While reading through the few trip reports on this location, I was super concerned that the trails out to the beach would be flooded. Thankfully, they were all dry, but I could tell that it was a recent development. When I was not walking on sand, the tread was tacky and damp. As a result of the wet environment, the mosquitos were downright disrespectful. I had multiple applications of DEET on, and they still got a few tastes. However, they disappeared as soon as I got to the beach and the wind kicked up.
I started in the main parking lot, and made a lollipop route by using the Dune Forest Loop > Beach > Bear Berry > Boundary trails. I went about 2 miles up the beach before turning back around. I would have loved to have gone to the end of the point, but I was on a time crunch and had to be back in town. There were tons of plovers out and nesting, so I was mindful of only walking on the roped path and wet sand as directed by the signage both at the trail head and on the beach.
I was initially doubtful that this hike was cool/unique/iconic enough to be included as a 100 Classic Hikes from Craig Romano, but I was definitely proven wrong. The scrubby pine and salt marshes, the heavy moss growing down from the tree limbs, and the absolutely pristine beach walk was amazing. I saw only two other people the entire time I was in the park and it only added to the allure. It's rare that I am on the Long Beach peninsula, but I'll be hiking this one as often as I can from now on.
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