Walks as Diverse as California Coast

Other states have snowy peaks, wild rivers and vast deserts, but only California has such a long, diverse coastline.

Coast hiking is as multifaceted as the coast itself--from a stroll along the Venice Beach boardwalk to a trek through Sinkyone Wilderness State Park in Mendocino County, from a nature walk among Del Mar’s Torrey pines to a rugged backpack adventure through Del Norte County’s redwoods.

Coastwalk, a nonprofit conservation organization based in the Northern California town of Sebastopol, promotes a project called the California Coastal Trail and leads guided hikes along the Golden State’s shores. The coastal walks are organized by county and last four to seven days.

“It’s a good way to get to know other parts of the state or even your home shore,” says Coastwalk coordinator Richard Nichols. “We have people coming back year after year to walk a different county.”

Each summer since 1983, Coast- walk has organized hikes in the coastal counties of California, adding a county or two each year. This summer, walks are scheduled in 13 of the state’s 15 counties. (Los Angeles and Ventura are the only ones left out; Coastwalk officials promise that all counties will be walked in the summer of ’94.)

Coastwalk’s purpose in leading the walks, besides providing a fun way to get to know land’s end, is to advance the cause of the California Coastal Trail, a proposed 1,600-mile system of interconnected beach and coastal range trails extending the length of the coast, from Mexico to Oregon. CCT, as coast walkers call it, would pass through dozens of state and county beaches, state parks and federal lands, while visiting wetlands, sandy and rocky shores, and forests of pine and redwood.

“Walking the coast past all that magnificent scenery can’t help but renew one’s respect for the land,” Nichols says. “The idea of walking a small part of a 1,600-mile trail inspires people. It’s romantic, exciting.”

Coastwalk’s dual approach is to work for increased coastal access for the CCT, while at the same time promoting the pleasures of shore walking; in short, to enjoy and preserve California’s coastline.

A typical day’s walk is 5 to 10 miles. Experts on marine biology, geology, bird life and local history share their knowledge with coast walkers, both on the trail and at nightly campfire talks.

Walkers need to carry only a day pack with lunch, water and sweater. Camping gear is shuttled by van to the next night’s campsite.

Most overnight stays are at campgrounds or hostels. Sometimes walkers bed down at more exotic spots such as the old Russian fort at Ft. Ross, about 60 miles north of San Francisco, or the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Walkers bring their own food for breakfast and lunch, as well as their own eating utensils. Coast- walk provides morning coffee and daily chuckwagon dinners.

Coast walking definitely can be classified as “budget travel.” You can have a week of fun for about 10%-20% the cost of a more commercial walking tour. The basic cost is $25 per day per adult, $15 for students, and $12 for children 12 and under. Some coastal counties have small additional fees.

Registration is a bit complicated because would-be walkers have to contact Coastwalk registrars in each county they wish to walk. Call the Coastwalk office at (707) 829-6689 for a master schedule. Next, pick the county you wish to walk and call the appropriate registrar. First preference in the reservation process is given to those walkers signing up for “the whole county,” though walkers are welcome to join the group for a day or two on a space-available basis.

Southern California Coastwalks are scheduled this summer in San Diego County (June 14-19), Orange County (June 24-27) and Santa Barbara County (July 6-11). Central Coast counties--San Luis Obispo, Monterey and Santa Cruz--hold their walks in July. North Coast counties (Santa Cruz, San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte) host walks in August and early September.

Take a hike with John McKinney’s guidebook: “Day Hiker’s Guide to Southern California” ($16.95). Send check or money order to Los Angeles Times Syndicate, Dept. 1, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053.

California Coast California Coastal Trail Where: Guided walks through 13 coastal counties Distance: 5-10 miles per day. Terrain: Beaches, bluffs and coastal mountains; urban, rural and wilderness coastlines. Highlights: An intimate and inexpensive way to see the shore. Degree of Difficulty: Easy-moderate For More Information: Contact Coastwalk, 1389 Cooper Road, Sebastopol, Calif. 95472, (707) 829-6689.