Whaler’s Cove presents much history and wildlife of Point Lobos. Looking out from this cove, one can see the ocean that covers a large area of coral reef – even more areas for divers to explore. This area is also a great location for spotting the various birds, sea otters, and harbor seals that frequent the area. Look around to see if you can find anything! This brochure can help you determine which animals live in Point Lobos.
Take a look here at what underwater environments Whaler’s Cove has to offer:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raPdz-boAJM
The history of the whaling industry’s impact on this area takes its place here, in Whaler’s Cove. Take the Cabin Trail for a quick walk up to Whaler’s Cabin. This cabin is the location of an old whaling station that was in use from 1862 to 1879 (“Whaler’s Cove,” PointLobos.org). It was built by Chinese fishermen in the 1850’s, and soon after, Portuguese whalers set up other cabins in the area to hunt the Grey whales that migrate in the waters of the California coast from December to May. These men would row out in boats, using harpoons to kill the whales for their blubber. This blubber was used for oil to burn lamp fuel. Luckily for the whales, a new form of oil fuel was discovered in the 1880s, decreasing the demand for whale blubber and eliminating the hunting of whales off the Monterey coast.
The historical whaler’s cabin that is now used as a museum. Source: california-travels.com
The remnants of this old cabin still remain as a museum. You can tour around this small museum to discover more about the history of whaling in Point Lobos and examine the artifacts, like the whaling equipment and old pictures, that the museum exhibits. Other important histories that you can learn about through this museum include Point Lobos’ abalone harvesting, coal mining, war uses, and granite quarries. Talk to a park docent to learn even more details about these specific topics! This area of the California coast has such a rich history and it is obvious why the state wants to preserve it. In recent years, in response to threats of California budget cuts that were closing state parks, the Point Lobos Foundation gave much time and donations to save the park. The money was used for various different projects around the area, as you will discover later. One of these was the Whaler’s Cabin and museum. The Foundation restored this area to make it more accessible and informational for visitors.
Point Lobos cormorants on Guillemot Island, on the North Shore trail. Source: flickr.com.
After you are done familiarizing yourself with some of the history of Point Lobos, take the Cabin Trail to the west, which will guide you to the North Shore Trail. This trail is around 40 minutes long, about 1.4 miles. Following the North Shore Trail to Cypress Grove, you will pass through Bluefish Cove, another cove that is great for diving. You will also have the opportunity to go to the Whaler’s Knoll. If you want a little bit longer of a hike, take the half-mile Whaler’s Knoll Trail over the hill to search for monarch butterfiesy, a very special inhabitant of this area. If you wish to continue on the North Shore Trail instead, you will find yourself at Guillemot Island. This island is the best location for viewing Point Lobos’ western gulls, pigeon guillemots, and Brandt’s and pelagic cormoants (pt-lobos.parks.state.ca.us). In the spring and summer, this island is covered with birds nesting and relaxing in the sun. See if you can spot any!
View from the North Shore trail. Source: panoramio.com
As you are walking along the North Shore Trail, take note of the dramatic cliffs that are a result of the hundreds of years of unrelenting surf. Over the years, winds have carved this landscape into what it is today: rugged headlands covered with coastal shrubbery and trees, with hidden coves tucked beneath the cliffs. This cove has some of the best cliff views to offer, no matter what the weather. Crashing waves and jagged, weathered rocks with the towering trees and rolling bluffs in the background give this cove a pristine example of why Point Lobos is considered the “jewel” of the coast.