The West End of Trinidad Head

In clear weather, the west end of Trinidad Head is a great place to view the coast. With binoculars, we can observe birds, seals, sea lions, whales migrating between Alaska and Baja California, fishing and boating activity.  At other times, Trinidad Head experiences dense fog and winter storms. Occasionally the winds reach hurricane force.  The low vegetation here is sculpted in part by these strong winds.

Above we look north toward Elk Head.  We can also see College Cove, Pewetole Island and Trinidad Beach.  Far off, rising above the trees and just below the horizon, is Strawberry Rock.  The town of Trinidad is entirely hidden behind the summit of Trinidad Head.  The summit hides Scenic Drive, Moonstone and Westhaven from view as well.

The Trinidad Head summit is home to the Trinidad Head Observatory, a NOAA ESRL atmospheric monitoring station.  Looking east, you will see monitoring equipment on the summit.  The link above describes the primary purpose and nature of the monitoring better than I can.  All I can say is that this is an important, long-term project to better understand our changing climate.  However, a service of immediate practical use to prospective Trinidad Head hikers is the automated current weather status posted online.
 

In the second photo we look west to northwest from the same spot toward Blank Rock, Flatiron Rock and a reef that is very important in the local fishery.  Far off near the right edge of the photo is Green Rock, northwest of Elk Head.  These big offshore rocks are used as rookeries by sea birds.
 

In the third photo, we look south toward Pilot Rock and Eureka.  Pilot Rock is a key navigational landmark for mariners approaching Trinidad Harbor.  All three photos are from a 360° panorama that I took in April 2014.

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Photos by Jim Popenoe