Step into a magical world with your Naturalist guide.
Step into the dynamic world where land meets sea.
Join us for a one-hour guided walk along the shoreline at Big Beach (Matterson and Marine Drive).
This family-friendly program welcomes all ages.
Winter storms bring new treasures ashore each day — freshly washed seaweeds, shells, driftwood, and other signs of ocean life. Learn how these materials tell the story of the coastal ecosystem. You may find long ribbons of bull kelp, one of the fastest-growing seaweeds on Earth, growing up to 30 feet deep here. Bull kelp forests are vital marine habitats, providing shelter and food for fish, sea stars, and crabs.
Along the trail, notice the salal bushes that fringe the shoreline — hardy coastal plants with waxy leaves that help them withstand salt spray and wind.
Discover how wind, waves, and wildlife shape this ever-changing shoreline — and why storm season is one of the most exciting times to explore.