15 Of The Most Scenic Hikes In Northern California You’ll Love
When was the last time you took a walk somewhere beautiful? Northern California is truly one of the most gorgeous parts of the country, and it’s easy to take it for granted. But a day spent meandering through the woods, or breathing deeply of some salty ocean air and releasing the tensions we’ve carried after a week of work — that’s good stuff.
Here are a few of the most scenic hikes in Northern California should totally check out!
Perhaps unsurprisingly, our list of the most scenic hikes in Northern California begins among the redwoods. Stout Grove Trail is the world's most scenic stand of these giant trees. It's not all that large, and it doesn't have the biggest trees, but for sheer photogenic beauty, nothing beats this extraordinary grove on a sunny afternoon.
You can learn a lot about the trees along this trail, which has informational signage as well as some points with audio. The ride up to the top of the mountain is beautiful, and the magnificence of the trees is amazing. You will pay an admission fee at Trees of Mystery, but it's an only-in-California kind of experience that's totally worth it.
Five miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails by way of a railroad grade, this gorgeous trail begins at the Hammond Bridge – which crosses the Mad River.
Ediza Lake is a beauty. Day hikers can reach the lake after seven miles, but if you spend some time hiking along the shore of the lake, your round trip distance could be closer to 15 miles. Which means you burn enough calories for extra s'mores once you set up camp.
As you approach the first ridge, you'll see wildflowers and butterflies every which way and direction. Around the bend are the Tamarack Lakes, reflecting endless sky, clouds, and trees. And then there's Young America Lake, which is just as divine. On a clear day, you can see to the Sacramento Valley while on Sierra Buttes Trail.
John Muir considered the alpine beauty in this area to be unsurpassed by any other terrain in all the range. We don't disagree. If you decide to fish or backpack at Iceberg Lake Trail, you will not be disappointed.
One of the world's largest living trees is on this trail, which President Coolidge proclaimed the Nation's Christmas tree in 1926. Come for this redwood giant, and stay and enjoy this trail!
Dim and quiet, wrapped in mist and silence, this is a world unto its own. Fern Valley Trail is a magical forest wonderland that just dares wood fairies to dart out at any second!
From the edge of the lake’s blue waters, there are perfect views of massive Mount Shasta and the surrounding mountains. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can hike all of the Siskiyou Trail on a scenic, seven-mile loop around the lake.
The centerpiece of Prairie Creek is Elk Prairie, a grassy meadow surrounded by giant redwoods standing heroically in the misty coastal sunshine. Often, a herd of Roosevelt elk grazes languidly on the golden prairie, as if posting for a postcard.
The driving force in the creation of the redwoods state and national parks on California’s North Coast was the Save-the-Redwoods League. Founder's Grove was selected to memorialize the originators of that league. Expect something special on this easy, half-mile hike. There is a guide accompanying this trail that is packed with useful information.
Last, but certainly not least, our list of scenic spots in Northern California brings us to Salt Point Trail. On the Sonoma County coast north of San Francisco, you will find an awe-inspiring stretch of coastline known as Salt Point State Park. This 6,000-acre park includes a marine reserve that is popular with divers and great oceanfront trails for hikers. Everyone loves it, and you will, too.
There are more hiking trails in Northern California than you imagine. Trails that lead you to magical places where nature is untainted and our cares are massaged away by the sheer beauty of vistas overlooking majestic mountain peaks, glistening lakes, pebble filled creeks, or lazy rivers. The choice is all yours.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 17 West 4th Avenue, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA
Address: Lassen Peak, California, USA
Address: Trees of Mystery, California 95548, USA
Address: Hammond Trail, McKinleyville, CA, USA
Address: Patricks Point, CA 95570, USA
Address: Eagle Lake, California 96130, USA
Address: Ediza Lake, California, USA
Address: Sierra Buttes Trail, Sierra City, CA 96125, USA
Address: Iceberg Lake, California, USA
Address: Kings Canyon National Park, California, CA 93633, USA
Address: Fern Valley, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549, USA
Address: Wilderness Falls, California 96039, USA
Address: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, 127011 Newton B. Drury Scenic Pkwy, Orick, CA 95555, USA
Address: Founders Grove, California 95569, USA
Address: Salt Point Trail, California 95450, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Scenic Hikes In Northern California
February 04, 2021
Beth C.
Does Northern California have any kid-friendly hikes?
Yes! While many of Northern California's trails are very technically demanding and prove to be a challenge for even the most experienced hikers, there are several hikes that can be enjoyed by all ages. Some of the best kid-friendly hikes in Northern California include Pleasants Ridge Trail in Winters, Stout Memorial Grove Trail in Crescent City, Captain Jack's Trail in Tulelake, Potem Falls Trail in Montgomery Creek, Subway Cave Trail in Hat Creek, Dave Moore Nature Trail in Lotus, Patrick's Point Trail in Trinidad. You can learn more about these trails under one mile in Northern California.
Where can I go in Northern California that only the locals know about?
Let's face it: much of Northern California is constantly being explored by tourists. And while that's not necessarily a bad thing, sometimes all you want is to discover places with more solitude. If you're curious to explore spots in California that only the locals know about, you should check out any of the following destinations: Downieville, Moaning Caverns Adventure Park, Mount Shasta Lavender Farms, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Calaveras Big Tree State Park, Devil's Slide Trail, Point Reyes National Seashore, Castle Lake, Natural Bridges, McCloud, and Calistoga Ranch. For more information about these places, you can read our previous article: 11 Hidden Places In Northern California Only The Locals Know About.
What are the best state parks to visit in Northern California?
Northern California is truly an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. It's hard to imagine this region without its incredible array of state parks. Some of the most popular parks to visit in Northern California include Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park, San Juan Bautista State Historic Park, McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park, Portola Redwoods State Park, Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, Clear Lake State Park, Angel Island State Park, Bodie Historical State Park, Mt. Tamalpais State Park, and Emerald Bay State Park.
Northern California In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
Joanne is a fourth-generation Northern Californian. She knows good sour dough bread when she tastes it and understands the best parts of the Golden State are nowhere near Los Angeles.
