The North Coast of California

Above Jug Handle Creek is a good place to observe the changes that occur in the coastal forest depending on proximity to the ocean. Close to the ocean, wind and salt play an important role in shaping the individual trees. Most of the trees along the coast are wind swept and some very old trees are twisted into fantastic shapes. The path inland dips down to the creek for a time and a different face of nature presents itself. Here life is centered on the pure water of the stream.