There aren't a lot of trails in this little slice of natural heaven that's nestled in a temperate forest just 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. One good one, albeit short, is the Ocean View Trail loop.

Fighting traffic and finding a space to park (probably a mile away from the actual entrance) kind of sucks. But after paying a $2 fee plus another $1 if you want a cool map, the giant redwoods overshadow all the trouble of getting in the place.

To get to the trailhead, follow a nice asphalt path that allows all the tourists with their baby strollers, high heels and other crap the opportunity to take a gander. A clearly marked sign points out the beginning of the Ocean View Trail, which heads up and up for about one and a third miles. Steller's jays and Banana Slug's might be spotted as the trail winds around ravine's and through the conifer forest that's dotted with maples.

Take a left at a sign in a clearing marking the beginning of the Lost Trail, named that after being covered by the side of a mountain that slid in the 1960s. The trail heads down for the rest of the way. Careful not to topple over the edge and into the deep gorge.

Lost Trail ultimately winds its way back down to the Fern Creek Trail. In doing so, the climate again turns back to the chill of a damp haven for nature.

All told, the loop is only about three miles and takes maybe an hour or two depending on ability. There are things that will annoy people who believe hiking in a forest should be kept as quiet as possible. Loud mouths, for instance, blabber on like they're on a downtown street corner.

Additionally, most of the trails only pass through the park. To save $2, start on one of the many trails in Mt. Tam State Park. But be sure to check out Muir Woods at least at some point - there's no place like it.

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