Abbotts Lagoon Trail is a 3.6 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Inverness, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
The upper lagoon is a fresh water impoundment which overflows into a lower brackish level with occasional winter tidal exchange. The eastern shore of the lagoon is covered with old growth northern coastal scrub including coyote bush, yellow bush lupine, sword fern and California blackberry.

The north wing is bound and protected by acres of rolling sand dunes and dense dune vegetation; the larger south wing is more exposed and separated from the turbulent coast by only a thin strip of sand. Winter storms sometimes breach this tenuous barrier; when so, accumulating sands can eventually seal off the opening.

Shifting coastal sand dunes are stabilized by the leaves and root systems of specially adapted plants, protecting inland areas from wind and tidal surges.

The 200 acre lagoon complex is fed by two fresh water ponds that attract of waterfowl and wildlife. Western Grebes, Pied-Billed Grebes, Coots, Caspian Terns, the endangered Snowy Plover and several migratory bird species call Abbotts Lagoon home.

Look for deer, fox, coyote and quail around the lagoon. Seals and sea lions occasionally visit the beach, while seasonal whale migrations can be seen from high points over the lagoon.

Round-Trip Length:2.1 miles