A fringe of contorted trees line the coast, such as the shore pine and other plants that tolerate high wind, blowing sand and salt spray. Sitka spruce trees grow into giants in the nearby temperate forest, yet also grow well on the cliffs and moist sand of the coastline. They drink up the coastal fog, and absorb nutrients from the ocean spray.

Much of the native dunegrass has been crowded out by non-native beachgrasses that threaten biodiversity of the coastline. Spreading beachgrasses reduce the habitat of creatures such as an endangered bird, the snowy plover, that lays eggs directly on the sand without a nest.