Ocean's Edge

Hiking Ocean's Edge Trail in Emma Wood State Beach in Ventura County

Tightly wedged beside the 101 Freeway and downtown Ventura, and divided by the Southern Pacific Railroad, Emma Wood State Beach is mostly known for RV camping. Meh. But wait … beyond the motor homes and rail tracks lies a little gem! The sandy Ocean’s Edge Trail has a cobblestone beach, sand dunes, riparian wetlands, and remnants of history. The 1.5-mile out-and-back hike starts from the group campground at Emma Wood’s south end. Head southwest under a railroad bridge on a paved path that reverts to sand and curves left, down coast. Continue along a wide cobblestone beach and the verdant Ventura River plain. At a marshy pond, the trail forks. Stay right to hug the rocky shore, entering deeper sand on a stone-lined path beside low, windswept dunes patched with sand verbena and ice plant.

Cobblestones give way to sand as you reach the mouth of the Ventura River. Near the surf line, two weathered concrete cylinders are partially submerged under a wide beach berm, remnants of “Panama mount” gun batteries installed in 1942 to protect the coast after a Japanese submarine reportedly shelled Ellwood oil field near Santa Barbara, the first attack on the continental U.S. during WWII. Before heading back, explore the fringe of Seaside Wilderness Park, a wildly overgrown riparian wetland, where a lagoon skirted by giant reeds is perfect for sighting wading birds like the snowy egret and great blue heron. Palms and Monterey pines visible here were planted long ago, vestiges of an idealistic planned park that never panned out.

BEER BONUS: Post hike, head to the tasting room at Topa Topa Brewing, named for the local mountain range. Open since June 2015 in downtown Ventura, this watering hole should fit like a glove, with the brewer’s nature-loving philosophy and outdoors-themed beers, including Chief Peak IPA (brimming with “piney hops”); Flatlands, an effervescent saison; and Weekender, a delicious session IPA. The brewery also hosts food trucks in its parking lot every week.

Heading north on the 101 Freeway, exit California St. in downtown Ventura, turning right onto California St., then left onto Main St. After passing over a river bridge, park for free along W. Main Street near its intersection with Park Access Rd. From here, walk south under the freeway to reach Emma Wood’s south-end entrance for the Ventura River Group Camp. Trailhead is just past a picnic area. No dogs on trails. Day-use vehicle fee is $10. No car? No problem! Take Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner from Los Angeles to Ventura Station, just a block and a half from Topa Topa and under a mile from Emma Wood State Beach (entered in this scenario via Surfers Point on the beach or by walking west on Main Street). No dogs on trails at Emma Wood State Beach. Topa Topa Brewing is dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Hidden Gems of Reno Tahoe

    Step into a land where adventure meets relaxation. Reno Tahoe is where the spirit of the great outdoors and the energy of vibrant city life inspire you to live with no limits.

    View
  2. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  3. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View