Northern California is the go-to destination for state parks. Whether you’re hungry for a hike in the woods, kayaking along a lazy river, or fishing for a hungry camping posse, there’s more to whet your appetite in our part of the state than we can list. When it comes to the best state parks in Northern California, there are so many that you might feel a bit overwhelmed with all of your options.

Waterfalls, dense redwood forests, white water rafting, and magical trails along the Pacific Ocean mean there’s no reason you should ever say you have nothing to do when you live out here. Take a peek at 19 of our favorite state parks to visit in Northern California, but be nice! We purposely excluded a few of the bullies on the block like Yosemite and Point Reyes. We want you to open your eyes and expand your horizon.

1. Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park  
Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park, McArthur, CA 96056, USA
zug zwang/Flickr
Located in northeastern Shasta County, Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park is only accessible to the public by boat. How cool is that?

Learn more about the beautiful and fascinating Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park in Northeastern California in this video from William B. Ide:
2. San Juan Bautista State Historic Park  
San Juan Bautista State Historic Park, 19 Franklin St, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045, USA
mlhradio/Flickr
Not only can you get your fill of a gorgeous northern California state park, this one has its very own mission to peruse. FYI - The mission is situated adjacent to the San Andreas Fault and has suffered damage from numerous earthquakes.
3. McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, 24898 CA-89, Burney, CA 96013, USA
California State Parks photo by Brian Baer/Flickr
Five miles of streamside and lake shoreline, plus a portion of Lake Britton are what you'll see at this beautiful state park in northern California. But, the cherry on top would be the 129 ft. Burney Falls. It's not the highest or the largest waterfall, but it could be the most beautiful.
4. Portola Redwoods State Park
Portola Redwoods State Park, 9000 Portola State Park Rd, La Honda, CA 94020, USA
Kelly the deluded/Flickr
Santa Cruz doesn't only have beaches-- it has forests, too! Discover redwood trees in this breathtaking state park in California.
5. Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, Whitethorn, CA 95589, USA
Michael Mees/Flickr
Hiking? Check. Sandy Beaches? Check. Rugged wilderness? Check. Oceanfront preserve? Check. Perhaps the best state park in California? Check.
6. Clear Lake State Park
Virginia C/TripAdvisor
Fishing, boating, camping - it's all here in Lake County. This state park can get hot in the summer, so pick a spot with a little shade. Or, spend time in the beautiful cool lake. Did you know that Clear Lake is the oldest lake in America? Cool huh?
7. Angel Island State Park
Angel Island, Tiburon, CA 94920, USA
ray_explores/Flickr
Need we say more? Angel Island State Park might just be one of the best parks in California, just look at that view!
8. Bodie Historical State Park
Bodie State Historic Park, CA-270, Bridgeport, CA 93517, USA
Wolfgang Staudt/Flickr
A state park AND a ghost town rolled into one? Absolutely!
9. Mt. Tamalpais State Park
Mount Tamalpais State Park, 3801 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA
Dan Kurtzman / Moment via Getty Images
Scenic Marin County is where you'll find this lovely state park. The Verna Dunshee Trail is one of the most scenic hiking trails in California, and that's saying something!

Let's go on a hike in Mt. Tamalpais State Park, one of our favorite, often under-appreciated, Northern California state parks in this video from The Life of Sang & Michelle:

Related Stories

The 5 Secret Parks Of Northern California You've Never Heard Of But Need To Visit

The 5 Secret Parks Of Northern California You've Never Heard Of But Need To Visit

