Elfin Forest Natural Area

The El Moro Elfin Forest Natural Area protects a remarkable 90-acre pocket of dwarfed coast live oaks — ancient trees stunted by sandy soil and salt air into a magical 'pygmy' forest — perched on the dunes above the Morro Bay estuary in Los Osos. A fully accessible wooden boardwalk loops through the forest, marshland, and chaparral, with interpretive signs and overlooks offering some of the best views over the bay, the Sandspit, and Morro Rock. Managed by Small Wilderness Area Preservation volunteers, the Elfin Forest is a birding hotspot — over 200 species have been recorded — and a peaceful, family-friendly nature walk. The combination of rare habitat, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, and sweeping estuary panoramas makes it one of the most rewarding short outings in the county.