Launcher Beach

photo banner of different intertidal species

Launcher Beach Biodiversity Survey findings

Launcher Beach is located in the North Coast region of California. This site is located in an Area of Special Biological Significance (Trinidad Head ASBS) and is near the Flint Rock Head Mussel Watch site. This site is part of the Trinidad Rancheria and Yurok Tribal Territory, and receives relatively high visitation due to easy access and being near the Trinidad boat launch. This moderately sloping site consists of extremely uneven terrain, containing many deep cracks and folds.

overview of research site

Launcher Beach is dominated by a mixture of boulder fields, cobble, and sandy beach, and the area surrounding the site is comprised of a mixture of boulder fields, cobble beach, and sandy beach. The primary coastal orientation of this site is southwest.

closeup of research site

Biodiversity Surveys were done by University of California Santa Cruz in 2014 and 2018. The Biodiversity Survey grid encompasses one section that is approximately 20 meters (along shore) x 15 meters (seaward). For more information see the Biodiversity Survey findings at this site.

For more information about Launcher Beach, please contact Pete Raimondi (raimondi@ucsc.edu).

Last modified: Aug 07, 2025