Shake the Pack and Take a Run Off the Beaten Path : Happy trails: A number of uncrowded, entertaining, even exhilarating runs do exist in Orange County.

Run with the rabbits. Jog by the boats. Sprint over paths lined by 100-year-old oaks. Cross a foot bridge dotted with flowers. Lace up your shoes and run for hours . . .

In Orange County, runners often find themselves running the same old route, day in and out, with cars and condominiums as the most intriguing scenery. But despite the county’s increasing congestion, wide-open, exhilarating, even entertaining runs do exist.

Sometimes, it just takes a bit of on-foot investigation.

The following runs were chosen for their uniqueness and overall enjoyment. While most are in the four- to eight-mile range, shorter versions can easily be run as well. Each run was rated on difficulty, five stars being most difficult.

Because many of the runs listed are off-road, mileage indicated is approximate.

ALISO/WOOD CANYONS REGIONAL PARK

Difficulty Rating: ***

Distance: (4-10 miles)

This recently opened park, located in Laguna Niguel and currently opened only on the weekends, is still somewhat of a secret. That’s understandable, as the front portion is nondescript, and actually quite unsightly with the many nearby housing developments and on-going construction.

But don’t let the graded hillsides fool you. After you run the first barren half-mile or so, an open canyon comes into view. In all, there are 3,400 acres--including 10 miles of dirt trails--of unspoiled shrub-filled terrain. You can stay on the main dirt road that goes through the canyon’s floor, or explore the grass-lined paths that climb some 600 vertical feet.

The park is home to some 90 species of birds--watch for American Kestrel, Blue Grosbeak and road runners--and wildlife such as mule deer, bobcats and coyotes.

Important note: As yet, the park has no water sources, so bring your own as it can get especially warm in the canyon.

Directions: The park is located at the intersection of Awma Road and Alicia Parkway in Laguna Niguel, on the west edge of Laguna Niguel Regional Park. Park in the lot, then follow asphalt road approximately one-half mile to the trail head.

BALBOA FERRY

Difficulty Rating: **

Distance: (5.8 miles)

As far as road runs goes, this one is a county classic. You get the marine scene as you circle Newport Harbor, you get a good dose of people-watching as you take a lap around Balboa Island, and you have a variety of post-run refreshment choices as you finish on Balboa Island’s main street, Marine Avenue. Most fun, though, is you have to stop for a rest as you ride the ferry across the channel. Don’t forget your 25 cents for ferry passage!

Directions: Start on Balboa Island, where Marine Avenue meets the bridge at North Bay Front. Cross the bridge, make a left on Bayside Drive. Left on Coast Highway all the way to Newport Boulevard. Left onto the Peninsula, right on 30th to the boardwalk. Take the boardwalk south to Eighth Street and turn left. Cross Balboa Boulevard, turn right on Bay Avenue, and then a quick left on Edgewater. Follow Edgewater to the Balboa Ferry landing, take the ferry across, and turn right on South Bay Front. Take South Bay Front to Marine, turn left and run back to the start.

CORONA DEL MAR BRIDGE

Difficulty Rating: **

Distance: (3.5 miles)

Site of the Corona del Mar Scenic 5K Run each June, this run takes also takes place on the roads, but offers some of the best ocean views--and views of ocean-view homes--around. Although this is one of the most popular places to run--Sundays it can get downright chummy along the paths on Ocean Boulevard--it is mostly flat and thus good for a runner of any level. And, for history buffs, this run offers two trips across the Goldenrod Avenue footbridge, built in 1928.

Directions: Start at Poppy Avenue and Ocean Boulevard. Run north on Poppy one block to Seaview Avenue, turn right on Goldenrod. Cross footbridge, go left at Second Avenue and left on Avocado. Turn left on Pacific, left on Acacia and right on First Avenue. Take First back to Goldenrod, turn right. Take Goldenrod back to Oceanfront, turn left and back to Poppy.

CRYSTAL COVE BEACH

Difficulty Rating: ***

Distance: (4-6 miles, depending on route)

Real runners know that beach running is not always the postcard-perfect scene that California dreamers make it out to be. Because of the normally slanted surface, most beaches can be downright harmful as the slants often force a runner to compensate, thus putting undue stress on one side of the body. But Crystal Cove, when at low tide, is not only flat enough but it’s one of the most beautiful, pristine stretches in the county. On the way, you will pass cove after cove of rocky cliffs, with the opportunity to stop along the way to peer into tide pools or watch surfers.

Directions: Park at the Pelican Point parking lot, about 3/4 mile south of Corona del Mar. Take the trail down to the beach and run south. You can run to the tiny beach colony of Crystal Cove--note the bright blue cottage where the movie “Beaches” was filmed--and turn back, or continue on to El Morro Trailer Park. Remember, run at low tide!

