10 Picturesque Trails In Northern California That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking
Just because it’s gloomy out doesn’t mean you can’t still get your nature fix! There are so many places in Northern California where you can enjoy nature all year round. Here are a few of our favorites.
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This trail is almost 25 miles long, making it a favorite for longer trekkers who are camping out. It's a great place to just walk down to the ocean, however, and you can easily turn it into a day hike by shortening it down to just a few miles.
This 4.1 mile lightly trafficked loop trail is a stunning, easy loop that sees a variety of uses, including dogwalkers and casual nature observers.
This is an 8 mile trail that offers up some amazing views of the Feather River Watershed. The compelling canyon views will astound you.
This 6.1 mile trail skirts the Mount Diablo State Park and on clear days you can see all the way to the Sierra, Mount Shasta, and Mount Lassen. Check it out in late winter and you might be rewarded with a few wildflowers.
This is a 3.5 mile loop trail that takes you down into a spectacular grove of Redwoods. Be sure to save some energy for the trip back up!
This moderate 7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Klamath, CA that features a great forest setting and ocean views.
Named after the first lady who dedicated the Redwood National Park in 1968, this short but sweet 1.3 mile loop is popular with visitors to the redwoods.
This is a popular beginning snow shoe trail at Lassen, which is known for its snow sports opportunities. It's a 1.6 mile loop and at the time this picture was taken it was still accessible without snowshoes. Contact the park to learn when guided snowshoe tours will be offered this winter.
This 3.6 mile trail offers amazing views of the American River and the surrounding foothills. Dogs must be kept on a leash.
This 25 mile trail is another that is actually great to shorten and turn into day hikes. We don't advise camping out on this one, that is frowned on in this area. The trail links several parks located along the river, including Cronan Ranch and the David Moore Nature Area.
Even in the most temperate of climates, it’s important to use more caution in the winter than you would at other times of the year. Bring layers, extra water and snacks and be sure to check the weather forecast before you leave. Aren’t we lucky to live in such a beautiful place that offers so many opportunities for winter recreation?
