Muir Beach Shoreline

Muir Beach Shoreline via the Pacific Coast Trail

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

OVERVIEW OF THE DAY: This is a day trip with great views of the blue Pacific, making the long drive well worth while. The day will start with a drive to the coast to avoid the triple digit temps of Lincoln. A 7 mile hike overlooking the Pacific with spectacular scenery and ocean breezes will highlight the day. Then we will relax after our scenic hike while enjoying a salad, burger, sandwich, pizza or brewery favorite at the Marin Brewing Company at Larkspur Landing. Plan to join us for a fun day of spectacular hiking, cooler temps, and a relaxing meal at a fun restaurant. For those wanting a shorter hike, you have the option to only hike in one direction and after lunch, hike an additional mile to the Tennessee Beach parking lot where you will be picked up after the hike. This would reduce the hiking distance to approximately 4.5 miles.

HIKE DIFFICULTY: Moderate to strenuous, depending on your plan to hike both ways. The elevation gains can be a bit tedious, particularly on the initial part of the hike where the grade is a bit steeper. The return part of the hike will seem easier with more gradual switchbacks.

ELEVATION GAIN: Approximately 1400 feet. You climb 500 feet from Muir Beach to the ridge, hike along the ridge, and then descend 500 feet to Tennessee Beach. Then you go back the way you came. With other ups and downs the total elevation gain is around 1400 feet. The cooler temperatures will make the elevation gain feel more like 1366 feet.

HIKE DISTANCE: 7 miles total – out and back. Or 4.5 miles if you opt to hike in only one direction, then to the Tennessee Beach parking lot.

GENERAL LOCATION: The trail head is at Muir Beach on the Pacific Coast, west of Sausalito.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: With the heat bearing down in Lincoln, take a refreshing trip to the coast for a 7 mile hike overlooking the blue waters of the Pacific. This hike has spectacular scenery. (See pictures below.) The trail is the Pacific Coast trail (not to be confused with the Pacific Crest trail in the Sierras) and is right on the coast overlooking the Pacific where the temperatures will be refreshing and a breeze you can count on. Wildflowers will be in bloom. After about 3.5 miles we will drop down to Tennessee Beach for our lunch break. Bring a towel (or something similar) to use on the beach sand while eating lunch. And after lunch we will retrace our steps to the north and now view the Pacific on our left side. The ocean view will likely look even more beautiful when viewed in this direction.

LUNCH: Bring your lunch. A lunch break is planned for mid hike at Tennessee Beach. Also a towel is recommended to use on the sand.

TRAVEL TIME / DISTANCE / PARKING: Travel time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes and 120 miles from Lincoln. We will stop for dinner prior to returning home to Lincoln. Suggested contribution for riders is $18. Detailed driving directions will be handed out to all drivers.

HIKE LEADER / SWEEP: Dennis Ratay / Margaret Ratay

SPECIAL NOTES:

FACILITIES AVAILABLE: A comfort station is available at the trailhead.

PREPARATIONS FOR HIKE

1) IF YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH ISSUES, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR CONDITION BEFORE HIKING.
2) Bring a copy of your ID (driver's license), health card, and an emergency contact name and phone number with you on the hike.
3) Always bring 2 pairs of shoes, along with a plastic bag to store your muddy/dusty hiking boots after the hike. DO NOT get your driver's car dirty by wearing your dirty boots on the drive home.
4) Hiking boots and poles recommended. Be prepared for any type of weather - bring layers and sun screen, a hat and some water.

RISKS: Weather on the coast can be unpredictable, so plan for anything from fog to sun.

QUESTIONS: Call Dennis Ratay at 543-9935.

MEETING TIME: 8:00 AM -- Leaving time: 8:15 AM. We will not return to Lincoln until 7 or 8 o’clock in the evening.

LINKS