of the Tolowa tribe.
• The large offshore rocks in and around Pyramid Point support two types of breeding seabirds not confirmed to live anywhere else in California—the Tufted Puffin and Fork-Tailed Storm Petrels. Other birds such as herons, egrets, and Aleutian Canada geese also occupy these rocks.
• Pyramid Point’s shallow rocky reefs are home and shelter to nearshore rockfish, a fish in the family Scorpaenidae that has many varying forms globally.
• The closest town to Pyramid Point is Smith River, California, a small town with 866 residents that lies just south of the marine protected area.
• Offshore, sea lions and whales feed at feeding grounds that are about 14 miles.

Recreation Opportunities:

• Walk the shores of Pelican State Beach to look at beautiful shells and more. The small, secluded nature of this beach makes it the perfect candidate for such activities.
• Another popular activity at Pelican State Beach is kite-flying. Bring a kite and try your hand at maneuvering in the wind.
• Take a deep breath and relax. This stretch of coastline is often overlooked and can be a perfect spot for some much needed alone time, meditation, or other such solo activities.

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Pyramid Point Kamph Memorial Park - photo copyright Jim Johnston