oso flaco lake

Didn't even know of this easy board walk to the ocean until we saw the road sign. Ran by the California state parks with a $5 car entrance fee unless you have a state parks pass then it's free. Walk over the lake then boardwalk to the ocean overlook or directly to the beach. Lots of ducks in the lake swimming around. Was a breezy cool day but still very enjoyable. About 3 miles round trip.

Wonderful nature walk out to the dunes. Lots of birds to photograph and it is a very easy walk for all ages. The views from the beach on a clear day are amazing!!

A wonderful and easy walk through nature on a walkway that ends at the ocean. Our grankids loved it.

An oasis in the sand and the promise of a long walk along a deserted coastline lured me to the Oso Flaco Day Use Area, north of Guadalupe. Here, I hoped to explore a secluded beach, view some local wildlife, and cross a freshwater lake nestled amidst the coastal dunes. Oso Flaco Lake was named by Portola in 1769 for the “skinny bear” that was poisoned near here by the Chumash Indians, and eaten by his men, two of whom died of toxins in the bear meat. The 1.5 mile level hike to the beach followed a wooden walkway that bridged the sizeable lake surrounded by sand.From the boardwalk, I followed three white pelicans that looked like swans as they floated poetically across the smooth lake surface. Further along, I visited with an expert bird-watcher, who had his viewing scope focused on an attractive Rallidae species.At the beach, I met a local fishermen casting his line into the surf. But, being in the mood for a little solitude, I took off barefoot down the beach to the south. Although I did not see another soul, I was never alone.I admired flocks of playful western snowy plovers feeding at the waterline, and primeval brown pelicans breezing in formation along the blue-green wave crests. A pod of dolphins swam slowly by, their triangular dorsal fins gently rising and falling beyond the breakers.At the end of the day, the Oso Flaco Day Use Area kept its promise as the entrance to a solitary stretch of shoreline, wildlife viewing locale, and freshwater oasis in the sand.

We stopped here briefly on our way north on Highway 1. It is a great wildlife preserve, and very picturesque, especially with the winter storm clouds. We didn't stay long, because of our dogs (didn't want to disturb the pelicans).

Oso Flaco State Park is a hidden gem located a half hour's drive west of Santa Maria, CA. Be prepared for a two-mile walk that leads from the parking area to the beach. The walk starts on a dirt path surrounded by trees and wild-berry bushes on both sides of the path. After about ten minutes the path leads to a boardwalk that spans a shallow lake with a myriad of water fowl. This leads to sand dunes and a wonderful view of the Pacific Ocean. The beach is not recommended for swimming as there are strong undertows and rough waves. Enjoy a nice walk on the seashore looking for shells but do not go on the dunes as the dune area is off limits due to the many birds that nest amongst the dunes.

We were staying in a small town near Guadalupe, so we decided to go exploring. We came across this parking lot that had a path. My spouse was a little leary to go down the path as we really hadn't done any research on where we were about to go. We thought that we'd just go on for a bit and see what we encountered. We did meet up with a father, grand dad and small child and they greeted us so nicely. We asked a few questions and decided to proceed on. We came across a wooden walkway over a lagoon. There was so many birds, ie. egrets, storks, ducks, etc. We were also blessed to see not one but two racoons trying to catch a fish. We decided that we had gone this far, why not go on. Once over the walkway over the lagoon, you hit a nice path with all types of fauna to see. We saw many small geckos also. When you get to the end of the path you can go to the look out point or continue on onto the sand of the beach right to the ocean, a short walk ahead. It was such a pleasant, unexpected walk that we both thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommended.

Whoever fought to create a wooden walkway from Oso Flaco lagoon all the way to the Pacific should be given a medal. Maybe a statue too. It is a lovely, serene, richly peppered lagoon with amazing flora and fauna. Don't turn right when you make it to the beach. Unless you care to outrun the vehicles that get to play in the sand. Go left, far more enjoyable. Great place. You should go.

On a recent trip to the central coast of California we finally got a chance to take the easy 2 mile round trip leisurely walk to Oso Flaco Lake (skinny bear) Lake and beyond to the pacific coast line. There were a variety of bird, turtles, and fauna to gaze upon. Very easy walk on pavement, a manmade wooden walking trail and a bridge over one corner of the lake. Beware though no dogs allowed as we found out on a previous try to visit.

This is one of several access points to the ocean dunes in central California between the northern edge of Vandenberg AF base in the south and Pismo Beach in the north. There is a small parking lot from which a path leads to a long boardwalk over the shallow lake. There were numerous birds and raccoons. There were also warnings about mountain lions and black bears but I did not see any of those.

Well worth a detour. We called in here on our way up Highway 1, just in time to see the sunset. It is a pretty easy walk along the boardwalk across the lake to the beach, where there is a lookout point. It takes about 15-20 mins of brisk walking to get to the beach from the car park. Parking is $5 (honesty box - according to a local, the ranger is usually there on Sunday mornings). Area closes at sunset. There are (basic) restrooms at the car park and mid way along the trail. A few picnic tables and benches dotted along too for those that want a more leisurely visit. Set your GPS to Oso Flaco Lake Road. The car park is 3 miles from the intersection.

We have taken many friends & family to Oso Flaco. The walk from the parking lot to the beach is wonderful. At the beginning you walk thru the willow woods which leads to a boardwalk across the lake, over the dunes and to the beach. Along the way are many species of plants, birds and some mammals. Depending on the season we go determines what we see. In the spring the walk thru the dunes is fragrant with lupine. Sometimes it is too windy to walk on the beach and at other times we extend our walk along the shore. Love this area!

Walkers of all ages will appreciate the boardwalk that crosses the lake and ends at the ocean. It takes about 90 minutes round trip. Bring binoculars to enjoy the ocean view from atop a dune.

If you want a serene environment in which to enjoy the gifts of nature, this is a great choice. Wheelchair accessible trail out to the lake with a wonderful walking bridge over this lake. Opportunities to view waterfowl in this peaceful environment are plentiful.DO IT!

One can see a lot of migratory waterfowl on the lake, and in the spring the native dune plants are beautiful in bloom. Warning: do *not* fish in the lake! Fish have been tested with high levels of DDT, etc., resulting from soil erosion from upstream farms going back many decades.