About Mussel Rock Beach:
Mussel Rock's notoriety comes by way of the San Andreas fault. It's at this point along the San Mateo Coast that the major California fault line diverges from land and heads out into the Pacific Ocean for a stretch between San Francisco and southern Marin County.
It's also a popular spot (known as "the dump") for experienced paragliders and hang gliders, with variable winds and gorgeous coastline below.
Visiting Mussel Rock Beach:
Mussel Rock Beach is just west of Highway 1 and Skyline Boulevard between Pacifica and San Francisco. See a map of San Mateo County Attractions for location of the park.
Geological Information:
In addition to the San Andreas fault, the area around Mussel Rock is subject to severe landslides, with the terrain in constant flux as a result.
According to the USGS Mussel Rock website, the composition of the cliffs above Mussel Beach is sandstone, mudstone and shale of the Merced Formation (Pleistocene age).
You can learn more about the Pleistocene epoch at Andrew Alden's Geology Site at About.com. Andrew also has a visual tour of the San Andreas fault with photos of points along the fault line in Northern California as well as general information about the various San Andreas segments.
What to See At Mussel Rock Beach:
Aside from the geologic significance, Mussel Rock Beach offers a stunning vista across the seacliffs to the Pacific. There's a rocky path from the parking area off Westline where you can make an easy descent toward the water and observe some of the paragliding activity in the area.
The area is also home to raptors who enjoy the currents and thermals as much as the human gliders. In the spring, wildflowers make for a colorful backdrop to ocean views -- and also for good photo ops.
Also in San Mateo County:
For more geology information in San Mateo County, make a stop at the USGS Visitor Center in Menlo Park.
The visitor center is a repository of geologic maps, books and information pertaining to the geology and earthquake history of the San Francisco Bay Area.
For more attractions in the area, see the Map of San Mateo County Attractions.
If you're interested in paragliding lessons in the San Francisco area, check into Air Time San Francisco for lessons and tandem flight information.