10 Best Hiking And Trekking Spots In Northern California

1. Marin Headlands

Marin Headlands is a hilly peninsula that is located at the southernmost end of Marin County. This place is accessed by traveling farther north of San Fransisco across Golden Gate Bridge. There are about 42 hikes that can be found in Marine Headlands, all of which are excellent as the trails pass through hills and beaches. The view of Golden Gate Bridge, along with the coastal beauty and pretty wildflowers, make this the perfect hiking spot. The long multiple trailheads can help in making long miles of the trail loop. These trails are best visited during spring and summer as the winter can be windy, foggy, and cold. The difficulty of these multiple trails ranges from easy to difficult.

Marin Headlands

Address: Sausalito, CA

Website: Marin Headlands

Accesible in: Summer - Spring

Difficulty: Easy - Difficult

2. Carlon Falls Trail

Carlon Falls Trail is often referred to as Yosemite on the cheap! This short and sweet trail is a 3.8-mile (6 km) hike that opens up to a beautiful view of Carlon Falls. This is an easy trail, with a smooth path. The area near the waterfalls becomes a popular swimming spot during the later part of the day, so visiting early can help you beat the crowd. The best time to hike here would be from May to September. If you like quiet treks with serene views, then this hike would leave you with lots of peaceful memories.

Carlon Falls Trail

Address: 32158 Evergreen Rd, Groveland, CA

Website: Carlon Falls Trail

Accesible in: May - September

Difficulty: Easy

3. Alamere Falls, Palomarin Trailhead

Alamere Falls is a tidefall type of waterfall that flows into the ocean from Point Reyes National Seashore. Palomarin Trailhead is the coastal trail that leads into the bay area of the waterfalls. It is a 13.8-mile-long (22 km) trail. This is an out-and-back trail, which is heavily trafficked and features a lake as well. The trail is well-marked and offers a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. Be careful of the slippery rocks if you are planning to go down to the shores, and avoid visiting the beach during high tides. This trail can be accessed at any time of the year and is rated moderate in terms of difficulty level.

Alamere Falls, Palomarin Trailhead

Address: Palomarin Trail Head, Bolinas, CA

Website: Alamere Falls, Palomarin Trailhead

Accessible in: All year

Difficulty: Moderate

4. Copper Creek Trailhead

Copper Creek Trailhead is an out-and-back 13.8-mile-long (22 km) trail. It is used for a multitude of purposes, along with hiking, camping, and bird-watching, to name a few. This is a very exposed trail, so starting early in the day can relieve you from the scorching heat. Water sources are scarce, hence it is advised to carry plenty of water along with you. The best months to visit are from May to October. Hikers have rated this as a moderate to difficult hike.

Copper Creek Trailhead

Address: Copper Creek Trail, Miramonte, CA

Website: Copper Creek Trailhead

Assesible in: May - October

Difficulty: Moderate - Difficult

5. Natural Bridges Trailhead

This 2-mile (3.2 km) trail leads you into the must-visit natural features of New Melones. This is a round-trip trail that opens into beautiful limestone caverns—naturally carved out by Coyote Creek. The exalted spot features a creek that flows into massive caves. There are a number of activity options that can be explored at this site. This is a great place to hang out with kids too. You can access this trail all year round, and its difficulty level is easy.

Natural Bridges Trailhead

Address: Parrotts Ferry Rd, Vallecito, CA

Accessible in: All Year

Difficulty: Easy

6. Loch Leven Lakes Trailhead

Loch Leven Lakes Trailhead is located in Tahoe Forest of Northern California. It is an 8-mile (13 km) trailhead, which is marked as moderate in terms of difficulty. This trail allows your fur buddies to accompany you, but they should be kept leashed. This hike features a lake as well and can be accessed from May to October. The trail opens up to a glacially formed region—which is a treat to the eye! There are many other activities that can be explored here apart from hiking.

Loch Leven Lakes Trailhead

Address: Tahoe National Forest, 49645 Hampshire Rocks Rd, Emigrant Gap, CA

Website: Loch Leven Lakes Trailhead

Accessible in: May - October

Difficulty: Moderate

7. Independence Trail

Independence Trail is located in the county of Nevada, Northern California. This is an easy trail that is well-maintained and can be accessed by a wheelchair as well (however, keep in mind the rocks that might be in the way and traverse carefully). This trail opens up into a waterfall. Your fur buddies can also access this trail along with you, but they should be leashed. This is about 4.9 miles (7.8km) long and is an out-and-back trail that can be visited all year round.

Independence Trail

Address: Nevada County, CA

Accessible in: All year

Difficulty: Easy

8. Fairy Falls Trailhead

Fairy Falls Trailhead is a 5.3-mile-long (8.5 km) loop trail. This is a moderate-difficulty hike that can be accessed by your dogs as well, provided they are kept on a leash. This trail features a waterfall, and there are a number of activity options that can be explored while here. The best time to visit is from May till September. The path is well-maintained but varies a lot in terrain, so it is advisable to wear a good pair of hiking shoes.

Fairy Falls Trailhead

Address: 14936 Spenceville Rd, Penn Valley, CA

Accesible in: May - September

Difficulty: Moderate

9. Mill Creek Trail

Mill Creek Trail Head is a 14.9-mile-long (22km) trail in California, which is considered as tough with regard to the difficulty level. The beautiful views of wildflowers make this trail worth all the efforts. Your fur buddy can accompany you on this hike as well. This is an out-and-back type of trail, and the terrain appears to become vertical after a certain point. Remember to carry enough water. You can plan a hike here between the months of March and November for the best experience.

Mill Creek Trail

Address: Wofford Height, CA

Accessible in: March - November

Difficulty: High

10. Rae Lakes Loop Trailhead

Rae Lakes Loop Trailhead is a loop kind of trailhead as evident from the name. This trail is huge, with 41.4 miles (66 km) in total area! It is located near Cedar Grove, California, and can be accessed from June to September. There is a lake here too, and the level of difficulty is high for this hike. This trail is used for numerous activities, like backpacking, camping, nature trips, etc. Ideally, you should go ahead with this adventure only if you have some experience in hiking.

Rae Lakes Loop Trailhead

Address: Bubbs Creek Trail, Kanawyers, CA

Website: Rae Lakes Loop Trailhead

Accesible in: June - September

Difficulty: High

Hike along the best spots!

Mother Nature is calling you to hike and immerse in the majesty of the mountains. So choose any place from the best hiking and trekking spots in Northern California, and get ready to spend a day away from the mundane. Pack your bags, put on your hiking shoes, and get in the groove to have a wonderful experience in the lap of natural beauty.