Shi Shi Beach and Point of the Arches — Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023

The trail had the least amount of mud I’ve ever seen on it! We came prepared with completely unnecessary rain boots.

As far as water goes:

Lots of trip reports saying no water…? There’s water. 0.77 mi from where the trail meets the beach look up on the beach by on the bluff not ocean side for a pool of water (looks gross don’t worry it’s not this) flow it up and around from the right to the left and find a stream to filter from the moving water. Obviously important to use a good filter as it is noted there is crypto and giardia present in coastal waterways. But it’s there and only about half the distance to petroleum creek.

We had one really cool night and morning with down coats and fleece on our kids and the next night and morning were sweltering! Bugs weren’t too bad and the relief from the sun found in the shady trees was amazing midday. So needed.

First picture is pool on beach, second is the stream. Third is the worst mud currently on the trail but there was a walk around my toddler pretended wasn’t there.