Most People Don't Know These 11 Hidden Gems In Northern California Even Exist
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Jill S.
Author
When it comes to scenic views and epic vistas, Northern California offers some of the best destinations across the nation. It’s no surprise to anyone that we live in one of the most beautiful places, but one of the best things about this part of the country is that there is always something new to discover. Here’s a list of some hidden gems in Northern California that will amaze you even if you have already seen them 100 times.
1. Fern Canyon, Prairie Creek Redwood State Park
Fern Canyon, California 95555, USA
This magical hike takes you over a creek's path through a fern-laden canyon. The walls are completely covered with plants and everything surrounding you as you walk this one-mile trail is green and alive.
Let's take a hike through Fern Canyon in the Redwoods National Park in this video from California Through My Lens:
Let's take a hike through Fern Canyon in the Redwoods National Park in this video from California Through My Lens:
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2. Castle Lake
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Castle Lake, California 96067, USA
Located in the Trinity Cascades, this picturesque subalpine lake is known for its crystal clear water and a border of gold and green forest. It's an amazing place to go for a dip after a hike.
3. Turtle Bay Exploration Park
Turtle Bay Exploration Park, 844 Sundial Bridge Drive, Redding, CA 96001, USA
Sure, by now you have probably heard of the Sundial Bridge in Redding, but did you know that it is located in an amazing natural setting called the Turtle Bay Exploration Park? It features lots of interesting things to explore, like the McConnell Arboretum.
4. Sky Trail, Trees of Mystery
Trees of Mystery, 15500 US-101, Klamath, CA 95548, USA
One of the most appealing and exciting features of the entire Trees of Mystery experience is the nearly 1/3-mile journey through the forest treetops via the unique SkyTrail gondola ride. See the redwoods and even all the way to the ocean from a new perspective.
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5. Lakes Basin Region, Lost Sierra
Lakes Basin Recreation Area, Blairsden-Graeagle, CA 96103, USA
The Lost Sierra is what the mountains of Sierra and Plumas counties have been called over recent years, and if you find yourself in this neck of the woods you need to visit the Lakes Basin region. It holds as much beauty as other parts of the Sierra, such as Yosemite and Tahoe, but significantly lacks the crowds.
6. Lava Beds National Monument
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Lava Beds National Monument, 1 Indian Well, Tulelake, CA 96134, USA
This stunning national monument offers an up close and personal look at some crazy features, like the Crystal Ice Cave, pictured here. A tour of these caves or a mellow walk through less creepy ones are both mind blowing.
For even more hidden gems near you in NorCal, head to the Lava Beds National Monument for some incredible cave exploring in this video from California Through My Lens:
For even more hidden gems near you in NorCal, head to the Lava Beds National Monument for some incredible cave exploring in this video from California Through My Lens:
7. Horse Tail Falls, Desolation Wilderness
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Horsetail Falls, California 95735, USA
This stunning waterfall hike starts in El Dorado County right off Highway 50. You will follow a creek and hike over granite into Desolation Wilderness area and to the base of the falls. It's a spectacular hike, but be careful on the slippery granite!
8. Knights Ferry
Knights Ferry, CA 95361, USA
This Stanislaus County community is simply stunning. It's home to the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi at 330 feet in length. Visitors will also appreciate the surrounding wildflowers.
9. Bowling Ball Beach, Schooner Gulch State Beach
Bowling Ball Beach, California 95468, USA
This notable beach in Mendocino County features interesting spherical rocks that resemble bowling balls. They were formed thanks to an interesting geological process, but make for a photographer's dream location.
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10. Empire Mine
Empire Mine State Historic Park, 10791 E Empire St, Grass Valley, CA 95945, USA
In addition to housing a historic gold mine and its facilities, this state park features 850 acres including miles of scenic trails for hiking, biking, dog walking and horseback riding.
11. Battery Point Lighthouse, Crescent City
Battery Point Lighthouse and Museum/Crescent City Lighthouse, 235 Lighthouse Way, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA
This old, lovely lighthouse is located on a peninsula that turns into an island when the tide comes in. It's still open for tours, but you can also enjoy the scenery from the mainland.
Learn more about the Battery Point Lighthouse in Crescent City, CA in this video from Desert Sky Adventures:
Learn more about the Battery Point Lighthouse in Crescent City, CA in this video from Desert Sky Adventures:
Have you seen all 11 of these amazing hidden gems in Northern California? If so, we are certainly impressed! For more Northern California scenic adventures, check out our recent article about unique day trips in Northern California that are an absolute must-do. One of the best ways to enjoy a road trip through NorCal is to rent an RV from RVShare so you can travel in style.
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More to Explore
More Hidden Gems In California
What are some hidden gems in Northern California?
Northern California is definitely an outdoor lovers' playground. With so many scenic areas to choose from, you'll never run out of adventures. Here are a few hidden gems in Northern California we think you'll love:
- Trinity Alps Wilderness, Junction City, CA: This beautiful area is reminiscent of the Swiss Alps right here in NorCal. The soft spring wildflowers and vibrant green grass contrast with the rugged mountain backdrop in a breathtaking picturesque way. If you love the outdoors with alpine lakes, jagged mountain peaks, and the smell of fresh air, you will fall in love with the Trinity Alps. With more than 600 miles of hiking trails, you could spend your entire life exploring and never get tired of it.
- Mount Diablo State Park, Walnut Creek, CA: Who knew this incredible spot was so close to the Bay Area? When you climb to the summit on the 6.2-mile Mount Diablo Grand Loop Trail, you'll find a lookout tower that will give you jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the Bay Area from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Farallon Islands. You can even drive up to the observation deck if you want to forgo the beautiful scenic hikes all throughout the park.
- Pinnacles National Park, Soledad, CA: Step into a whole new world right here in Northern California near the Salinas Valley. It is a world of fascinating rock formations and wind-swept hills reminiscent of Irish rolling green landscapes. As you hike through peaceful meadows to get to cave-like passages with the occasional California condor soaring above, you'll think you have been transported millions of years into the past.
Discover even more natural hidden gems in NorCal with our featured article about some amazing places to explore in California.