Cottonwood Beach on Catalina Island

Cottonwood Beach is a small beach on the southwestern side of Catalina Island. The name comes from the cottonwood trees in the canyon behind the beach. This beach is not easy to get to, but it makes a great picnic spot as a side-trip during a stay at nearby Little Harbor Campground or on a backpacking trip along the Trans Catalina Trail.

Cottonwood Beach has a creek that pools up behind it and sometimes flows through it, leaving less sand exposed to enjoy. If the creek is flowing, there will be waterfall along your approach to the beach. Swimming is not advised because a rip current could exist in this cove.

On the ridge south of Cottonwood Canyon a side road dead ends at seldom visited military ruins left over from World War II.

The Safari Bus takes visitors from Avalon and Two Harbors to Little Harbor daily. Catalina Express operates boats daily to Catalina Island from the mainland in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Dana Point.

Address

Middle Ranch Rd
Avalon, CA 90704

Park Name

Catalina Island Conservancy

Other Names

Mills Landing Beach, Cottonwood Canyon Beach

Owner

Conservancy

Pet Details

Dogs allowed on leash

Activities

Hiking, Backpacking, Mountain Biking

Amenities

No Facilities

Links

Web Cam (Avalon)
Water Temps
Tide Chart