Guide to Finding Fossils at Elk Head

Directions:

From Arcata, North on Hwy. 101, take the Trinidad exit.

Geology of the Area:

Around 500,000 years ago (Pleistocene Epoch), this area was an intertidal zone with tidepools and serge channels. 

Paleontology of the Area:

“trace fossils”, which are hundreds of holes made by pholads or boring clams, along with mussels, dogwinkles and worm tubes.

Other Fossil Sites Nearby:

Scotia Bluffs: link

Centerville Beach: link

All information cited from:

“5 Top Fossil Sites Around Humboldt Bay”, https://www.theredwoodriverwalk.com/blog/2020/09/5-top-fossil-sites-around-humboldt-bay-ca.htm

Guide on Finding Fossils in Ocotillo, CA

Abundant Aquatic Fossils at Moonstone Beach

Summary: Small beach with a wide array of mineralized aquatic fossils. Be careful as it is a dangerous area as well with lots of erosion.

Where to Find Diverse Marine Fossils in Yuha Basin

Resource 1: link here

Access by: You can access Yuha Basin at the Dunaway Road Exit, (Dunaway Staging Area for Limited Use Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation), about 10 miles west of El Centro, California.

Fossils: Oyster shells.

Resource 2:

Fossils: Scallops and Oysters.

Where to Find Oyster Fossils at Santa Margarita Ranch

Details on Finding Oyster Fossils: here

Geologic Period: Pleistocene Period, around 83-49 ka

More on the geology and vertebrate fossils found in the area: (scientific paper)

Where to Find Fossils at Portola Hills, Lake Forest

Marine Fauna found and a great explanation of the local geology in the area!

Fossils on the beaches of Capitola, CA

1. Whale Skeleton bones
2. Macoma sp. Shells

More information on fossils in Capitola, CA: link here

Fossils Found at Mountain View Park

Submitted March 30, 2020.

A variety of bivalve fragments (look like clam or scallop shells); one spiral shell.

Fossils generally found around bases of trees or other bare dirt areas, especially after recent landscaping or rainfall.

Fossils Found at Elk Grove

Submitted July 24, 2019.

Found coming up from the surface of ash and fine rock deposits in Elk Grove. Unsure what they might be.

Where to Find Fossils at Surfer’s Knoll

Geology: Very similar to that of other Ventura fossil sites such as:

Coal Point: link

Rincon Point: link

Ojai Trails: link

Sespe Wilderness: link

Paleontology: Black fossil bone about 14-15 inches long, which was found in a layer of sand that was cut into by the waves, was submitted on November 18th, 2016.

Other: If you have any input that would help identify the fossil, feel free to contact us and we will update this find.