Location: Slītere National Park, Kolka
Suggested starting point: Parking lot behind the road Tukums-Kolka (P 131) roundabout – brown direction sign to the trail, about 500 m from Cape Kolka
Distance: 1,8 km (with climbing the watching tower)
Marking: Not marked, but can easily follow the trail
Type: Loop
Kolka pine nature trail is near Kolkasrags next to the Baltic Sea. Changes to the sand-dunes over the years can be explored in this nature trail. Also the oldest forest sand-dunes can be seen here. Due to conditions of the nearby sea and poor growing conditions, special and peculiar coastal dry pine-tree forests with rare European plant, sand pink (Dianthus arenarius), can be found here. The old pines and decaying trees are a home of many rare lichen and insect species. In the result of human economical activity, coastal forests were cut down and fire often took them over. Thus wandering sand formed there and buried the remaining trees and in some particular places posed danger to households. Pine-trees that are hundreds of year old are still growing in the oldest forest sand-dunes and are half-buried by sand even in the depth of 2 metres. The trail is 1 km away from Kolkasrags, and it is a resting and nursing place for birds during the spring and autumn migrations.
Kolka pine trail gives an opportunity to enjoy an easy, pleasant walk through a gorgeous pine forest, grey and white dunes and, of course, the seashore. The trail is remarkable for its hundred year old, forked, low branched pine trees covered with sand for up to 2-3 m. The age of the trees can be guessed from their size, as well as the lichens and moss on the branches. Here you can also see the oldest dunes that have overgrown with forest. In the forest and dunes you can also see the typical plants, such as bilberries, heather, crowberries, thyme, stonecrop, as well as protected plants and various bugs living in the old trees. Along the route, there are two viewing platforms and a 15 m high watching tower to observe the sea views and birds.