The 6,000-acre recreation area, reached by boat or foot from Lowell Point, is a favorite spot for hikers and campers. Those who hike the Coastal Trail from Lowell Point must time their trip around the tides as portions are under water except during very low tide. There are two public-use cabins. Camping is allowed at Tonsina, which is just 1.5 miles from Lowell Point, and at North Beach, which is another three miles south. Fort McGilvray and South Beach lie a few miles further south on the trail.
Boaters anchor off North Beach and take a dinghy to shore.
Kayaks and other small boats can be brought up on shore. There are two public use cabins in Thumb Cove across from Caines Head accessible by boat only. Marine birds are abundant, as are sea mammals such as seals, sea otters, whales, sea lions and porpoises. Shore animals living in the area include mountain goats, brown and black bears, wolves, wolverines, marmots and coyotes. Camping facilities are primitive.