Northern California offers a lush landscape full of trails and natural areas that are wonderful to enjoy any time of year they’re accessible, but nothing compares to the way they feel in the spring. New green growth everywhere, blossoms bursting and falling to the forest floor like snowflakes that never melt — there is literally no other time of year to experience these amazing spectacles of nature! Here are just a few Northern California day hikes that are best enjoyed in the spring.
Cataract Trail – Marin County
The Cataract Trail in Marin County, California is a 7.7 mile hike that can be completed in half a day. The trail winds through tree-covered hillsides and dips into forested areas filled with Douglas firs and young Redwoods. The Cataract Trail is very scenic with multiple waterfalls and vistas that extend out to the Pacific Ocean. Hikers should exercise caution along the wet areas near the waterfalls, and watch for poison oak in the narrower portions of the hike.
Lost Coast Trail – Humboldt County
The Lost Coast Trail is another day hike that is perfect for spring weather. This trail goes along the black sand beach of the King Ranch natural conservation area in Humboldt County, and offers stunning views of the coastline. A myriad of trails lead to the Lost Coast Trail and while the entire trail is 24 miles, parts of it can be hiked in under a day. Hikers should note that sections of the trail are sometimes covered under tidal waters.
Berry Creek Falls Loop – Bay Area
The Berry Creek Falls Loop located in the Big Basin Redwoods State Park is a full day adventure through old growth redwood trees. This trail option is one of the more difficult Northern California day hikes and stretches 10.2 miles across the San Francisco Bay Area. The Berry Creek Falls loop includes several waterfalls and the trail contains a thousand feet of elevation gain. Hikers should be careful around the banana slugs and avoid touching them because salt from the human hand harms their skin.
Horse Heaven Trail – Mission Peak
The Horse Heaven Trail to Mission Peak is a 6 mile journey that provides magnificent views of the Diablo Range and the San Francisco Bay. The trail is relatively rigorous and less populated than other Northern California day hikes. Hikers should be aware of the possible presence of rattlesnakes and avoid scaring the cows that pepper the trail.
Featured Image from Jules Marvin Eguilos/Unsplash
