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Cliff Reach Nature Reserve adventures

Cliff Reach Nature Reserve Adventures

Cliff Reach Nature Reserve is a rugged protected area featuring towering coastal cliffs, diverse marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and scenic trails offering spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

4,200
Acres Protected
12
Miles of Trails
65,000
Annual Visitors
1978
Year Established

About Cliff Reach Nature Reserve

 

Cliff Reach Nature Reserve stretches along a dramatic section of Northern California’s coastline, characterized by steep sea cliffs, rocky outcrops, and patches of coastal forest. The reserve covers a mix of bluff-top grasslands, chaparral, and old-growth stands that provide habitat for numerous native plant and animal species including peregrine falcons, sea otters, and rare wildflowers. The reserve has a rich cultural history, once used by indigenous tribes for seasonal gathering and later explored by European settlers. Today, Cliff Reach offers a variety of recreational activities such as hiking on the Bluff Trail, birdwatching from cliffside lookout points, and tidepool exploration below the cliffs. The reserve’s access points include secluded beach coves where visitors may spot harbor seals and migrating whales offshore. Notable landmarks include Eagle Point Overlook, known for panoramic ocean vistas, and Windward Cove, a quiet spot for kayaking and fishing. Visitors are attracted by the reserve’s combination of rugged natural beauty, opportunities for solitude, and educational programs centered on coastal ecosystem conservation.

Highlights

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Eagle Point Overlook with expansive Pacific Ocean views

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Rare coastal wildflower blooms in spring

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Tidepool habitats supporting diverse marine species

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Windward Cove for serene kayaking and fishing

Notable Natural Features

Eagle Point Overlook

A cliff-top vantage offering unobstructed views of the Pacific coastline and opportunities to observe soaring raptors.

Windward Cove

A sheltered coastal cove popular for kayak launches, fishing, and occasional harbor seal sightings.

Cliff Reach Tidepools

Rocky intertidal zones rich in marine life, accessible during low tides for close-up exploration.