Dogs were not allowed on the trail because it led through a protected wetlands wildlife preserve. Because of the rough nature of the trail, it was neither bicycle nor disabled friendly. In fact, at one point we had to ford a creek where the bridge had been washed out.

The start of the trail appeared wide open and barren, but look closer. Unidentified animal scat on the trail to the left, a bird about to drink from a puddle, and thick ground cover on either side to protect small animals.

An Towhee was busy foraging along the open tail. It appeared oblivious to our approach until we came too close, then it flew into the surrounding bushes.

An abandoned jug found alongside the trail might have been tossed from one of the trucks that parked alongside the nearby northern edge of the park. Inside the jug were stains that might have been from oil. A spider rested just under the handle.

Pride of Madeira grew along the path. We also saw tiny yellow and small white flowers that day. There were reported to be more blooms earlier in January and February when the butterflies migrated there.

About a third of the way along the trail, just before it turned south toward the wetlands was a bench and a trash can. The view from the bench was of the wetlands below and Monterey Bay beyond.

The wetlands surrounded Moore Creek above where it drained into the bay. A plastic walkway was elevated to keep feet dry. The walkway zig zagged through the wetlands, with occasional steps down to dry land and up again.

Many trees grew in the wetlands. This one tree appeared to be dying. It was bare and turning colors. It posed for a lovely shot.

Near the visitor center at the start of the walk was a sign warning that nettles and poison oak were found near the trails. The best nettles we saw were in the wetlands.

This is the point in the trail were only stout walkers may pass. The bridge had been washed out by an earlier storm, perhaps a flood or a storm surge from the bay. To pass, one needed to ford the creek stepping over partly submerged logs.

The elevated recycled plastic path at the point were the wet part of the wetlands ended. Just below the wetlands was the beach.

As Moore Creek Trail neared its end, a view of the beach ahead appeared. The natural bridge that gave the park its name and the surf of Monterey Bay graced the horizon.