South Beach (Caines Head)

The feel

The trail starts at Lowell Point State Recreation Site and runs 2.1 miles to Tonsina Point. From there a three-mile stretch follows the intertidal zone, where beach rocks and outcrops can be very slick from biofilm, water and seasonal ice.

The route continues to Fort McGilvray, 7.4 miles one way from the start, which sits on a 650 foot rocky cliff and is open to explore with a flashlight. South Beach itself is a garrison ghost town of utility buildings and barracks that housed the 500 soldiers stationed there from July 1941 to May 1943. Seward gets more than 60 inches of rain a year, so expect wet weather.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, about 13 miles, with about 1500 ft of gain. The trail runs to Tonsina Point, then a three-mile intertidal section to Derby Cove, with Fort McGilvray and South Beach beyond. It is 5.1 miles one way to North Beach and 2.8 miles from North Beach to South Beach.

Time

About 6 hours.

Parking

Lowell Point State Recreation Site, 2.5 miles south of Seward at the end of Lowell Point Road. The Coastal Trail starts at the southwest corner of the upper parking lot.

Hazards

The beach section can only be hiked at a low tide of three feet or lower. Slick rocks, a landslide about 300 yards south of the Tonsina Point Cabin that may need climbing over debris, dangerous cliffs around the fort, and unsafe buildings at South Beach. Bear country.

Bathrooms and water

Latrines are near the main trail at North Beach. Treat all water by filtering, boiling or purification tablets.

Season and access

Water taxis do not run October to April, so on foot from Lowell Point is the way in.

Mingo says

Build the whole day around the tide table. The slick intertidal stretch decides whether this trip works.

Before you go

• Leave 2 hours before low tide when going beyond Tonsina Point, and 1.5 hours before low tide on the return from North Beach.
• Carry bear spray.
• Bring a flashlight, since the fort is open to explore with one.
• Stay out of the barracks and utility buildings at South Beach, which are not safe.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.