# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Hiking fun & adventure at West Beach of the Indiana Dunes National Park 
- **Event Start and End Date**: Sat, 14 Mar, 2026 at 09:30 am
- **Event Description**: Text 1-219-370-9119 to see if there is room. We want a manageable size. If I don’t respond to the text then come. Say hi when you get there. 

ALL the hikes, speeches, papers, or articles I do are for FREE. 

{West Beach is the only Indiana Dunes National Park with a Gate House and they check for a National Park pass. Sometimes they don’t staff the Gate House but you should still have a pass. }
We will do the Diana of the Dunes Dare which is 270 stairs and it is NOT recommended for anyone with ankle,  hip, hip, knee or attitude problems. It has great overlooks and you will hear about Henry Chandler Cowles, the Father of Ecology, and his super important teachings of plant succession. We go to the beach. We walk west and then back on the paved route under the bathhouse (also called a pavilion by  and all the way back to the parking lot. It is a .9 mile loop. 

THEN there is a second optional hike. It is called the Long Lake Trail Loop 3 which is moderate and 2.3 miles long. 

~~~|

The final section of the hike is the Long Lake Loop Trail (Loop 3). This section is moderate in difficulty. The trail follows along Long Lake and then heads into the dunes. There is a great view of Long Lake after the initial climb. After crossing the entrance road, the trail winds through the undulating dunes and then has a steep descent into the picnic area and back to the parking lot.

The trail surface varies from loose sand to packed dirt and sections of stairs and boardwalks. The hike will take longer than you think due the loose footing of walking in the sand. The trail starts in relative shade but ends in the full sun. Please bring plenty of water, sun protection and dress in layers. The weather on the beach can be dramatically colder or hotter than in the woods.

~~~~~~

Dunes Succession Trail
0.9 mile, 81 feet of elevation gain, 3% average grade, 15% maximum grade
Hike time: 45 minutes

The Dune Succession Trail (Loop 1) highlights the four stages of dune development within its one-mile length. From the parking lot, follow the road north, toward the lake and look for the trail to pick up to the west of the bathhouse. This scenic, but strenuous, trail includes a climb up 270 stairs for a spectacular view of Lake Michigan and Chicago. Support the restoration effort in the fragile dunes and ponds by remaining on designated trails.

~~~~~~

Meet in the northern parking lot. Here is the Google Map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SUPLsfh5N5q5UoDJ9?g_st=ic
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/portage/hiking-fun-and-adventure-at-west-beach-of-the-indiana-dunes-national-park/200029800993956
- **Event Categories**: trips-adventures, trekking
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 30

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Portage
- **state**: IN
- **country**: United States
- **location**: West Beach Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Lake Michigan
- **lat**: 41.625634310503
- **long**: -87.214255034924
- **full address**: West Beach Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Lake Michigan, Portage,IN,United States

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Hiking fun & adventure at West Beach of the Indiana Dunes National Park
  - **Image URL**: https://dyn-image.allevents.in/generate-image?v=4&title=Hiking+fun+%26+adventure+at+West+Beach+of+the+Indiana+Dunes+National+Park+&date=Sat%2C+14+Mar%2C+2026+at+09%3A30+am&bg=2

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Hiking fun & adventure at West Beach of the Indiana Dunes National Park  being held?
  - **A:** Hiking fun & adventure at West Beach of the Indiana Dunes National Park  takes place on Sat, 14 Mar, 2026 at 09:30 am to Sat, 14 Mar, 2026 at 09:30 am at West Beach Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Lake Michigan, Portage,IN,United States.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Hiking fun & adventure at West Beach of the Indiana Dunes National Park ?
  - **A:** Hiking fun & adventure at West Beach of the Indiana Dunes National Park  is organized by Indiana Dunes Hiking.

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