Interesting hike just outside of the small town of Lakeside. Trailhead is on the north side of the small park/ parking area, and you need a pass to park here. There are restroom facilities in the park but not on the trail.
The hike starts by crossing a foot bridge over Eel Creek. It goes through some woods, stay left at the fork, then gets you to the dunes. There are interpretive signs in some areas.
Hiking in the dunes can be a challenge. Seems like you take twice as many steps as usual, but I'd say it's a medium difficulty.
As you get close to the ocean, there is a thicket barrier that you need to get through to get to the beach. There is usually only one spot that has been cleared and has a wooden path through this marshy area. This can be in various states of repair depending on the time of year or maybe the current Forest Service budget. If you see hikers coming back, I'd ask them about this section of the trail. If it's out, you'll need to do some sloppy wading through thick brush to get through.
The beach is nice, but stay in wet sand area as there can be bird nests in the dry part. A little way to the south is where Tenmile Creek meets the ocean. Depending on the time of year, you might see salmon, steelhead or Pacific Lamprey crossing the wide beach to enter the creek.
ATVs can go south of Tenmile Creek, but it's illegal for them to be north of that, so you won't be bothered by them.
If you're new to dune hikes, wear good shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, lots of sunscreen, and sunglasses, and bring water. No shade out there! Wind can be an issue with the blowing sand, so I'd recommend a morning trip when the wind is usually calm.
Finally, the dunes can be a bit disorienting, even though there are trail markers. If you feel like you're getting lost, just head east. From anywhere out there you'll eventually hit Hwy 101. read more