Greenwood State Parks on the Beach - Guide to Greenwood State Beach

Greenwood State Beach California (Near City of Montara, California)

Greenwood State Beach, also known as Elk Beach, is located in the unincorporated village of Elk in Mendocino County. It is located about 15 miles (25 km) north of Point Arena on Highway 1.

Greenwood State Beach offers beach access and a picturesque view of the Pacific Ocean. The central theme is of Greenwood as a lumber town in the late 1800's through the early 1900's.

The Visitor Center is in the middle of town and provides a glimpse of what life was like in this lumber town during the late 1800's. The gallery room and main museum room are filled with photographs of the early settlers of Greenwood and nearby Cuffey's Cove, as well as photographs of the town and it's lumbering operations during that era. There is an additional room filled with period furniture including an organ, stove, washing machine, steamer trunk, and bath tub. Outdoors, you will find artifacts which were used in the lumber camps to harvest the redwoods and bark from the tan oak trees.

Upon entering the Visitor Center you will see a mural depicting the Greenwood wharf, painted by well known muralist Michael Cole. The wharf, which was built by the L.E. White Lumber Company, had a unique design as it was built on a series of outcropping rocks into the ocean. The schooners would tie to the wharf while loading redwood lumber, tan bark, railroad ties and passengers all destined for San Francisco. The ultimate destination of the railroad ties was China.

Location of Greenwood State Beach

Location: Use following Coordinates: 39°7'50"N 123°43'10"W in a GPS for exact locations. Greenwood State Beach is located along the Mendocino County coast about 15 miles north of Point Arena on Highway 1. Greenwood State Beach can be reached at 707-937-5804.

Here is a detailed list of other state beaches of California besides Greenwood State Beach.