Estuary at Willow Street Walking Trail

So, this was wasn't technically a hike. However, a google search quickly revealed that there aren't really any hiking trails in Long Beach. Just mostly walking trails and biking trails.

So I settled on the Estuary at Willow Street walking trail because I actually know how to get to Willow Street from my house and the online descriptions and the word 'estuary' made it sound especially pretty and serene. I dragged my boyfriend, Jared, along for the adventure this morning and off we went.

Sadly, this trail was neither pretty or serene.

All the construction is really killing my nature buzz.

Oh and some porta-potties and an abandoned shopping cart were also strewn about the trail. Nice.  The trail is paved with two lanes for bikers, which is fine. The estuary itself has pretty parts, but it's sort of a weird mix between nature and industrialization. This trail confirmed my fear that I will have to drop some extra cash on gas to get to a decent hiking trail. Time to step it up Socal!

Jared was also not impressed with the trail.

I'm from the central coast of California, where real (and litter free), gorgeous hiking trails are plentiful. Since we moved down here in January, Jared and I have been wanting to to check out some local hiking trails, but we haven't gotten around to it until now. I hope other parts of Southern California have better trails to offer than Long Beach.

Me, at the top of Bishop's Peak in San Luis Obispo, CA

All griping aside, the trail was a good walk. Round trip it's just over two miles. Since the trail is flat and paved and sight seeing isn't a huge plus, it's a lot better suited for bikers rather than walkers. This was conformed by the all the different groups of bikers we saw.

One lone biker.

One of the prettier parts of the trail.

There are a few nice side parks where families were playing with their kids. And there's lot of easy access residential parking. If you park right at the intersection of De Forest and 25th (Where the trail starts) and walk past the street sign you'll see a hill and an open gate that will lead you to the trail. Jared and I didn't figure this out until after we had already hopped a fence to get on the trail. Oops.

I wouldn't recommend this trail to anyone for walking. But if you're into biking or training for a triathalon or something, then you might want to give it a go. I think this trail links up with PCH at some point too.

Rating: I give this trail a  out of five stars.