Northern California offers some of the most scenic day hikes in the country, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging workouts. There is no better way to see the beauty of northern California than to take one of its many winding trails. Feel free to share with us what your favorite hikes in northern California are! Without further ado, here are 5 of Northern California’s best day hikes.
1. Angel Island State Park
To begin with a fairly easy hike in a unique setting, try the trail around Angel Island State Park in the San Francisco Bay. Take the Blue and Gold ferry from Pier 41 in San Francisco to the island. The park offers a five mile loop trail around the island, as well as a shorter hike to the top of Mount Livermore. Angel Island, once owned by the military and used as a missile site, has been completely restored to its natural state, and provides amazing views of the bay.
2. Fern Canyon
For another easy hike in a beautiful wooded area, hike the trail into Fern Canyon near Crescent City. From the beach, you will walk into a very narrow canyon filled with dark green ferns and redwood trees. The direct trail is a short 2.2 miles round trip, or you can hike from the Prairie Creek Campground for a longer hike of over 12 miles.
3. Tomales Bay
There are many good day hikes along the Pacific Coast in north California. Tomales Bay State Park in Marin County has an easy 2.8 mile loop along Tomales Bay on Point Reyes. Shaded by a forest of Bishop pines and coastal live oaks, this trail is a great way to escape the heat of summer.
4. Alamere Falls
For a slightly more strenuous day hike along the shore, try the coast trail from the Palomarin trailhead to Alamere Falls on the Point Reyes National Seashore. Most of the 7.5 mile trip is easy walking, but getting all the way to the falls requires a more difficult climb down a rocky trail to the beach.
5. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Finally, travel farther north in California to Lassen Volcanic National Park, about 45 miles east of Redding. The day hike up to the peak of Lassen Summit winds from 8500 feet up to 10,500 feet, a five mile round trip that will take you about four hours to complete. Don’t forget to take water and sunscreen, and be sure to bring your camera to take a picture of yourself at the top.
Choosing the best day hikes in northern California is difficult and will always be open to debate, but these five hikes will certainly give you a thorough introduction to the hiking opportunities the Golden State can provide.
This wraps up our list for 5 of Northern California’s best day hikes, for more in California: 5 High Altitude Camping Destinations in California, 8 Haunted Campgrounds in California
Featured Image from Yang Liu/Unsplash
