Ottawa Sands Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake

One of a few hike options in this area, this flat loop heads through a mix of environments. From open dunes and grassland to vibrant deciduous forests and wetland, this tour provides visitors an intimate experience through the ecologically diverse new addition to the Ottawa County parks system.

This loop links the outer trails in a clockwise direction from the parking area off N Shore Rd, staying left at all intersections. All trails at Ottawa Sands can be traveled in either direction or combined in a variety of ways to accommodate groups of varying ability or time constraints.

Additional parking available at Coast Guard Park. For more information, head to the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation page or this informative Youtube video.

From the parking area, head south on the flat and wide path toward the inland lake. Coming out of the trees, look for the trail joining the road from the right (west) as this will be the exit for the loop around the lake (or do this hike in reverse and take this first turn).

Continue to the southeast on the road toward the Grand River, ducking back into the trees with a patch of marshland around mile 0.4. At this point, follow the trail along the riverbank to the south staying left at all intersections through the grassland and open dunes keeping an eye out for nesting bald eagles in this southern area.

Looping back toward the lake, pass some more wetlands before following the western half of the loop along the boundary of the grassland and deciduous forest back to the starting point.