Due to the USFS stream rehab project the original approach to Muscle Beach has been disrupted.  A new, alternate approach is better and shorter.

From the camping area on the right side of 9b (across from the port-a-johns) keep driving to the next (narrow) pull off on the right.  There is a popular camping spot between the road and the creek at this pull off.  The best approach for Minas Tirith is the logging road on the left (west) side of the road.

To get to Muscle Beach cross the creek in this area and hike straight up the hill through some low boulders until you hit an old, flat logging road.  Take it to the left (north) until the first switchback and take it back to the right.  When the road levels off and there are some large boulders to your left, continue along the logging road for a few more steps and locate a faint trail on the left and follow it up to the SW corner of the main cliff in the vicinity of Close Encounters With a Wench, or continue on the logging road around to the south slopes below the main cliff and wander up wherever.