Manchester State Beach: Manchester Beach, Alder Creek Trails

Manchester State Beach: Manchester Beach, Alder Creek Trails

The elements that comprise a wild beach—wind, waves, and wood, seem just a little bit bigger than life at Manchester State Beach. The Monterey cypress windbreaks on the bluffs and driftwood wind shelters visitors have constructed on the beach hint at the high winds in this area. So strong are the breezes that blow over this beach, the prudent hiker is advised to call ahead for a “wind report.” If a prize were awarded to the state beach with the most impressive driftwood collection, Manchester might just be the one to win. Huge logs tossed up by the sea lie in jumbled piles at the foot of sand dunes. Like cannons defending a coastal fortification, other large logs aim seaward from the base of the bluffs. The state beach extends five miles from just above the mouth of Garcia Creek to the mouth of Alder Creek. Steelhead spawn in Alder Creek, which offers resting and nesting habitat for wintering waterfowl. Near Manchester’s south boundary is the landmark Pt. Arena Lighthouse. Docents lead tours of the lighthouse, first built in 1870, then rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake. The tower still holds the original Fresnel Lens, which cast a beam visible to ships 20 miles out to sea. Manchester’s beach is complemented by a sizeable upland area. Instead of the usual out-and-back beach walk characteristic of most state and county beaches, Manchester offers the hiker a loop-trail tour of dark sand, ponds, bluffs and dunes.

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