Missing the ocean, we headed towards the coast a few weekends ago in search of the sea. After spending the night in Pismo Beach, we traveled north along the coast to Montaña de Oro State Park. We chose to hike the Bluff Trail which winds along the coastline, offering incredible views of the cliffs, caves, and tide pools below.

The first part of trail led from the parking lot to the coastline and was covered in wildflowers. There were dozens of bunnies bouncing back into the cover of the brush as we approached.

A thick layer of fog hung in the air for much of the hike and it somehow added to the feel that you had stepped back in time.

As we followed the rugged coastline, the shoreline edge closer and we were able to get down onto a beach to see the tide pools. Abalone shells, kelp, urchins, snails, and anemones were everywhere you looked.

After some time exploring the tide pools, we continued on the trail, passing more flowers and wildlife. Lizards sunned themselves on logs while ground squirrels munched on snacks.

A foot bridge carried us over a canyon covered in wild nasturtium that took our breath away. It was impossible to find an angle to photograph just how beautiful it was.

Ocean bluff milk vetch grew prevalent and a few poppies for which the park is named remained in bloom.

Our turnaround point was at Schooner’s Cove, a beautiful day use beach protected from the rough sea.

As we hiked out towards the parking lot, the fog began to lift and we were finally about to see the Gold Mountain that Montaña de Oro is named for.