If you’re an outdoor lover, an increase in temperature usually awakes a burning desire to get out and explore Northern California’s outdoors. With the amazing weather we’ve been experiencing lately, this is a desire that should not be ignored! Get out and explore our natural areas by taking one of these simple spring hikes. These trails are rated as easy so hikers of all skill levels can experience the beauty they have to offer. How many of these best hikes in Northern California have you done before?

1. Bay View Marsh Trail
Point Pinole Regional Park - Dotson Family Marsh, Richmond, CA 94801, USA
Nathan Tsang/Alltrails
Located in Point Pinole Regional Park in San Pablo, this trail boasts stunning panoramic views of the bay along with breathtaking grasslands and even a eucalyptus forest. This region of the Point Pinole shoreline is a hidden gem that has an overwhelmingly serene atmosphere. You'll definitely want to take your time traversing the four-mile loop trail.

Visit AllTrails to see a trail map and to learn more about one of the most scenic hikes in Northern California.
2. Seven Lakes Basin
Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Big Bar, CA 96010, USA
Francie Skinner/Alltrails
For a trail with mesmerizing views you won't soon forget, try exploring Seven Lakes Basin in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest via the Pacific Crest Trail. This trail is long at 8.4 miles out-and-back. However, it's rated as easy and boasts some of the most spectacular scenery of Northern California's crown jewel—Mount Shasta.

Visit AllTrails to see a trail map and to learn more about one of the best hikes in Northern California.
3. Cosumnes River Walk
Cosumnes River Boulevard, Cosumnes River Blvd, Elk Grove, CA, USA
Janae Gautier/Alltrails
For a lovely hike featuring lots of shade and plenty of greenery, visit the river walk trail in the Consumnes River Preserve south of Sacramento. The three-mile loop trail is incredibly relaxing as it leads you around the preserve. You'll have awesome views of the river and plenty of forestry. The trail is well-marked and extremely flat with lots of boardwalks and bridges to traverse.

Visit AllTrails to see a trail map and to learn more about one of the most beautiful scenic hikes in Northern California.
4. Avery's Pond
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, 7755 Folsom-Auburn Rd, Folsom, CA 95630, USA
Jon Kom/Alltrails
Explore Avery's Pond in the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area via the Pioneer Express Trail. Spring is the perfect time to visit this lovely trail since the area is home to plenty of blossoming wildflowers and shaded areas. Be aware that there is an entry fee to the park but it gives you all-day access to the beautiful lake which is known to be stocked with rainbow trout.

Visit AllTrails to see a trail map and to learn more about Avery's Pond in Northern California.
5. Bumpass Hell Trail
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, USA
Bill Watson/Alltrails
This is one of those "must do" hikes in Northern California and spring is the perfect time to do it. The Bumpass Hell Trail is located in Lassen Volcanic National Park and gives you perfect views of the otherworldly landscape of the park. Here you will come across boiling pools, mud pots, and sulfur vents galore. It's one of the most incredible easy hikes in Northern California.

Visit AllTrails to see a trail map and to learn more about Avery's Pond in Northern California.
6. Sacramento River Trail
Sacramento River Trail, Redding, CA, USA
Simon Paquet/Alltrails
The Sacramento River Trail in Caldwell Park is a notable family-friendly hike that offers a little bit of everything. Gorgeous views of the river, plenty of trees, and not one but TWO lovely bridges (including the epic modern marvel known as Sundial Bridge).

Read our previous coverage to learn more about one of the best hikes in Northern California.
7. UC Davis Arboretum Trail
UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, 1046 Garrod Dr, Davis, CA 95616, USA
Lingxiang Yun/Alltrails
The UC Davis Arboretum is roughly 100-acres of glorious natural beauty. Take the 3.6-mile loop trail through the arboretum which leads you through several gardens as you walk along the side of Putah Creek. The garden is free to visit and open 24 hours a day. The UC Davis Arboretum Trail is also ideal if you're looking for kid-friendly hikes in Northern California.

Visit AllTrails to see a trail map and to learn more about one of the most scenic hikes in Northern California.
8. Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, Bald Hills Rd, Orick, CA 95555, USA
Alltrails User/Alltrails
This easy stroll near Orick, California lets you experience the glory of a beautiful redwood forest if you're short on time. The loop trail is just over one mile and it's very flat. It's perfect for families or those who just want to take a nice, simple walk through a stunning forest. It's another wonderful trail that's one of the best kid-friendly hikes in Northern California.

Visit AllTrails to see a trail map and to learn more about one of the most scenic hikes in Northern California.

What’s your favorite spring hike in Northern California? Do you know of any additional best hikes in Northern California? Let us know in the comments!

Want more exploration ideas? Check out these 11 Amazing Natural Wonders Hiding In Plain Sight In Northern California.

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More to Explore

Best Hikes In Northern California

Melissa M. | April 02, 2022

What are some of the most scenic hikes in Northern California?

You don’t have to trek a long way to take in some spectacular scenery in Northern California. In fact, there are plenty of short and scenic hikes in Northern California for everyone to enjoy. There are numerous trails under five miles that can lead to jaw-dropping places like Stout Grove at Jedediah Smith State Park, Tall Trees Grove at Redwood National Park, and Floating Island Lake Trail in Tahoe, just to name a few.

Are there any kid-friendly road trips in Northern California?

When you want to take the kids on a road trip, you can use our family-friendly road trip through Northern California as your guide. It will lead you to whimsical attractions like Sonoma TrainTown Railroad and American Made Miniatures as well as a tour of the Jelly Belly factory. There’s so much fun to be had along the way!

What are some of the easiest hikes in Northern California?

If you want to explore one of the most spectacular parks in the country, you can take one of seven easy hikes in Northern California’s Yosemite National Park. There’s so much beauty to explore here!

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