*** This event has been canceled due to weather and road access concerns. It will be rescheduled for early 2027.

A favorite Lost Coast destination, Punta Gorda offers stunning coastal scenery, an historic/recently renovated lighthouse, and a thriving elephant seal colony – and, on Saturday, February 21, join Mattole Restoration Council, Friends of the Lost Coast & BLM King Range for a rare wintertime hike, when enormous male elephant seals are present on the beach!  Featuring Dr. Dawn Goley, Professor of Zoology at Cal Poly Humboldt, this outing offers an opportunity to learn about the ever-growing elephant seal colony at Punta Gorda – with a special focus on male elephant seals. The group will meet at 10a.m. at the Mattole Beach parking area, located at the end of Lighthouse Rd near Petrolia, before caravanning a short distance in 4WD vehicles to Windy Point Rd for a 1.8 mile moderate downhill hike. This hike is weather and access road dependent. Participants should bring water and a snack, dress in layers with rain jacket, wear sturdy/waterproof footwear – and be prepared for a minor creek crossing. Email [email protected] for more information or to RSVP.

Photo by Flora Brain, Mattole Restoration Council