On a recent trip to Montana de Oro State Park, we discovered Bouchon Point and the surrounding coastline. This area is an extension of the state park. As with the the state park, Bouchon Point has equally spectacular views. It is positioned adjacent to the southern region of the park. The area is controlled by PG&E so it has different hours of operation than the state park. In addition, visitors enter through a gate and signed in. Once we passed the gate and guard station, the area is indistinguishable from the state park. The trails are well marked. We started with a trail that led directly to the coastline.
We saw natural arches that stood off the shore. These were home to the seagulls and pelicans. Periodically, waves crashed into the rock pillars. Water drained off creating miniature waterfalls.
Once the noon fog lifted, the sun lite up the ocean bottom and the water appeared as jewel colored blues. The sun illuminated long stretches of sandy beach. The beaches, natural arches and bridges could be seen for several miles.
As with the bluffs in Montana de Oro, the trail was painted purple, yellow, orange and red from the blooms of thousands of native wild flowers.
Pelicans and seagulls flew past us, hugging the rocky coast and searching for food.
This is another wonderful place to visit when traveling the California coastal highway.
