Greenwood State Beach, State beach in Elk, California.
Greenwood State Beach is a coastal area in Elk, California, featuring a sandy beach where Greenwood Creek flows into the Pacific Ocean and bordered by rocky cliffs and offshore rock formations. The site spans approximately 47 acres and includes grassy areas and walking trails in addition to the shoreline.
The area was once home to the L.E. White Lumber Company, which operated from 1884 to 1916 and used a wharf to ship goods to market. After closure, the site was transformed into a protected natural area.
The former mill office now functions as a visitor center and museum where guests can see artifacts and photographs related to the region's lumber industry past.
Access to the beach is by way of a graded trail from the Highway 1 parking lot, where you will find restrooms and picnic facilities. The best time to visit is during low tide, when more sand becomes exposed.
The beach takes its name from Britton Bailey Greenwood, son of mountain man Caleb Greenwood. The old mill office of the lumber company that once worked the site now serves as the park's visitor center. In 1995 the park was renamed from Greenwood Creek State Beach to Greenwood State Beach.
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