Posted in Northern California Hiking March 29, 2022 by

11 Amazing Northern California Hikes Under 2 Miles You’ll Absolutely Love

You don’t have to be an extreme mountaineer to love nature. It’s just as much fun to go for a short walk in the woods as it is to go on a long hike. All throughout the state, you’ll find gorgeous loops and short overlook trails that only take a little bit of time to complete—and they’re just as stunning as the more rigorous hikes Northern California is known for. Here are 11 of our favorite short trails that pack a lot of scenery into a smaller package. We know you are going to love them as they are some of the best hikes in Northern California.

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1. Ka Kahleh Trail, Noyo
Ka Kahleh Trail, Noyo Point Rd, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA
AllTrails/ Arthur Kelly III
Coming in at just about two miles, this lovely out-and-back trail near Noyo is good for walking, trail running, birding, and road biking and is accessible year-round. If you visit this time of year, you might see some wildflowers, as well.

Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Ka Kahleh Trail, one of the most scenic trails in Northern California.
2. Holbrook Grove and Eel River, Redway
309 Oakridge Dr, Redway, CA 95560, USA
AllTrails/ Craig Hoefer
This 1.1-mile trail is a scenic stroll along the water that will have you catching your breath. You might even see some men and women fly-fishing out on the river when you get there. This is a fun little spot you will fall in love with.

Visit AllTrails to learn more about this Holbrook Grove and Eel River hike, one of the best hikes in Northern California.
3. Belinda Point Trail, Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA
AllTrails/ Dennis Olivarez
Not only can you see the dramatic coastal features this hike is known for, you might also catch a glimpse of some wildlife playing in the waters below. The one-mile trail is located just south of the Mendocino Botanical Gardens.

Visit AllTrails to learn more about Belinda Point Trail in Northern California.
4. Upper Salmon Lake Trail, Sierra City
Tahoe National Forest, California 96126, USA
AllTrails/ Robin Kinsel
Don't underestimate this 1.4-mile hike, especially if you aren't used to the elevation! The trail follows along the curve of Salmon Lake, so you have views of the water for basically the whole hike.

Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Upper Salmon Lake Trail, one of the best scenic hikes in Northern California.
5. Hoyt Trail, Nevada City
Nevada City, CA 95959, USA
AllTrails/ Patrick Austin
This popular 1.6-mile trail along the Yuba River is a scenic spot. It leads to a swimming hole when the water levels on the river are safe to jump in. Just make sure you check ahead of time to see if it's safe for swimming.

Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Hoyt Trail in Northern California.
6. Monroe Ridge Trail, Coloma
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, 310 Back St, Coloma, CA 95613, USA
AllTrails/ Rob Aadland
This 3.6-mile nature loop is accessible year-round. From this photo, you are looking down on the American river where the Monroe Ridge Trail goes straight to the water. Just be careful of swift currents this year!

Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Monroe Ridge Loop in Northern California.
7. Montgomery Grove Trail, Montgomery
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve, 15825 Orr Springs Rd, Ukiah, CA 95482, USA
AllTrails/ Tanner McGehee
This 1.9-mile trail through the stunning redwood forests of Montgomery Grove is just incredible. It's relatively uncrowded, too. It's one of the most scenic hikes in Northern California.

Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Montgomery Grove Trail in Northern California.
8. Potem Falls Trail, Montgomery Creek
Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Big Bar, CA 96010, USA
AllTrails/ Raquel LeBaudour
You only have to walk 0.4 miles along this trail before you are rewarded by the jaw-dropping views of Potem Falls. The falls crash into a lovely pool that makes a great swimming hole if you dare to brave the cold water.

Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Potem Falls Trail in Northern California.
9. Kangaroo Lake Trail, Callahan
Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Big Bar, CA 96010, USA
AllTrails/ Francie Skinner
This 1.1-mile trail takes you to the sparkling blue waters of Kangaroo Lake. You will be impressed with the well-maintained, handicap-accessible trail here.

Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Kangaroo Lake Trail in Northern California.
10. Burney Falls Loop Trail, Burney
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, 24898 CA-89, Burney, CA 96013, USA
AllTrails/ Nic Hall
This 1-mile trail allows you to take in the surrounding forest before stopping and beholding one of the greatest landmarks in Northern California. Burney Falls is spectacular, and everyone should hike this easy path to view it.

Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Burney Falls Loop Trail, one of the best trails in Northern California.
11. Hidden Lake Trail, Forks of Salmon
Trinity Alps Wilderness, Junction City, CA 96048, USA
AllTrails/ J Shaw
This 1.7-mile trail is short and well-groomed, and the pretty Hidden Lake is well worth the effort. Expect a little bit of steepness towards the end of the hike.

Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Hidden Lake Trail, one of the most scenic trails in Northern California.

Have you ever hiked any of these best hikes in Northern California? What other gorgeous hikes are there in Northern that are less than two miles? Share your experiences and suggestions with us!

Interested in more short hikes? Take one of these low-key hikes in Northern California with amazing payoffs.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes In Northern California

April 03, 2022
Melissa M.

What are some of the easiest hikes in Northern California?

While there are certainly some difficult hikes around NorCal, there are also some rather easy ones that are equally as scenic. For example, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is known for its towering ancient redwoods which you can explore along one of a few easy trails. You can take in stunning views of Lake Tahoe along the 1.6-mile Floating Island Lake Trail. You can learn about these and more in this article.

What are some of the best campgrounds in Northern California?

While you can always find a campground in the woods, why not try something different and go camping on the beach instead? In our article, 12 Spectacular Spots In Northern California Where You Can Camp Right On The Beach, you’ll learn where to reserve a spot on the sand for the night. 

Are there any kid-friendly hikes in Northern California?

There are so many places we would love to bring our children to explore and that includes the great outdoors. Luckily there are plenty of trails under one mile that are easy enough for kids to hike. Located in Putah Creek Wildlife Area, the 0.7-mile Pleasants Ridge Trail offers an easy trek up a hill where you will be rewarded with gorgeous landscape views. You can find out more in this post.