When you consider how many beautiful places there are in Northern California, it’s pretty easy to overlook some of our ridiculously epic state parks. We honestly have some amazing parks here – ones that tend to be tragically underrated, if you ask us. Take a look at these awe-inspiring state parks in NoCa that are sadly under-appreciated, and make plans for a visit to one (or more!) of them soon.

1. Emerald Bay State Park, El Dorado County
Emerald Bay State Park, 138 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA
Desolation Hiker/Flickr
This beautiful spot at Lake Tahoe is truly spectacular and has what might be the perfect California weather. You'll find summertime temperatures of 75 during the day and 44 at night - nice and cool. In addition to the astounding natural beauty of this place, the mansion Vikingshom is an incredible example of Scandinavian architecture - visit it by hiking down a steep, one-mile trail. Emerald Bay is also home to unique underwater trail for SCUBA divers and adventurers.
2. McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park, Shasta County
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, 24898 CA-89, Burney, CA 96013, USA
California State Parks/Flickr
This state park gets plenty of visitors, but we couldn't leave it off this list because it's impossible to fully appreciate it until you've seen it. 900 acres of forest to explore, plus the stunning 129-foot Burney Falls makes this park a must-see. Learn more on the official website.
3. Russian Gulch State Park, Mendocino County
Russian Gulch State Park, California 95460, USA
Steven Bratman/Flickr
This park pretty much has it all - shady forest trails, tidepools, waterfalls, a rocky coastline and a beach. A short 2.5-mile hike takes you to this gorgeous 36-foot tall waterfall; you'll also love the secluded little beach here. Check this article out to learn more about this awesome state park.
4. Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, Mendocino County
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, Whitethorn, CA 95589, USA
Scoobyfoo/Flickr
Sinkyone is a rugged beauty, but it's not for everyone. The trails are steep, and the camping is primitive. You'll need to carry in your own potable water and carry out your trash. Sometimes the parking area is inaccessible due to flooding. The few that venture here find gray whales, sea lions, seals and even elk. It's well worth the effort, if you're up to the challenge. Learn more about Sinkyone State Park in this article.
5. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, Santa Cruz County
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, Aptos Creek Rd, Aptos, CA 95003, USA
Vu L./Yelp
This redwood forest is a quiet retreat where you'll enjoy a day of hiking or an overnight stay at one of the campsites. Traverse 30 miles of trails that take you from the sea level to 2,600 feet. For true solitude, hike six miles from the West Ridge Trailhead to the trail camp. Click here to learn more on the official website.

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6. Angel Island State Park, Marin County
Angel Island, Tiburon, CA 94920, USA
ray_explores/flickr
Angel Island State Park is hiding right in plain sight in San Francisco Bay. Take a ferry or private boat to this little oasis, which has some of the best views of the bay area to be found. Hike or ride your bike along the trails here, and plan to camp overnight for a great outdoor experience. Click here to learn more.
7. Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park, Shasta County
Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park, McArthur, CA 96056, USA
Marcia Wright/Wikimedia
This remote park is a true hidden gem - you can only access it by boat. Here, you'll find freshwater springs, lakes and lava flows. Explore the springs to find some ancient fish traps built by the Ahjumawi tribe. Hike on over 20 miles of trails here, but wear adequate shoes - the lava is sharp. Check this article out for more information.
8. Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, Amador County
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, 14881 Pine Grove Volcano Rd, Pine Grove, CA 95665, USA
reverendlukewarm/flickr
This little park is the perfect blend of beautiful, natural surroundings and intriguing Native American history. The oak trees that surround this place provided acorns to feed the Miwok tribe. The large, flat stone here was used to grind acorns into flour, which formed holes you can still see today. Camp overnight in one of the seven bark houses that might give you an idea of what life was like for the Miwoks. Read this article to learn more about this intriguing, underrated state park.
9. Donner Memorial State Park, Nevada and Placer Counties
Donner Memorial State Park, 12593 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161, USA
Joe Parks/Flickr
This park memorializes the Donner Party, who were trapped here in the winter of 1846-47 and died of starvation and exposure and... well, there were other horrors involved, too. The Pioneer Monument pays tribute to every pioneer who traveled this trail. Visitors will enjoy 2.5 miles of hiking trails, and Donner Lake. It's a beautiful place to spend the day or stay overnight. Click here to learn more.
10. Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Humboldt County
Humboldt Redwoods State Park, 17119 Avenue of the Giants, Weott, CA 95571, USA
Rene Rivers/Flickr
This amazing park includes the Rockefeller Forest, which is the world's largest number of old-growth coastal redwoods, covering 17,000 acres. The entire park encompasses 53,000 acres and is one of the best places to see redwoods in the entire state. Camp in one of the 250 campsites and explore to your heart's content. Check this article out for more information on this amazing place.

What’s your favorite northern California state park? Tell us about your most recent visit.

If you’re ready to get out and explore more of northern California’s beauty, take our Lighthouse Road Trip.

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More to Explore

State Parks to Visit in Northern California

Tori Jane | February 13, 2022

What are the best state parks in Northern California?  

The beautiful – and remarkably diverse – state of California is home to an impressive 280 parks and recreation areas managed by the state. Northern California is home to some of the most amazing state parks in the nation, if you ask us, and it’s obvious why: this region is so incredibly scenic that people flock to it from all over the world just to experience it. Some of our favorite state parks in Northern California include McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park, which features a breathtaking waterfall, and Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, which is home to a magnificent shoreline and some of California’s most picturesque, rugged landscapes. If you’re a fan of ghost towns, you can’t miss Bodie Historical State Park, which is an amazing little place that will remind you very much of what used to be. Donner Memorial State Park is another hidden gem with a crystal-clear lake and incredible mountain views. Want more? Check this article out for more information about each of these, plus many more! 

What are the most epic hiking trails in Northern California?  

The entire state of California is home to more than 11,000 hiking trails – many of which just so happen to be in the northern portion of the state. Many of our most epic hikes are located in our state and National Parks, and it’s pretty easy to see why – they. Are. Amazing. Some of the most epic hiking trails in Northern California are the unforgettable trails at Yosemite National Park, like the Mist Trail, Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, and John Muir Trail. Other amazing hikes in NoCa include the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail, Vernal Falls Trail, and so many more. With more than 11,000 trails all over the state to choose from, you’re sure to find something to fall head over heels – or should we say head over hiking boots? - in love with.  

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