Upcoming adventures: Coastal calling

Hiking the High Sierra is just getting started as the remaining snow melts, but Marin County's hills beckon year-round and are particularly appealing these days.

Hiking Marin is different than the Sierra. Its wide-open spaces bump up against suburban neighborhoods, small towns such as Mill Valley and San Rafael, and the entire north-of- San Francisco urban area. Thus, hiking in Marin is very nearly the equivalent of walking in the park, doable either before or after work.

So it's no surprise that local residents have established a wealth of hiking clubs and that trails are exceptionally well-maintained and accessible.

And there are groups that will actually lead you on walks and hikes around the area. Coastwalk is one such group. It covers the entire California coast, and many trips are overnighters.

Coastwalk is offering a wealth of trips this spring and summer. For a look at the many trips offered: www.coastwalk.org or (800) 550-6854.

But best to start slow: Coastwalk is offering a spectacular warm-up trip Saturday, as Dipsea marathoner Jerry Freedman will lead hikers from Muir Woods up to the Dipsea Trail to the coast and back to Muir Woods, a gorgeous, strenuous hike -- one stretch is called Cardiac Hill -- that will get you in hiking shape for spring as it dazzles you with sights that attract visitors from around the world.

This is gorgeous country -- you start among the big redwoods of Muir Woods, for cryin' out loud -- and the hike is a good, moderate challenge over its seven-mile length.

To get to the trailhead, take Interstate 80 west to Vallejo, then take Highway 37 to Highway 101. Go south to the Stinson Beach-Highway 1 turnoff, then take the fork in the road to Muir Woods. Pass the main entrance to Muir Woods and head toward the annex parking lot. Look for the group at the Dipsea sign near the drinking fountain.

The suggested donation is $10. To register: (707) 829-6689, ext. 5.

Hikers meet at 9 a.m. sharp, and if you are coming from Sacramento, allow at least two hours to get there -- the winding roads of Marin can make what looks like a reasonably quick trip a bit of a haul. But it's through beautiful country, and getting there should always be half the fun.

Upcoming hikes with Coastwalk include a guided, six-mile Sonoma County day hike on May 26, beginning at Salt Point State Park and visiting coastal bluffs. For more information, visit the Coastwalk Web site.

About the writer:

• The Bee's David Watts Barton can be reached at (916) 321-1154 or dbarton@sacbee.com.