North Ottawa Dunes Loop

From the Coast Guard Park parking area off N Shore Road, find the southern trail entry back toward the road that runs along the bike path, parallel to the road. Because of the numerous trails through the park, keep an eye on the Mobile App or take a peek at the posted trail maps at most intersections. This first section makes up one of the longer uphill climbs to gain the elevated terrain of these inland dunes. Reaching the high point, continue west past Intersection 2 toward the western boundary of the park as the trail bends to the north. From here, stay left at all intersections as the trail winds back and forth, up and down through the woods, finally reaching Intersection 10. (For those interested, the trails continue left (north), to connect with P.J. Hoffmaster State Park.)At Intersection 10, take the rightmost trail toward Intersection 9 and begin the return journey. This hike continues to Intersection 8, 7, and then 21, before staying left at all intersections along the eastern boundary back to the start.