Peterson Bay Field Station is located on a narrow peninsula between Peterson Bay to the north and China Poot Bay to the south. Several miles of trails provide access to a coastal forest natural area. Rich intertidal areas in both bays and the coastal forest are a short hike from the Field Station.

Coastal Forest Trails

The coastal forest ecosystem is a magical place to visit. The smell of decaying wood, false azalea and damp moss arouses all our other senses as well. Northern 3-toed woodpeckers drum and varied thrushes sing from the canopy. Squirrels chatter from snaggly branches as you walk along soft forest trails.

Bog Trail

Just 5 minutes from the field station, this fascinating area contains the sundew carnivorous plant, colorful flowers in June and July, and a variety of small evergreen plants. Guides interpret bog ecology and the bog/forest edge often provides glimpses of a variety of songbirds. A boardwalk runs throughout the bog for easy access.

Lost and Found Lake Trail (1-2 hours)

A moderate hike on a loop trail visits the bog, and a small lake. The trail meanders through the coastal forest where your guide will point out the flowering plants, mosses, lichens, shrubs and trees that grow in a northern coastal temperate forest and interpret the ecology of this dynamic ecosystem.

Earthquake Point Trail (3-4 hours)

Visitors interested in a more challenging hike may elect to hike to Earthquake Point, an overlook with beautiful vistas of Poot Peak and China Poot Bay.

Beach Trails

Beach hikes provide opportunities to view marine life and unique geological formations.

Trails to China Poot Bay

Rich intertidal areas and a spectacular view of the Chugach Mountains is a 20-30 minute walk from the Field Station. A low tide trail crosses a salt marsh meadow and a forest trail is used when the tide is in.

Peterson Bay Outer Beach Trail

Boats arrive at the CACS dock opposite the Outer Beach or may land directly on the beach when the tide is extremely low. The gravel beach provides easy hiking to the Field Station or to Otter Rock's diverse intertidal community. A slough crossing requires footgear that is either waterproof or can become muddy.

A visit to the Wynn Nature Center provides an opportunity to compare forest ecology of the coastal and boreal forest "edge" communities.