FOREST, DUNES, AND MILES OF PRISTINE BEACH
A lot of hikes end with sweat and the satisfaction of a good workout. The Mt. Randall Loop at Warren Dunes State Park leads to something even better: a gorgeous stretch of pristine beach and one of the region’s best Lake Michigan swimming spots.
Arguably Harbor Country’s most spectacular hike, the Loop takes you on a four-mile roundtrip trek through forest and dune. Climbing the silky soft sand of Mt. Randall’s 260-foot elevation is a challenge—and breathtaking in more ways than one. The trip to the summit is heart-pumping, and your reward is a stunning panoramic view of an almost ocean-like horizon.
On the trip down, you’ll travel through a valley of grassy dunes that leads to three miles of undeveloped shoreline. Enjoyed almost exclusively by those who make the hike, it’s an oasis you’ll likely have to yourself, even in July.
To begin, enter the Mt. Randall trailhead at the north end of the park’s main beach parking lot. Or if you prefer to skip the park fee and summertime crowds, there’s another, lesser known trailhead.
Locals call it ‘Floral,’ named for a small, nondescript lane a bit north of Warren Dunes’ entrance. You’ll find a small parking lot, single bathroom, and clearly marked trailhead at the end of the road. On the state park map, look for markers 8 to 14.
Local Tip: No matter where you hop on, Mt. Randall Loop isn’t a hike to rush through. The views are so scenic and the beach peaceful, it’s worth making a day of it.
words Collette DiJohn Kemper, Lena Singer
images Jodi Bodtke, Jessica Steele
updated July 2026
