Agate Beach
Agate beach, located at Patrick's Point, is a remote beach where locals and visitors alike beachcomb and search for agates. (photo by Jill Koelling)
New visitors to Agate Beach are often perplexed by the sight of people walking slowly with their heads bowed, intently studying the ground as though they've lost a contact lens, or of other people sitting down and methodically sifting through the beach gravel beds.
What are they looking for? Oysters? Clams? Pirate treasure? The answer is implicit in the beach's name: agates. The translucent, semi-precious stones are regularly churned up by the powerful waves, and many folks make a habit of visiting the beach on a regular basis to search for these and other pretty rocks. In fact, many local residents have been agate hunting for years and have large mason jars full of stones to show for it. Even more precious moonstones and jade can sometimes be found, as well as the more expected beach flotsam of shells, bits of crab shell, driftwood and the occasional fishing float.
With a sharp drop-off and powerful rip tide, Agate Beach is definitely not for swimming, and visitors are cautioned to exercise the utmost care. Never turn your back on the waves, or trust that you can remain standing in what you think is a minor wave. It's not worth the risk. But sitting well back from the water, Agate Beach is a perfect place to contemplate the awesome power of the sea, and to fantasize about the exotic places far over the western horizon.
Directions: Approximately six miles north of Trinidad on Highway 101, exit at Patrick's Point State Park, or two miles further north at Big Lagoon County Parkway. Follow the signs and park (day use fee at both sites).