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10 Stunning Northern California Hikes to do

BySwetha Kannan

1. Alamere Falls, Point Reyes National Seashore

How does a hike to a waterfall that cascades over a cliff onto a beautiful beach sound like? Alamere Falls is a very popular hike in the Point Reyes National Seashore Philip Burton Wilderness Area. Throughout the hike you will also experience stunning ocean views and breeze.

You can begin your hike at Palomarin, Bear Valley or Five Brooks. All the parking lots fill up very quicky, so arrive early. It is important to not take any shortcuts since park authorities regularly conduct a lot of search and rescue operations here so stick to the trail.

2. Castle Crags Dome, Castle Crags State Park

Castle Crags Dome is a hike in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest area. The hike is steep and takes you to some of the most dramatic views of granite rocks in a short distance. This park is popular among rock climbers for the same reason.

It is best to hike this trail during spring though Fall since snow might make the hike dangerous during winter. One interesting fact is that a part of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) runs through Castle Crags State Park.

3. Dipsea Trail, Muir Woods to Stinson Beach

This is going to be one of your favorite hikes in Northern California. There is a whimsical ladder here in the middle of the forest to go from one level to another level in the hike. How amazing is that? You hike through beautiful waterfalls, streams and gorgeous ocean views.

4. Fern Canyon, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Want to walk amidst tall walls of Fern where Steven Spielberg’s classic Jurassic Park II was filmed? Then you need to hike this gorgeous trail. Some of the ferns here are almost 325 million years old!

If you are planning to hike here between May 15th and September 15th, you will need a free Gold Bluffs Beach/ Fern Canyon parking reservation that you can apply for here. It is recommended that you wear waterproof boots or sandals for this hike since it can get wet.

5. Half Dome, Yosemite National Park

Half Dome is not just a California bucket list hike but a US National Park bucket list hike. It is located 4800 ft above Yosemite Valley and the 10 to 12 hour hike is one of the most iconic hikes of Yosemite National Park. You will pass through Vernal and Nevada waterfalls to sub dome and then to the half dome cables with the most amazing views of the High Sierra.

6. Lassen Peak, Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Peak stands on an active volcano thereby making this a thrilling hike. The parking lot itself is at an altitude of 8450 ft but the hike is only 2.5 miles in one direction. The climb is steep with about 2000 ft elevation gain which makes this a difficult hike but it is well worth the views.

  • Hiking Trail: Lassen Peak
  • Distance: 4.9 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1971 ft

7. High Peaks Trail, Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is famous for its talus caves and rocky spires. The High Peaks Trail is one of the most unique hikes with panoramic views of the rocky spires. Some sections are steep and the trail is very exposed, so good sun protection is important. For this reason, Spring is one of the best times to visit Pinnacles National Park.

8. Point Lobos Loop Trail, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Hike along one of the best coastal trails of Northern California at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. This is also a great place to see lots of wildlife such as deer, sea lions, birds and a lot of ocean wildlife as well as Pine and Cypress trees.

9. D. L. Bliss State Park

The Rubicon Trail in South Lake Tahoe connects D.L.Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay which are two very beautiful parks in California. The best part of this trail is that it goes along the water for most parts which makes for great views at every point. You also get magnificent mountain views on this hike.

10. Tomales Point Trail, Tule Elk Preserve

Incredible ocean views, magical foggy trails, Tule Elk sightings and what not. This is a total stunner of a hike located in Tule Elk Preserve. Along the trail, you can see Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay and the Pacific Ocean! The Bluffs along California coast are unstable so always stay away from cliff tops.

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