A spotting scope will be helpful when you reach the beach, but it is a long walk to carry a spotting scope.

The creek mouth often attracts gulls, terns, and shorebirds at the appropriate season. Herons, egrets and the occasional duck may also be found in the upper portions of the creek where vegetation grows. Common shorebirds along the beach include Sanderling, Black-bellied Plover, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Whimbrel, and Willet. Pelicans, loons, cormorants, shearwaters, and scoters are spotted close to shore with shearwaters numbering in the thousands at times.

Oso Flaco Creek Mouth is located at the end of the boardwalk trail approximately one mile from the parking lot. The majority of the trail beyond the lake is constructed of boardwalk planks making for an easy walk through the dunes. A small observation platform is located at the end of the boardwalk for viewing the ocean from an elevated vantage point. The last few hundred yards are sandy beach and you must walk through the sand to the south to reach the creek mouth. Observe the roped-off areas during the Snowy Plover breeding season. 

The beach area to the north will remain closed year-round, not just during the nesting season for Snowy Plover and Least Tern. This closure was a requirement from the California Coastal Commission in March 2021 and will remain in place for the foreseeable future. 

The parking lot is located at the west end of Oso Flaco Lake Road.

The trail and parking lot are open from sunrise to sunset. Day-use fees may apply, but a note at the kiosk reads "Temporary free parking." Parking in the lot has been free for some time, but this could change. The trailhead begins through the white gate at the parking lot. Take valuables with you and do not leave items visible inside your car. Dogs are not permitted in the day-use area of Oso Flaco Lake, including the trails, boardwalk, and beach. Be prepared for dense fog or breezy conditions. Oso Flaco Lake may be closed after periods of heavy rain due to flooding.

Use this Hotspot for birds observed at the creek mouth, on the beach, and offshore only. Please use the separate Hotspot, Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean) for birds found from the parking lot, over the lake, and along the boardwalk until you reach the ocean. This will appropriately tie species to their habitat.

The AllTrails website has a description and map of a hike on the Oso Flaco Lake Trail.