This Hotspot is most heavily birded on the Partington Cove trail and/or the Tan Bark Trial following Partington Creek upslope into a redwood canyon, just south of Milepost 38. The Hotspot continues north on Highway 1 to Torres Canyon, at about Milepost 40 at the big curve just north of that canyon. Partington Canyon (both Partington Cove and Tan Bark Trail are within the canyon) is at the northernmost edge of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The two miles of Highway 1 northwards have numerous pullouts on the ocean side to view the ocean (on clear days; there are often foggy days in summer) or to search for condors. This stretch of coast is very good for condors, and the most often used condor lookout are in the Hotspot just north ("Sea-lion Beach") at about milepost 41, just north of Coast Gallery.

Resident Black Oystercatcher along coast; California Condor in flight overhead (often with Turkey Vultures); and California Thrasher and Rufous-crowned Sparrows in brushy, rocky slopes on the east slide of Highway 1. In summer, watch for Pigeon Guillemots on the ocean; White-throated and Black Swift (the latter uncommon), and Purple Martin, overhead; and Pacific Wren singing in redwood canyons (as along Tan Bark Trail). Vaux's Swift likely breed annual in redwood canyons such at Partington Canyon (more present in May during spring migration). The scarce race slevini of Hermit Thrush likely nests in Torre and Partington Canyon, but are exceedingly shy and wary. 

There are dirt pullouts on either side the Partington Canyon as Highway 1 crosses the canyon; these are the traiheads to Partington Cove (west, towards the ocean and steeply downhill) and Tan Bark Trail (east, heading inland and uphill). There are not many parking spots so try to avoid sunny weekends or popular holidays. This location is just south of Milepost 38 (at perhaps 37.8, put not milepost with that mileage).

Tan Bark Trail follows Partington Canyon through redwoods and behind, and eventually intersects trails into other areas of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, including the "Tin House" historic pioneer property.