DISTANCE (Out & Back) ELEVATION GAIN
3.6 mi 173 ft
HIKE TIME DIFFICULTY
2 hrs Easy
What To Expect
Abbotts Lagoon Trail is one of many beautiful and serene spots along Point Reyes National Seashore. This level, gravelly trail passes quaint local farmhouses before
venturing away from civilization, leading you to sections of wooden boardwalk through wetlands, meandering along a soft and sandy trail through coastal grasslands, around a large lagoon, past rolling sand dunes, to a secluded overlook of Point Reyes Beach and the Pacific Ocean.
You can definitely see similar coastal communities on other hikes, but Abbotts Lagoon truly has something special about it. Perhaps it's the calming effect of the marine layer rolling over the windswept dunes and quiet, expansive beach. Or maybe it's the gentle, faraway calls of birds, crashing waves, and soft sea breeze whistling through tall grass.
While Abbotts Lagoon has an almost enigmatic quality to it, I can tell you that one great thing about this trail is that it is absolutely teeming with wildlife.
I saw numerous rabbits, a variety of meadow and sea birds (including an adorable family of CA Quail and some beautiful white Herons), several deer, and best of all...sea otter pups playing in the lagoon!
Things To Know
In spring native wildflowers bloom along the trail, but winds are generally stronger in spring and summer so make sure not to come here on a high wind day.
While coastal fog generally keeps Point Reyes significantly cooler than nearby areas, I recommend not doing this hike if it is unusually hot weather, as there are no shaded areas along the entire trail.
Finally, if you see a cow near the trailhead, don't go off trail or cross any of the small wooden fences. The beginning of the hike passes by one of Marin County's many local, grass-fed dairy farms, so it's completely normal for them to graze nearby.
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