Hike to Abbotts Lagoon Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, California

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A 2.5-kilometer (1.5-mile) walk through coastal scrub, across a bridge over a stream between two lagoons, and over sand dunes brings you to this ocean beach. The lagoons attract large numbers of migrating shorebirds in the fall, followed by the wintering ducks. Occasionally peregrine falcons are seen selecting their meals amongst these tasty morsels. The sand dunes backing the beach are home to the endangered snowy plover. The eggs and young of this ground-nesting bird are easily destroyed. Be especially careful in this area during their nesting season, March 1–September 30. WARNING: Never turn your back to the ocean. Due to the frequently large surf, this is not a beach at which it is safe to play close to the water's edge, much less to go for a swim. The ocean water may be as low as 50°F (10°C). Hypothermia, sneaker waves, and rip currents are just a few beach hazards of which visitors should be aware while visiting Point Reyes Beaches. Tip: Follow signs for "Lighthouse" until you see a sign for "Tomales Bay State Park" and "Pierce Point Ranch." Turn right and follow Pierce Point Road until you see a sign for your destination. Directions to Heart's Desire Beach in Tomales Bay State Park: Allow 25 minutes for the drive from the Bear Valley Visitor Center. From the Bear Valley Visitor Center, head north 0.2 miles (0.3 km) to Bear Valley Road. Turn left and follow Bear Valley Road 1.75 miles (2.8 km) northwest to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Turn left and follow Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 5.6 miles (9 km) northwest to Pierce Point Road. Tip: Follow road signs for "Lighthouse" until you see a sign for "Tomales Bay State Park." Turn right and follow Pierce Point Road 1.25 miles (2 km) north to the road on the right leading into Tomales Bay State Park. Turn right and follow this road about 1 mile (1.6 km) east to Heart's Desire Beach. Directions to Marshall Beach Trailhead: Allow 30 minutes for the drive from the Bear Valley Visitor Center. From the Bear Valley Visitor Center, head north 0.2 miles (0.3 km) to Bear Valley Road. Turn left and follow Bear Valley Road 1.75 miles (2.8 km) northwest to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Turn left and follow Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 5.6 miles (9 km) northwest to Pierce Point Road. Tip: Follow road signs for "Lighthouse" until you see a sign for "Pierce Point Ranch." Turn right and follow Pierce Point Road 1.3 mile (2.1 km) north to the Duck Cove/Marshall Beach Road, which is a dirt road just north of the entrance to Tomales Bay State Park. Turn right and follow Duck Cove/Marshall Beach Road about 2 miles (3.2 km) north to the Marshall Beach Trailhead parking lot. Directions to Abbotts Lagoon Trailhead: Allow 20 minutes for the drive from the Bear Valley Visitor Center. From the Bear Valley Visitor Center, head north 0.2 miles (0.3 km) to Bear Valley Road. Turn left and follow Bear Valley Road 1.75 miles (2.8 km) northwest to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Turn left and follow Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 5.6 miles (9 km) northwest to Pierce Point Road. Tip: Follow road signs for "Lighthouse" until you see a sign for "Pierce Point Ranch." Turn right and follow Pierce Point Road 3.2 miles (5.1 km) north to the Abbotts Lagoon parking lot, which is on the left side of the road.

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