The first portion of the Caines Head Trail, commonly referred to as the Coastal Trail, follows a mellow grade, with the exception of two steep sections, through temperate rainforest to Tonsina Point. The three mile section from here to Derby Cove follows an intertidal zone, and can only be hiked during a low tide of three feet or lower. From Derby Cove, the trail continues to North Beach and climbs steadily to historic Fort McGilvary. This section of the trail is commonly referred to as the Fort Trail. Hikers are awarded with views of the Resurrection Bay, Thumb Cove State Marine Park, and barrier islands. The trail winds through a mature spruce forest, along side of muskeg ponds filled with lily pads, and skirts the rocky bluffs as you climb to the top of Caines Head.
