The scenic Sunset Lake Park Trail runs on a former rail line—abandoned in 1965—on the edge of Portland, Texas. Originally part of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway, this short section was along the main line between San Antonio and Corpus Christi, and once featured a long trestle over Nueces Bay and Corpus Christi Bay adjacent to the current Nueces Bay Causeway (US 181).

Although the trestle is no more, the City of Portland has converted the area to the north into Sunset Lake Park with the rail-trail running through its heart. The park—opened in 2000—features boardwalks through protected wetlands for wildlife and bird watching. Fishing, swimming and boating are also popular activities in the lake.

A short distance from the trail’s southern end is Indian Point Pier, which is a great spot for fishing and viewing the Corpus Christi skyline in the distance.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking for the Sunset Lake Park Trail is available in Sunset Lake Park on Sunset Drive. From Corpus Christi, take the Nueces Bay Causeway (US 181/State Route 35) northeast. Continue past the exit for Indian Point Park unless you choose to start your trip at the pier (parking at the pier is approximately 0.5 mile from the southern trailhead).

Take the next exit towards Moore Avenue in Portland. Before you reach Moore Avenue, turn right onto Bayview Boulevard; it is the first street you’ll come upon. Continue on the road until it ends at Sunset Drive and turn right. The road leads directly to Sunset Lake Park and the northern trailhead.