West Beach 3-Loop Trail

The hike starts with the Dune Succession Trail (Loop 1) which highlights the four stages of dune development. This part of the trail is only ~0.6 miles long but includes a strenuous climb up 250 stairs for a spectacular view of Lake Michigan and Chicago. Support the restoration effort in the fragile dunes and ponds, or pannes, by remaining on designated trails. The hike then picks up the West Beach Trail (Loop 2) for an easy hike through an area that was sand mined in the 1920s. The footing is mainly loose sand. This area is being restored as an oak savanna and is a great place to see prickly pear cactus. Birders will enjoy looking for water birds on Long Lake from the viewing platform. The final section of the hike is the Long Lake Loop Trail (Loop 3). This section is moderate in difficulty. The trail follows along Long Lake and then heads into the dunes. There is a great view of Long Lake after the initial climb. After crossing the entrance road, the trail winds through the undulating dunes and then has a steep descent into the picnic area and back to the parking lot. West Beach offers a great combination of hiking and relaxing at the beach. The trails are varied and encompass many habitats. There are great views from the top of the Dune Succession Trail stairs, a beautiful pinery of jack pines, birding opportunities along Long Lake and secluded sections of forest. After hiking, relax and swim at the beach. - The parking lots, trails, and beach are open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm Central Time. - An Expanded Amenity Fee is collected daily for every vehicle from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through Monday of Labor Day weekend from 8:00 am to as late as 7:00 pm Central Time. - $6.00 per vehicle or motorcycle per day, $30.00 per bus per day. - 50% discount for the following America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes: Senior Annual, Senior Lifetime, and Access Passes. - No discount for the following America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes: Annual (non-senior), Military, Volunteer, and 4th Grade. - Cash, U.S. checks or credit, debit and gift cards (MasterCard, Visa and Discover) accepted. - Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not allowed. - Pets are permitted everywhere on a leash (6' or shorter) with the exception of the lifeguard swimming area, which is maintained from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through Monday of Labor Day weekend. - The main parking lot has spots for 596 cars and 20 buses and is open year-round. - Trail surface is a combination of loose sand, packed dirt, and sections of stair and boardwalk. - Respect closed area signs; help us restore the dunes. - The removal of rocks, shells, and fossils is strictly prohibited. - There are 8 covered picnic shelters near the West Beach parking lot that are wheelchair accessible. The shelters are reservable at www.recreation.gov starting six months in advance of the desired use date. The reservation is good for day use from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. The shelter reservation does not waive the West Beach car entrance fee collected during the summer months. - Cooking fires at the picnic shelters are permitted in the provided grills or an approved carry-in grill. An approved grill is a noncombustible container with an enclosed bottom and enclosed sides with a minimum depth of 2 inches. Charcoal must be cooled and safely disposed of in a noncombustible container or removed from the area. - There are restroom facilities and potable water available year-round in the contact station. - Seasonal showers, lockers and a beach with lifeguards are available from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through the Monday of Labor Day weekend. For more information, visit the West Beach webpage. - No littering, hunting, disturbing wildlife or picking plants. - Stay on the trail to protect the wildlife and yourself. - Use insect repellent to help prevent tick bites and related diseases. Conduct a thorough inspection for ticks after your hike. - Avoid the abundant poison ivy along trail edges.