A Visit to Cowell Ranch State Beach

During my ongoing discoveries of the photographic beauty of Northern California (I’m a recent transplant from the Midwest), I stumble across these small, sometimes hidden beaches that dot the Pacific coastline. One such recent discovery was the Cowell Ranch State Beach, just south of Half Moon Bay.

I got there early, and that was a good thing; the parking lot just off the Pacific Coast Highway is very small. From the parking lot, it was a half mile hike down a gravel access road through some beautiful farmland scenery. Before long, I found myself on the cliffs overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean and the beaches below. It’s an awe-inspiring sight, to say the least.

I decided to head down to the north beach (the south beach is closed to the public, as it is a harbor seal protection area). Beach access consists of a long set of stairs made of hardened dirt and wooden planks. One must be careful not to gawk to much at the unfolding scene in front of you while descending these uneven stairs; one false step and you’ll find yourself on the beach a lot sooner than you really want to be!  

The reward for making this journey was soon apparent. This early in the morning (between 8 and 9), I had the beach all to myself save for a lone fisherman. There seemed to be nothing but me and the roar of the waves crashing on outlying rocks and the shore. I hiked to the north end of the public beach, carefully avoiding the washed up kelp that littered the beach. The sand was course and heavy, still moist from the last high tide as the rising sun had yet to show above the looming cliffs. I ventured as far along the beach as the ocean would allow, and just took in the amazing view.

After a while, I decided to trek to the south end of the beach. The heavy sand didn’t make it easy, but I knew I’d be in for a photographer’s treat once I made it. On that end of the beach, an interesting rock formation juts out into the ocean, offering a host of compositional options. For a while, I ignored the waves lapping around my boots as I explored several of those options.

Now, if I had any energy left, it was time to explore the other aspect of the visit. I made it back up the stairs to the top of the cliffs and rested for a bit (did I mention how out of shape I am?). I finally mustered enough strength to tackle the coastal cliff trail south above the south beach (also known as Seal Beach) and beyond. I didn’t do the entire trail, but I did enough to see more amazing views of this beautiful Northern California gem.

I would encourage anyone who visits Northern California to make the drive on the Pacific Coast Highway. Along the way, stop at more than a couple of these beaches, most of which are right along the highway. And if you have the time (and stamina), check out then Cowell Ranch State Beach. You won’t be disappointed!

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