DANA POINT HARBOR

Difficulty rating: **

Distance: (3-6 miles, depending on route)

Like the Balboa Ferry Run, this trek has a nautical theme with a closer look at the boats and goings-on in the harbor. Sight of the Dana Point Turkey Trot each Thanksgiving, this starts at the Marine Studies Institute, passes the Golden Lantern Lookout, and crosses over onto the boat island onto Dana Point Drive. For extra mileage, add a run down nearby Doheny State Beach and back.

Directions: Park near the Marine Studies Institute at the south end of Dana Point Harbor Drive. Follow Dana Point Harbor Drive to Island Way. Turn right, crossing onto island, then right again on Dana Drive running to the west end of the island. Make a 180-degree turn, cross back to the mainland and proceed east on Dana Point Harbor Drive to Doheny State Beach. At this point, either turn and go back or proceed on for a bit of beach running. (Caution, Doheny’s shore is usually covered by small rocks).

MORO CANYON

Difficulty rating: ****

Distance: (8 miles)

Once one of the finest “secret” runs around, Moro Canyon is now a popular weekend venture for runners, hikers and mountain bikers. It’s no wonder. Moro offers a twisting, undulating canyon trail that gradually climbs for about three miles. But it’s the fourth mile--after the main trail forks--that shows what kind of shape you’re in. The path begins a steep ascent--switchbacks at first, then straight on climbing--to the summit, about 1 1/4 miles from the valley floor. If you haven’t exhausted your reserves by then, the mostly downhill run on the way back gives you an opportunity to really fly. Warning: The canyon can get crowded, especially on Sunday mornings. Best time to run on weekends is before 8 a.m. And watch for reckless mountain bikers; there are plenty. Water available near parking lot only.

Directions: Moro Canyon is located off Coast Highway, about 1/4 mile south of the entrance to the El Morro Trailer Park in North Laguna Beach. Parking is $4 (free if you get there before the attendant arrives at 7 a.m.).

HUNTINGTON BEACH RIVER JETTY TO THE PIER

Difficulty rating: *

Distance: (about 7 1/2 miles, round trip)

For flatland runners, this is just the route. A smooth, flat asphalt bike trail connects the river jetties to the Huntington Beach Pier, providing a safe path free of cars. Watch out for bicyclists and roller-skaters, though. And although it is flat, it can get fairly windy along the way. This is an ideal run at sunset.

Directions: Start at the river jetty and run north on the bike path to the pier. Turn around and run back.

SAN JUAN TRAIL

Difficulty rating: ** to *****

Distance: (3 to 20+ miles)

This tree-lined trail located off the Ortega Highway is the site of the San Juan Trail 50-Mile trail run each November. The entire trail is 23.2 miles long, but you can run shorter versions including a four-mile round trip up to the top of the switchbacks or a 12-mile round trip to Sugarloaf Peak. No matter how many miles you attempt, this is not an easy run. But if you’re in fairly good shape, and don’t mind hilly challenges, it’s well worth the drive to get there. Bring water!

Directions: Take the Ortega Highway, route 74, north from I-5. The trail head is at Hot Spring Canyon about 3/4 mile past the San Juan ranger station.

SANTIAGO OAKS REGIONAL PARK ANAHEIM HILLS

Difficulty rating: ** to *****

Distance: (3 to 10+ miles)

For those who have never visited Santiago Oaks Regional Park nestled in the hills of Orange Park Acres, this could be a real treat. The park itself includes only about 150 acres, but has nature trails that are good for younger runners. Beyond the park lies the vast Anaheim Hills trail system, made up mostly of dirt fire roads, some of which are very, very steep. Although the trail system is closed during summer months because of fire danger--you can run back there if you secure a permit from the Anaheim Fire Department first--try it in the cooler months. It is by far one of the most challenging running areas in the county.

Directions: Santiago Oaks Regional Park is located at the north end of Windes Drive, one-quarter mile north of Santiago Canyon Road in Orange Park Acres.

SKYLINE DRIVE

Difficulty rating: ****

Distance: (6 miles)

Those looking for hills without the dust can find that here. Skyline Drive takes you from the flatlands to the hills of Lemon Heights and Cowan Heights by way of a thin strip of winding, twisting road. Caution is advised, though, as there is little room in some parts for vehicles to pass. Do not try this run at night.

Directions: Start at Foothill High School, at the corner of Newport Avenue and Foothill Boulevard. Take Newport Avenue south to Skyline Drive. Take a left on Skyline, and follow it as it twists and turns through Lemon Heights. Careful, it’s easy to get turned around here. Take Skyline to Cowan Heights Drive and turn left. Turn left again at Newport, and go back to Foothill High.