Jones Beach West End 2: My Dunes-to-Ocean Adventure

My West End 2 Adventure: From the Bay to the Ocean, Then an Unexpected Sprint

I went to Jones Beach West End 2 without realizing how far the ocean could be from where I'd parked. I figured it was at least a quarter-mile walk, but a nor'easter had come through the week before, leaving pools of standing water among the dunes. What I thought would be a straightforward walk turned into a much longer exploration.

I found a longer way around to the bay first, then followed the waterfront toward the ocean, passing by the area near Jones Inlet where the bay and Atlantic connect. I'd never explored this stretch on foot before. Seeing the bay, dunes and ocean together from that side of Jones Beach was a great experience.

When I finally reached the ocean surf, I sat down for about five minutes and just listened to the waves crashing on the shore. After making my way there, I wanted to enjoy that moment before heading back. It was the peaceful part of the trip, before the unexpected adventure getting back to my car.

On the way back, the sun was setting, and light was fading. There weren't lights out among the dunes, and the route I'd taken to get there felt like at least half a mile. I knew I needed to get back to my car, so I tried cutting back through the dunes where the stormwater was still sitting.

Then came the mosquitoes. Not just a few, either. These things felt like mosquitoes on steroids, swarming around my head and body. I started running, then sprinting. I turned a corner and came face-to-face with a big, swampy-looking pool of water left by the storm. At that point, I took off my shoes, made my way through the water, and kept running. It felt like I was in one of the obstacle-course races I usually do, only this wasn't planned.

Every time I rounded another corner or got over another little rise, I thought, My car has to be right there. It wasn't. The return took a lot longer than I expected, and I was sprinting for much of it.

Looking back, I'm glad I went. Seeing where the bay meets the Atlantic was new for me, and the crazy trip back made it memorable. Next time, though, I'll leave myself more daylight and check the route and conditions ahead of time.

Before you visit: This was my experience, not a recommended return route. West End 2 has protected dune habitat, and storms can leave trails flooded or difficult to follow. Stay on open, marked routes, respect closure signs and plan to be back before dark. Don't use my detour through standing water as a trail guide.