Schooner Cove Trail

Overview

Schooner Cove is a compact rainforest-to-beach walk that delivers the Pacific Rim greatest hits without a big time commitment. It’s roughly 2 km (about 1.2 miles) total, out-and-back, on stairs and boardwalk through lush coastal temperate rainforest to a broad, sandy cove at the north end of Long Beach. Expect an easy outing with some effort on the stairs.

Trail Experience

From the parking area, the path quickly ducks into mossy old-growth, then descends via wooden stairs and boardwalks. You’ll weave across small creeks and shallow valleys on rustic bridges, with cedar, ferns, and hanging moss all around. After about 15 minutes, the forest opens to Schooner Cove’s sand, drift logs, black boulders, and wide Pacific views.

Low tide transforms the cove into a natural playground: exposed sandbars, tide pools, and rocky pockets reveal marine life. It’s also a fine naturalist stop—watch for birds (osprey and other shorebirds) working the shoreline and scan the drift logs for coastal plants like Yellow Sand-verbena.

Best Time to Hike

Year-round works here. For exploring, aim for a low tide window; you’ll see more intertidal life and have room to roam. For photography, the west-facing beach is a reliable sunset bet. Spring and summer bring lush forest and pleasant beach time; fall and winter trade crowds for moody storm watching—boardwalks can be slick when wet.

Know Before You Go

Difficulty is easy to moderate purely because of the stair count and uneven, weathered boards. It’s family-friendly for kids who can handle stairs, but not stroller- or wheelchair-accessible. Dogs are allowed on leash. No camping or backcountry options here—this is a short day hike. A valid park pass is required, and parking is limited, especially in peak season.

Tips

• Time your visit for low tide if you want tide pools and sandbars.
• Start at the far corner of the lot; the trail briefly crosses a gravel road before committing to the forest.
• Expect slick boards and steps after rain—use the handrails where present and wear grippy footwear.