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.
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A trail extends through much of the forest allowing access to expansive views of Morro Bay. [1]
In prehistoric times Chumash Native Americans had a significant settlement named Los Osos Back Bay on a stabilized sand dune somewhat to the east of the Elfin Forest;[2] in fact, there is an extant midden within the Elfin Forest itself.