At low tide in Moss Beach, the reef north of Pillar Point is full of life.
The reserve
The reserve stretches about three miles from the Montara light station to Pillar Point, with beach, tide pools, marsh, bluffs, a clifftop trail and cypress and eucalyptus forest, according to Wikipedia. The state owns the land, and San Mateo County manages it as a county park. Native Americans first settled the site about 5,800 years ago. Heavy collecting by researchers prompted the county to seek protection, and the state designated it a reserve on Aug. 5, 1969. It now lies within the Montara State Marine Reserve, a marine protected area.
What lives there
The county says algae, crabs, sponges, sea stars, mollusks and fish live in the intertidal zone, the area between low and high tide, and that the reserve exists to protect this fragile community. School groups can use a free pre-field-trip tide pool program.
Right now
The county's page carries a notice about Super El Niño high tides and possible flooding expected this fall and winter, and urges caution on beaches and bluffs. It also lists a coastal distressed bird advisory. An Exploring Plankton & Friends program is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. The reserve is at 200 Nevada Ave.