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Crystal Cove LbNA #29834

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Apr 4, 2007
Location:
City:Corona del Mar
County:Orange
State:California
Boxes:1
Planted by:Take A Hike Club
Found by: I dig toasters
Last found:Dec 23, 2011
Status:FFFFFFFFFFFFFa
Last edited:Apr 4, 2007
Crystal Cove

One of the most interesting and beautiful locations in Southern California is the Crystal Cove State Park Cottages. Some of the cottages date back to the 1920’s, and are now being restored and rented out to anyone lucky enough to reserve one. Many artists frequent this area that is rich in history and local color. It was also a filming site for several movie productions.

The cliff-sheltered sandy beach has rocky coves, tidepools, reefs, and is a designated underwater marine life refuge. Trails cross the bluffs the entire length of the park and lead down to the scalloped coastline and pocket beaches. This hike can be as long or short as you choose. There are a variety of bluff-to-beach loops, so do your research and plan your visit, or explore to your heart’s content.

Driving directions: From the 405 (San Diego) Freeway on the west end of Irvine, take the Jamboree Road Exit 1.6 miles to turn left on Mac Arthur Blvd going south. Continue 4 miles to Pacific Coast Highway and turn left. Drive almost 3 miles (you'll pass Newport Coast Road), and turn left into the Los Trancos parking lot. A parking fee may be required.
Or, from 405 (San Diego) Freeway on the east end of Irvine, take Laguna Canyon Road (Highway 133) to turn right on Pacific Coast Highway. Continue 4.2 miles to turn right into the Los Trancos parking lot (you'll pass Newport Coast Road). A fee may be required.

#1 There are several options for you to enjoy when you are seeking this letterbox. If you want to make a quick stop to find the LB, you can park at the Shake Shack on the ocean side of PCH, and walk north about 100 feet to the stairs down to Crystal Cove. Parking is limited and for customers only, so buy something to eat or drink and enjoy the view from their patio before or after finding the letterbox. You can also buy something to eat and take it down to one of the picnic tables on the beach. The Shake Shack is about 1/4 mile south of the Los Trancos parking lot.

Now for the Crystal Cove Letterbox… depending on where you park and how long you choose to visit the area, find your way down to the cottages. There are other parking lots for the area, and the trails are marked from each parking area. The Beachcomber Café is a central location and a logical place to start your search (the food is great). Turn right at the café and head out for the wet sand, for easier walking, but watch those waves coming in.

Walking northwest up the beach, look at the old cottages still waiting for restoration. Imagine the joy and contentment of the original owners of these cottages. What fun they must have had, building them and living here throughout the years. Thirteen cottages have been restored and are in constant demand as rentals. There are twenty-four other cottages begging for attention. Each one is unique and picturesque.

Walk past all the cottages, and about 65 paces past the last one you will come to an enclave, or gap in the cliff. Wander in and look at the letterboxing possibilities. Do you want to climb up the shale covered path on the left, or climb up the rocks straight ahead. A climb up the rocks is not as treacherous as the shale covered path. At the top, 12 or 15 feet up, there is a nifty private area that would be a fun, private place to hide a LB. We decided that the climb up to the ‘nitch’ may be too difficult for some, so we chose a hiding place down below, on the right. Look under a slight overhang partially hidden by a small bush. It has a pile of rocks and a small branch/log that looks like and elephant’s head. Voila…the treasure! Put everything back as it is described here. Enjoy! On your way back, check out the info center for more details about this unique place.