French River Beach
Duluth, MN
French River Beach sits at the mouth of the French River on the North Shore Scenic Drive, just downstream from the DNR's French River hatchery, which raises trout and salmon for Lake Superior. A walking path leads to the pebble beach at the river mouth, a favorite with anglers when the fish run.
A classic North Shore fishing spot with a short walk to the water, though the pebble beach is small.
How we score beachesVisit in spring or fall when anglers line the river mouth for the fish runs.
Parking near the river mouth, with portable toilets and trash cans at the beach.
A short walk from parking to the pebble shore.
Steelhead run up the river in spring and salmon in fall, and the anglers follow. Summer afternoons are quiet enough for a picnic on the stones.
More Great Lakes beaches

Sleeping Bear Dunes Beach
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Freshwater Lake Michigan surf below towering sand dunes, some over 400 feet tall, with water clear enough to rival a coastline and a hike back up the dune to burn it off.
New Buffalo City Beach
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Warren Dunes State Park
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