Silver Sands State Park
A coastal boardwalk crosses restored dunes and marsh while Charles Island sits offshore, reachable only under narrow and hazardous tidal conditions.
Artwork inspired by Charles Ethan Porter
Silver Sands links beach, tidal wetland, dunes, and a long boardwalk to Walnut Beach. Charles Island anchors the view and bird habitat offshore. The exposed sandbar may appear at low tide, but rapidly returning water and strong currents make it fundamentally different from a marked park trail.
Enjoy the island from shore unless tide tables, official guidance, weather, and personal ability all support the crossing; rescue calls are common. Summer parking and swimming conditions change, and parts of the beach may close for nesting birds. The boardwalk offers the clearest low-impact route through restored habitat.
- Offshore feature
- Charles Island
- Connection
- Walnut Beach boardwalk
- Primary hazard
- Fast-rising tide
Quick guide
- Use the boardwalk
- See marsh and dune restoration without trampling vegetation.
- Respect the bar
- Treat the Charles Island crossing as tidal water, not a path.
Know before you go
- Check official conditions
- Do not rely on seeing other people on the sandbar.
- Stay with habitat
- Use boardwalk overlooks for marsh and shorebird views.
- Read closures
- Nesting areas and storm damage can change beach access.
- Leave before dusk
- Tides and fading light compound navigation risk.
Good to know
People become stranded on the Charles Island sandbar when water returns across uneven ground. A tide prediction is not a guarantee; avoid the crossing when official conditions, weather, or timing are uncertain.
Notice these
- Charles Island
- Coastal boardwalk
- Tidal marsh