FOR AREA'S CLIMBERS, THIS WEB SITE ROCKS SOME CHOICE LOCATIONS ARE MERELY A CLICK AWAY.

Byline: Chris Cocoles Staff Writer

Is rock climbing for you? Maybe, but perhaps not.

``Climbing can be a very dangerous sport,'' says the Web site called Southern California Rock Climbing (www.SoCalClimbing.com).

``You can be maimed or killed even if you know what you're doing. If you can't climb, for Pete's sake learn before you go tripping off to some huge wall and try to heave yourself to the top. . .

``Thank you, and have fun.''

Why not? The site details and reviews the best rock-climbing spots in and around L.A. Here are some of the recommended rocks:

--Sespe Gorge: Located in the Los Padres National Forest 20 miles south of Ojai in Ventura County, the 300-foot granite wall is a climb that doesn't attract big crowds and has ``lots of fun routes.''

But, the site warns, there is ``lots of poison oak.''

--Malibu Creek State Park: How can you not get fired up to want to scale the Planet of the Apes Wall, one of two main areas?

Close to the San Fernando Valley, the park is just off Mulholland Highway and accessible from the 101 Freeway and isn't a spot for beginners.

``But you can get free technique tips watching the regulars climb.''

--Stoney Point: This is an even closer trip and is in the Valley's backyard just off the 118 Freeway's Topanga Canyon exit.

But beware of the ``really big beehive on the east side of the main rock.''

--Smuggler's cove: If anything, clicking onto this page should provide a soothing feeling because of the page's funky blue and white wallpaper design.

Smuggler's Park, an abalone preserve in Rancho Palos Verdes, is a must see if the pictures the site provides are just as beautiful in person.

And as the site reminds: ``Smuggler's Cove is also an unofficial nude beach (this could be good or bad depending on how you feel about nudity).''

--For dogs only: Your pet will love you for checking out the Dog Fun Directory (www.ilovethisplace.com/california/dogs.htm).

Some local parks don't allow dogs or restrict pets to leashes. But fear no more. Click on the California icon and dog parks in every county in the state can be found.

Among the local dog-friendly facilities: the Calabasas Bark Park, with a link to its Web site, the Hollywood Hills Dog Park (which boasts that Madonna lives nearby) and the Sepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog Park (there are ``pooper scoopers'' on the grounds.

The Web site also includes a message board to swap dog tails . . . er tales.

--Join the club: On Yahoo's Outdoors section, joining a fishing, hunting or climbing club is a click of your mouse away.

The most intriguing organizations found while browsing the choices:

--The Varmint Hunter's Association (``For the benefit of those shooters who seek . . . the taking of smaller game at longer distances.'')

--The Bowfishing Association of America (``It's not only archery. It's fishing, stalking, boating, hunting and genuine outdoor fellowship all wrapped up into one.'')

--Over the Hill Gang, International. Not a 1970s Washington Redskins alumni organization but a club for skiing buffs over the age of 50.

--Quick hits: Any fishermen Heading to New England for his or her next vacation should log onto the American Museum of Fly Fishing site (www.amff.com). The site has cool pictures of antique fly reels.

The museum is located Manchester, Vt. . . . For sale on the Bass Pro Shops online store (www.basspro-shops.com), your everyday Walkin' Worm Kit for a mere $29.99.

``So incredibly real, so incredibly lifelike, it's been known to outfish live bait 3 to 1. Air bubbles trapped between tail segments cause the worm to constantly move, resulting in vicious strikes from big bass.'' Or at least so the site says.