The Raven's Nest

The Raven's Nest is a rock formation and geological landmark in Montoya Wilderness National Park in Marin County, California. The rock is a key location in Mission 246.

Exploration
The Raven's Nest was first discovered in 1779 by Spanish explorer Francisco Montoya. It is said the rock is the exact place where Montoya claimed the area for Spain. In Montoya's diary he states that he named the rock "Los Nido des Cuervos" or "The Raven's Nest" due to the many ravens that'd roost at the rock during the spring months. He writes,

"March 29, 1779 - Today while exploring this strange wilderness I came across something truly fascinating. I climbed up a large rock only to find a countless amount of black ravens roosting atop. The birds flew off as I approached them. I planted a flag on this remarkable rock, alas cleaning this land for Spain and the great King Charles. I went ahead and named this rock myself, the Raven's Nest."

Lorena Chen
In 1906, a Chinese immigrant named Lorena Chen lived isolated in the Montoya Wilderness for six years with nothing but an old family relic. It is said she died from an unknown cause on top of the Raven's Nest.

Preservation
When Montoya Wilderness National Park was established in 1942, a trail was carved out to the Raven's Nest. The influx of tourism scared of many of the ravens in the spring months. The trail as eventually closed off from the public to provide a safe habitat for the ravens.

Notable Events

 * March 29, 1779 - Francisco Montoya first sets foot in the Montoya Wilderness and discovers the Raven's Nest.
 * July 13, 1912 -  Lorena Chen  dies, supposedly at the  Raven's Nest  in the Montoya Wilderness.