Coastal Dunes at Abbotts Lagoon

Point Reyes National Seashore Association

Discover the abundant variety of flora and fauna in this habitat on this easy 3-mile hike with PRNSA staff Michael Spaeth and Biret Adden.

Abbotts Lagoon Trailhead/Parking Lot

Difficulty level: ModerateDistance: 3 milesAbbotts Lagoon is one of the most popular trails in Point Reyes National Seashore—and for good reason! Located on the northwestern coast of the Seashore, Abbotts is a two-part, brackish lagoon surrounded by a variety of habitats, each playing a different role in maintaining the delicate ecosystem and protecting the 11 threatened and endangered species that call this lagoon home. Marshlands serve as rich breeding grounds for fish and crab and offer vital stopping points for migratory birds. Coastal scrub makes way for a wide diversity of plant types—coyote brush, yellow bush lupine, and sticky monkey-flower, to name a few, plus coastal prairie remnants dot the landscape with perennial bunchgrasses and native wildflowers. The final and most prominent habitat type at Abbotts, coastal dune, lies adjacent to the crashing waves. PRNSA has provided funding for dune restoration at the seashore for years, and moving forward will also be funding a Tidestrom’s lupine genetics study to research how genetic factors may limit the viability of this federally-endangered species at Point Reyes.The abundant variety of habitat types on an easy, 2.8 mile hike is what makes Abbotts Lagoon trail appealing to so many visitors. During our Picnic on the Pacific Plate Coastal Dune hike, you’ll be led by PRNSA Vegetation Management and Monitoring Technician, Michael Spaeth, and PRNSA Education Director, Biret Adden to learn of the importance of dune restoration—including discussions on restoration processes, habitat resiliency, and rare and endangered dune species. Since 2017, Michael has worked at Point Reyes as a volunteer stewardship coordinator, dune restoration biological science technician, and most recently as a vegetation management and monitoring technician for PRNSA. Michael’s passion for exploring and conserving the many habitats of Point Reyes, paired with Biret’s experience with native plants and park education make the two of them the perfect leads for our Abbotts Lagoon hike!We will begin with an easy stroll through rolling grasslands and coastal scrubs. After 0.9 miles, we’ll arrive at a footbridge that connects the two parts of the lagoon. From this point, an additional 0.5 miles will take you through the sand dunes to the shoreline of the Great Beach.If you’re looking for a short stroll that still provides you with a look at the variety of habitat types in our park, this is definitely the hike for you!

Details:<ul><li>We will be meeting at the Abbotts Lagoon Trailhead parking lot</li><li>The hike will begin at 2:00pm, but please arrive 15 minutes early (1:45pm) to check in and to allow time for COVID safety protocols (see below)</li><li>Please give at least 48 hours of notice if you decide to no longer attend the hike</li><li>Please provide an email you check regularly for updates and reminders about your class </li><li>Registration is required online prior to the event in order to maintain class sizes</li><li>Sales end 48 hours before the start date</li><li>Waitlists are available when the class sells out</li></ul>

What to Bring:<ul><li>Hiking Shoes </li><li>Water Bottle + Water </li><li>Binoculars (Optional) </li><li>Camera (Optional)</li><li>Vaccination Proof (If not provided before the event - see below)</li></ul>

Picnic on the Pacific Plate COVID-19 GuidelinesIn accordance with Marin County and CDC guidelines for public health, we will require all participants to respect the following COVID-19 procedures:<ul><li>Perform a health self-check before coming to class using the<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"> CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus </a>as a guide</li><li>Do not attend class if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, suspect you have been exposed to the virus, or are suffering from any other flu-like or respiratory illness</li><li>Participants exhibiting signs of respiratory illness may be asked to leave class</li></ul>During class all participants will be required to do the following<ul><li>Fully vaccinated individuals may remove masks for outdoor classes </li><li>All participants may be required to wear masks for indoor classes per current CDC and county recommendations at the time of class</li></ul>Please refer to the <a href="https://ptreyes.org/popp-covid-safety/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Covid Safety Policy</a> page on our website to learn more. Thank you for your continuing cooperation in following these guidelines to help keep everyone safe.

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Coastal Dunes at Abbotts Lagoon

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Coastal Dunes at Abbotts Lagoon

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