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it's still furnished like it was in the early 1900s
Peace and solitude, magnificent scenery, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches can all be found inside Montana De Oro State Park. The name translates to “Mountain of Gold,” which is a reflection of the beautifully colored wildflowers that blanket the Park each spring. There are so many fun things to do here - whether hiking, mountain biking, exploring tidepools, riding horses, camping, wildlife watching for black tailed deer or black oystercatchers, or exploring the stretches of beach - it’s a trip of a lifetime!
The amazing surroundings were created over millions of years by volcanic activity and the subduction and collision of the earth’s tectonic plates. The dynamic landscape continues to be changed by the forces of erosion, additions of sediment carried by wind and water (called deposition), and ongoing tectonic plate movement. The area’s soil and climate support an array of native plants. Morro manzanita chaparral occurs in two distinct dense stands within Montana De Oro State Park, mixed with other native plants like chamise, wedge-leaved ceanothus, and coast live oak. Morro manzanita is a long-lived shrub that is endemic to this area of California. These stands can grow so thick that it is difficult to walk through! The thick mats help break up the impacts of rainfall on the soil and distribute water more evenly. Chaparral and coastal scrub plants have evolved an extensive root system underground, which helps them cope with harsh environmental conditions like hot sun and periods of little rainfall, making them excellent for erosion control. These native plants stabilize soils and maintain natural communities over the long term. This also creates an environment for mushrooms, bryophytes, and lichens to grow, and provides cover for wildlife. There are endless things to see here!