 The Northern California Forest Worth Driving Across The State To Explore

The Northern California Forest Worth Driving Across The State To Explore

 The 21 Best Campgrounds in Northern California: Top-Rated & Hidden Gems

The 21 Best Campgrounds in Northern California: Top-Rated & Hidden Gems
10. Emerald Bay State Park
Emerald Bay State Park, 138 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA
Patrick Nouhiller/Flickr
In 1969, Emerald Bay was designated a National Natural Landmark for its brilliant panorama of mountain-building processes and glacier-carved granite. If you decide to camp here the summer temps reach a high of 75 during the day and a low of 40. Yeah, pretty perfect, right?
11. Indian Grinding Rock
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, 14881 Pine Grove Volcano Rd, Pine Grove, CA 95665, USA
Bill Williams/Flickr
Part state park, part American Indian history lesson, marbleized limestone with some 1,185 mortar holes—the largest collection of bedrock mortars in North America...just one of the many reasons you should visit this state park in California.
12. Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, 7360 W Lake Blvd, Tahoma, CA 96142, USA
Steven Harris/Flickr
You might come for the sugar pine and dense fir forests, but the historical mansion brings you back in time to the lives of the incredibly wealthy who escaped to this part of Lake Tahoe for a little peace and tranquility.
13. Donner Memorial State Park
Donner Memorial State Park, 12593 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161, USA
Rita Nitollama/Google Reviews
It might be the spot where members of the ill-fated Donner Party were trapped by weather during the winter of 1846–1847 and ended in tragedy, but we think her majestic beauty erases her sad history.
14. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, 62 CA-1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
Bevis Chin/Flickr
If you're the kind of person who loves a great tidepool then you've found heaven on earth at the beautiful Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. You're welcome!
15. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, Aptos Creek Rd, Aptos, CA 95003, USA
Angel Villalta/Google Reviews
In the area of Aptos and Capitola lies a state park that turns a day hike into a magical adventure. Who wouldn't want to venture through the woods here?
16. Russian Gulch State Park
Russian Gulch State Park, California 95460, USA
m-kojot / iStock via Getty Images Plus
Russian Gulch State Park definitely made the varsity team of state parks. Located along the Sonoma coastline, it boasts tidepools, forest trails, and waterfalls while also attracting anyone this side of the Mississippi who loves camping.
17. South Yuba River State Park
South Yuba River State Park, 17660 Pleasant Valley Rd, Penn Valley, CA 95946, USA
Mike Linksvayer/Flickr
Located along the south fork of the Yuba River, this is a sweet spot of adventure. White water rafting is a thing here! Or if you're not up for an adventure, how about enjoying spring flowers on an easy hike?
18. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA
Cavan Images / Cavan via Getty Images
Situated nine miles east of Crescent City lies the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, a redwood forest masterpiece. Named after explorer Jedediah Smith, it's one of four parks included in the Redwood National and State Parks. You can find the world's largest coast redwood here, which measures 20 feet in diameter and 340 feet tall. With over a dozen amazing hiking trails to explore it is definitely one of the best state parks in NorCal.

Take an adventure with Neil & Lisa's Adventure Channel as they explore the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, one of the coolest state parks in Northern California:
19. Humboldt State Park
Humboldt Redwoods State Park, 17119 Avenue of the Giants, Weott, CA 95571, USA
Scrubhiker (USCdyer)/Flickr
While we're on the topic of redwoods...you MUST add this state park to your bucket list. Located along the Eel River in northern California, Humboldt Redwoods State Park contains some of the world's most majestic ancient redwood groves. The park encompasses over 53,000 acres, including 17,000 acres of old-growth coast redwoods. With over 250 campsites and 100 miles of hiking trails, there's more to do here than your one summer vacation can hold.

With so many amazing state parks in NorCal, it is hard to definitively say which ones are the best state parks in Northern California. Did your favorite state park make the list? Share your top pick with a comment.

Once you’ve explored these state parks, how about venturing off to some of the lesser-known state parks in Northern California? Check out AllTrails+ to find information on the best hiking trails in each park as well.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

state parks to visit in Northern California

Jackie Ann | July 28, 2022

What are the best outdoor adventures in Northern California?

Some of the best outdoor adventures in Northern California include:

 

California isn’t called the Golden State for nothing! Sure, the nickname may have some Gold Rush roots, but it’s also because of the endless opportunities you can have here, and many of them are outdoors. When you’re looking for things to do outside in northern California, you have more options than you realize. From camping in a yurt to cave exploring and chasing waterfalls, you’ll never run out of outdoor adventures in California.

What are the most picturesque hiking trails in Northern California?

Some of the most picturesque hiking trails in Northern California include:

 

One of the best things about this state is how many beautiful hiking trails in California you can take. No matter your skill level or schedule, there’s a hiking trail in California with your name on it. If historic hiking is what you’re all about, there are plenty of historic hikes in California you'll enjoy, like the Petroglyph Point Trail. For a secluded short and sweet hike with some stunning scenery, check out the Montgomery Grove Trail in Mendocino.

Which state parks should I visit in Northern California?

Some of the best state parks to visit in Northern California include:

 

Did you know there are 280 state parks in California? It’s one of the largest and most diverse state park systems in the country. In addition to the 19 state parks listed above, there are plenty of other state parks to visit in California, especially in northern California. Auburn State Recreation Center is one of the best state parks in California to visit when you want to go swimming, the swimming hole located here is one of the most picturesque swimming holes in northern California.

Related Articles

Explore Northern California