Get Outside and Explore
This is a 15 mile loop hike bordering the Cleveland National Forest, in Caspars Wilderness Park along Ortega Highway. It has a historic point of interest, the site of the historic San Juan Hot Springs. Parts of the trail are very overgrown. Follow along on the journey as I hike the Oso and Juaneno Loop.
The swell was building, as massive waves crashed across Dana Point breakwater, a long jetty protecting the harbor. I was standing right by the Ocean Institute with the headlands towering above. I always loved this spot, for checking the waves.
I went for a 6 mile scenic hike at one of my favorite coastal bluffs, at San Onofre State Beach. It’s a kind of strange location to find a state park, sandwiched between a border patrol checkpoint to the east of it, the remnants of a nuke plant to the north of it, and the huge expanse of Camp Pendleton, to the south and east of it.
Doheny State Beach is a popular beach in summer with surfers, since it tends to offer more favorable conditions for surfers during predominant south winds. It has fire pits, bbq areas, and volleyball nets, along with a cafe. The calm waves make it popular with families, near the north jetty in summer. It’s also a prime spot for tidepooling.
The Vernal Pools are a unique type of wetland and environment. They are located adjacent near the entrance to Sano Surf Beach, and the Songs Plant. This is a unique protected area of vernal pools, and a habitat for fairy shrimp, an endangered species.
Serafina Hikes 