Secret Cove Lost Trail

Secret Cove Lost Trail in Halfmoon Bay is one of those short coastal walks that feels a bit like you’ve snuck into a local secret. It’s only 3.1 km out and back with about 63 m of gain, usually done in around 45 minutes, but it packs in a surprising amount of variety for such a quick outing. The route is rated very easy on paper, though the ground underfoot keeps it interesting.

The trail winds through lush green forest with a soft, shaded feel, weaving along narrow, meandering paths under tall trees. As you get closer to the water, the terrain opens up to rocky viewpoints and small pocket beaches looking out over Secret Cove. Low tide is especially fun, with bright purple starfish scattered along the shore and lots of rock and tidepool detail to poke around.

Recent hikers say the Secret Cove Lost Trail is generally straightforward but can feel a bit tricky in spots, especially after rain when roots and rocks turn slick. Good tread on your shoes helps, and it’s smart to keep an eye on side trails, as there are a few junctions where a map or GPS comes in handy. This Halfmoon Bay trail works year-round, but shoulder seasons and cooler summer days are the sweet spot for quiet paths, firm ground, and clear views over the cove.