Abbotts Lagoon Beach sits on the ocean side of northern Point Reyes, reached by an easy walk from Pierce Point Road past two lagoons and through dunes. Fall and winter bring large numbers of shorebirds and ducks to the lagoon's marsh and water.
Details
- Type
- Point of Interest
- Accessibility
- Limited accessibility
Overview
The trail from the Abbotts Lagoon Trailhead on Pierce Point Road runs about 2.8 miles round trip to the ocean, rated easy. It crosses pasture and coastal scrub, skirts the southern edge of the middle lagoon, then reaches a footbridge over the short stream connecting the middle and lower lagoons at roughly 0.9 miles. From the bridge it continues another 0.5 miles along the lower lagoon and through dunes to Point Reyes Beach. A shorter 2-mile round-trip option turns around at the footbridge.
Wildlife
Abbotts Lagoon is known for birding, with access to marsh, lagoon, and ocean habitat. The strongest viewing runs late June through September, when shorebirds pass through, and continues into fall and winter for wintering ducks. Spring brings wildflowers. The dunes behind the beach are nesting habitat for the threatened western snowy plover; the nesting season runs March 1 through September 30, and visitors should take care in that area.
Know Before You Go
Pets are not allowed on the Abbotts Lagoon Trail. The surf is frequently large, so the beach is not safe for swimming or playing near the water's edge.