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Montana de Oro Bluff Hike
~John Krist Distance: 3.4 miles, out and return; easy Child rating, 5 and up Location: On the coast to the west of San Luis Obispo and south of Morro Bay, the park is located southwest of the town of Los Osos. Follow Pecho Valley Road from Los Osos to the park entrance. Hazards: Poison oak,…
Read MoreElkhorn Slough Kayak & Hike
~Ken McKowen Distance: One can spend a few hours or a leisurely day exploring the slough by kayak and/or hiking the trails in the Elkhorn Estuarine National Research Reserve Location: Elkhorn Slough and surrounding coastal wetlands are in Monterey County, just east of the Pacific Coast Highway, roughly midway between Santa Cruz and Monterey; it…
Read MoreFrank's Valley Loop
~Paul McKown Distance: 8 mile loop, 1,140 ft. elevation change Location: Marin County: near the coast, just west of Muir Woods. The route travels through parts of Muir Woods National Monument, Mt. Tamalpais State Park and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Hazards: Poison oak and ticks. Can be cold and windy if foggy. The…
Read MoreRay Miller Overlook Trail Loop
~Milt McAuley Distance:7.5 mile loop trail.Location:Pt. Mugu State Park, in north-western Los Angeles County. Hazards:Poison oak, ticks, rattle snakes in summer and fall. Good year-around, but perhaps best in April-June when the waterfall runs strong and flowers abound. Avoid on the hottest days of summer. How to get there:To get to Ray Miller Trailhead drive west on the Pacific…
Read MoreSalt Point Bluff and Views
~Richard Nichols Distance:5 miles one-way; shuttle required or R/T; fee to park at Gerstle Cove. Location:Salt Point State Park is on Sonoma County’s north coast. Hazards:Poison oak, ticks, steep cliffs, “sleeper waves”, unmarked routes and trails. How to get there:Salt Point State Park is located about 23 miles north of Jenner on Highway One. Go past…
Read MoreAlameda's Crown Memorial State Beach — An Outing for the Whole Family That's Wheelchair Accessible
~Elisa Mikiten Location and hours:Crown Memorial State Beach is on the San Francisco Bay-facing shore of Alameda Island, just to the south of Oakland. State Beach gates are open 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. The Visitor’s Center at Crab Cove hours are 10 a.m. – 4:30 Wed.- Sun. (currently open only in the summer). Crab Cove…
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