Ten Mile Beach and Dunes

The northern three miles of the Ten Mile Coastal Trail runs along the western edge of a 1,285 acre sand dune complex known as the Ten Mile Beach and Dunes. The Ten Mile Dunes has been designated in the MacKerricher State Park General Plan as a "Preserve" and as such, requires special protection. The Dunes are home to twelve threatened or endangered species including the Howell's Spineflower, Menzies Wallflower and the Western Snowy Plover. Entry into the Dunes off the trail should only be in groups accompanied by a ranger naturalist or docent interpreter.

About one mile of the trail north of Ward Avenue was washed out by winter storms in 1983 and with further damage in 1998 (see map below). This washed out section is currently the subject of an Environmental Impact Statement. For the latest information on this portion of the trail see trail status. Hikers, bikers and equestrians traversing the washed out portion are asked to travel along the Ten Mile Beach until the paved trail surface resumes rather than take an inland route through the Dunes. Your cooperation in helping to preserve the fragile dunes environment is greatly appreciated.