The Los Osos Elfin Forest in San Luis Obispo County area consists of stabilized sand dunes abutting a portion of the Morro Bay Estuary. Naturally a harsh location for plants to grow, the California native Coast Live Oak found a special niche among the once shifting sand dunes. Poor soil conditions, salt spray, and constant wind have stunted their growth, and they are now micro versions of their gigantic ancestors. These dwarf oaks, are among other stunted plant species who have braved the harsh habitat for thousands of years.

Access

A trail extends through much of the forest allowing access to expansive views of Morro Bay.

Chumash people

In prehistoric times Chumash Native Americans

Native Americans in the United States

Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...

 had a significant settlement named Los Osos Back Bay

Los Osos Back Bay

Los Osos Back Bay is a prehistoric Chumash archaeological site in the Los Osos e coastal area in San Luis Obispo County, California, USA. These Native Americans had a significant settlement named Los Osos Back Bay on a stabilized sand dune somewhat to the west of the Elfin Forest; in fact, there is...

on a stabilized sand dune somewhat to the east of the Elfin Forest; in fact, there is an extant midden

Midden

A midden, is an old dump for domestic waste which may consist of animal bone, human excrement, botanical material, vermin, shells, sherds, lithics , and other artifacts and ecofacts associated with past human occupation...

within the Elfin Forest itself.