In January 2008 I was a newcomer to the beautiful Mendocino Coast. As an avid hiker from the Bay Area where I participated in a weekly hiking group, I soon discovered that there was no organized group on the Mendocino Coast that scheduled hikes on a weekly basis. After asking around, sending inquiries through the local listserv, I decided to start a group. At first there were only three of us who hiked together regularly. Now we are 6 to 16 each week and growing.

Our hikes provide structure, great companionship, and exposure to the beauty of the Mendocino Coast. We hike rain or shine unless there is a downpour. The beauty of forest hiking is that the trails are covered with duff and usually not muddy. We hike the coast, the parks and Jackson State Demonstration Forest. We am interested in exploring all the hiking trails from Westport to Elk.

Everyone takes turns planning and leading the hikes is shared. With a steady group of up to 20 hikers it is much easier to spread the responsibility, and fun, of scouting new hikes or sharing hikes that you enjoy with the rest of the group.

Hikes last 2 to 3 hours. Most routes are easy to moderate, but we do tackle more difficult ones and walk fairly briskly, about 2 to 3 miles per hour on average. An ideal hike includes some challenging hills with easier sections between them.

Always respond to the announced hike if you plan to attend. Otherwise we may not know you were planning to join us and leave you behind. We leave on time from the trailhead or appointed meeting spot, at 8:30 unless the post states otherwise. Cell phone reception is not available in the majority of hiking areas along the Mendocino Coast so prior notice that you plan to attend is doubly important.