You could spend a lifetime hiking all the scenic hikes in northern California. There are so many to explore that it’s completely overwhelming. We certainly hope you don’t choose to stop at just five… but if you did, here are some of our votes for “best hikes in northern California.”
- Lassen Peak: Shasta County, CA
Ray Bouknight/flickr This challenging hike might be quite strenuous, but it’s definitely worth your effort. You’ll gain 2,000 feet in elevation over the 2.5 miles to the summit, so it’s definitely a workout! When you get to the top, you’ll forget about all the effort it took to get there, because these are some of the best views in the state. Everything looks better from 10,457 feet up! Lassen Peak, California, USA
- Abandoned Train Tunnels At Donner Summit
Sally Sanders/AllTrails When it’s hot outside, the abandoned train tunnels at Donner Summit make for a nice respite. After hiking 5.5 miles, you’ll certainly need the break! Bring along your flashlight and enjoy all the artistic graffiti you’ll see here. There are some incredible views in this historic tunnel. This is one of the most unique hikes in northern California. Historic Summit Tunnel, Sugar Bowl Rd, Truckee, CA 96161, USA
- Sierra Butte Fire Lookout: Pacific Crest Trail, Sierra City, CA, 96125
Neil Kelley/flickr This is an extremely strenuous trail. It’s 5.5 miles round-trip and it’s almost straight up for much of the journey. Once you get close, you’ll still have to climb a 200-stair staircase to see the lookout. But oh, is the reward beautiful! You’ll have views of the Upper and Lower Sardine Lakes, the Sierra Buttes, and the Tahoe National Forest. It’s a difficult hike, but has such a stellar payoff. Pacific Crest Trail, Sierra City, CA, USA
- Bumpass Hell Trail at Lassen Volcanic National Park
Bill Watson/AllTrails This trail is 2.9 miles long and will take you to another world. You’ll cross geothermic mud pits and pools of boiling water, making you feel like you’re a hobbit in “Lord of the Rings.” At the end, you’ll climb up into the peaks for some incredible views. This unique hike in northern California has a strong odor due to the hydrogen sulfide. Bumpass Hell is the largest hydrothermal area in the park, so it like rotten eggs. This otherworldly hike is one you won’t want to miss. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, USA
- Devil’s Slide Trail: 5929-5981 California Coastal Trail, Pacifica, CA, 94044
Toni Corelli/flickr This serene trail was once part of California State Route 1. Now, it’s a 1.3-mile hike that will show you some of the best vistas in the state. Check out the informative signs along the trail, and make sure to bring your camera! This coastal trail is perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. 5929-5981 California Coastal Trail, Pacifica, CA 94044
Which of these scenic hikes in northern California have you ventured down? What gets your vote for best hike in northern California? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Ray Bouknight/flickr
This challenging hike might be quite strenuous, but it’s definitely worth your effort. You’ll gain 2,000 feet in elevation over the 2.5 miles to the summit, so it’s definitely a workout! When you get to the top, you’ll forget about all the effort it took to get there, because these are some of the best views in the state. Everything looks better from 10,457 feet up!
Lassen Peak, California, USA
Sally Sanders/AllTrails
When it’s hot outside, the abandoned train tunnels at Donner Summit make for a nice respite. After hiking 5.5 miles, you’ll certainly need the break! Bring along your flashlight and enjoy all the artistic graffiti you’ll see here. There are some incredible views in this historic tunnel. This is one of the most unique hikes in northern California.
Historic Summit Tunnel, Sugar Bowl Rd, Truckee, CA 96161, USA
Neil Kelley/flickr
This is an extremely strenuous trail. It’s 5.5 miles round-trip and it’s almost straight up for much of the journey. Once you get close, you’ll still have to climb a 200-stair staircase to see the lookout. But oh, is the reward beautiful! You’ll have views of the Upper and Lower Sardine Lakes, the Sierra Buttes, and the Tahoe National Forest. It’s a difficult hike, but has such a stellar payoff.
Pacific Crest Trail, Sierra City, CA, USA
Bill Watson/AllTrails
This trail is 2.9 miles long and will take you to another world. You’ll cross geothermic mud pits and pools of boiling water, making you feel like you’re a hobbit in “Lord of the Rings.” At the end, you’ll climb up into the peaks for some incredible views. This unique hike in northern California has a strong odor due to the hydrogen sulfide. Bumpass Hell is the largest hydrothermal area in the park, so it like rotten eggs. This otherworldly hike is one you won’t want to miss.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, USA
Toni Corelli/flickr
This serene trail was once part of California State Route 1. Now, it’s a 1.3-mile hike that will show you some of the best vistas in the state. Check out the informative signs along the trail, and make sure to bring your camera! This coastal trail is perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
5929-5981 California Coastal Trail, Pacifica, CA 94044
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Hiking Trails Near Me In Northern California March 03, 2022 Lisa Sammons What are some more scenic hikes in northern California? Here are 15 more of the best hikes in northern California. They may vary in length and difficulty, but one thing they all have in common is their incredible views! What are some hiking trails with waterfalls in northern California? One particularly magical waterfall in northern California is the Wapama Falls Trail in Yosemite National Park’s Hetch Hetchy Valley. This is not an easy hike, but it’s incredibly beautiful and will allow you to walk right through a waterfall. It’s also in a fairly secluded region of Yosemite, so you won’t encounter the crowds that most areas of the park typically have. What are some of the best parks in northern California if I want to go hiking? Obviously, Yosemite National Park is absolutely amazing. It’s one of the best parks in California, hands down. However, we have some pretty fantastic state parks in northern California as well. You won’t want to miss these 19; they are all pretty special.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hiking Trails Near Me In Northern California
March 03, 2022
Lisa Sammons
What are some more scenic hikes in northern California? Here are 15 more of the best hikes in northern California. They may vary in length and difficulty, but one thing they all have in common is their incredible views! What are some hiking trails with waterfalls in northern California? One particularly magical waterfall in northern California is the Wapama Falls Trail in Yosemite National Park’s Hetch Hetchy Valley. This is not an easy hike, but it’s incredibly beautiful and will allow you to walk right through a waterfall. It’s also in a fairly secluded region of Yosemite, so you won’t encounter the crowds that most areas of the park typically have. What are some of the best parks in northern California if I want to go hiking? Obviously, Yosemite National Park is absolutely amazing. It’s one of the best parks in California, hands down. However, we have some pretty fantastic state parks in northern California as well. You won’t want to miss these 19; they are all pretty special.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Here are 15 more of the best hikes in northern California. They may vary in length and difficulty, but one thing they all have in common is their incredible views!
What are some hiking trails with waterfalls in northern California?
One particularly magical waterfall in northern California is the Wapama Falls Trail in Yosemite National Park’s Hetch Hetchy Valley. This is not an easy hike, but it’s incredibly beautiful and will allow you to walk right through a waterfall. It’s also in a fairly secluded region of Yosemite, so you won’t encounter the crowds that most areas of the park typically have.
What are some of the best parks in northern California if I want to go hiking?
Obviously, Yosemite National Park is absolutely amazing. It’s one of the best parks in California, hands down. However, we have some pretty fantastic state parks in northern California as well. You won’t want to miss these 19; they are all pretty special.
