Hikes in Northern California: Northern California is a hiker’s paradise with stunning natural landscapes and breathtaking views. From the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the coastal redwood forests, Northern California is home to some of the best hikes in the world. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 10 best hikes in Northern California.
10 Best Hikes in Northern California
- Mount Whitney
Mount Whitney is the tallest mountain in California and the tallest peak in the contiguous United States, standing at 14,505 feet. It’s a challenging hike that requires preparation and experience, but the views from the summit are worth it. The trailhead is located in the Inyo National Forest, and the hike is around 22 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 6,100 feet.
- Half Dome
Half Dome is one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic landmarks, and the hike to its summit is a bucket-list adventure. The trailhead is located in Yosemite Valley, and the hike is around 16 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 4,800 feet. The final ascent to the summit involves climbing cables that are bolted into the rock, and hikers should be prepared for a long day on the trail.
- Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta is the second-tallest mountain in California, standing at 14,179 feet. The hike to its summit is a challenging but rewarding adventure, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trailhead is located in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, and the hike is around 14 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 7,000 feet.
- Lassen Peak
Lassen Peak is an active volcano in Lassen Volcanic National Park, and the hike to its summit is a popular attraction for visitors. The trailhead is located in the park, and the hike is around 5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. The views from the summit are spectacular, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding wilderness.
- Mount Tallac
Mount Tallac is a prominent peak in the Sierra Nevada range, standing at 9,735 feet. The hike to its summit is a challenging but rewarding adventure, with stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. The trailhead is located in the Desolation Wilderness, and the hike is around 9 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 3,500 feet.
- Lost Coast Trail
The Lost Coast Trail is a remote and rugged wilderness trail that follows the coastline of Northern California. The trailhead is located in the King Range National Conservation Area, and the hike is around 25 miles one way with no elevation gain. The trail passes through stunning coastal scenery, with rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and tidal pools.
- Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America, and the hike to its summit is a popular attraction in Yosemite National Park. The trailhead is located in Yosemite Valley, and the hike is around 7 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2,700 feet. The views of the waterfall and the surrounding valley are breathtaking.
- Feather Falls
Feather Falls is a stunning waterfall in the Plumas National Forest, and the hike to its summit is a popular attraction for visitors. The trailhead is located in the forest, and the hike is around 8 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. The waterfall drops 640 feet, and the views from the summit are spectacular.
- Castle Crags
Castle Crags is a dramatic granite rock formation in the Castle Crags State Park, and the hike to its summit is a popular attraction for visitors. The trailhead is located in the park, and the hike is around 5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2,200 feet. The views from the summit are breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding wilderness.
- Mount Tamalpais
Mount Tamalpais is a prominent peak in Marin County, standing at 2,571 feet. The hike to its summit is a popular attraction for visitors, with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay Area. The trailhead is located in Mount Tamalpais State Park, and the hike is around 7 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2,400 feet.
Now that we’ve looked at the 10 best hikes in Northern California, let’s dive deeper into each one.
Hikes in Northern California
- Mount Whitney
Mount Whitney is the tallest mountain in California and the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. The hike to its summit is a challenging and rewarding adventure, with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The trailhead is located in the Inyo National Forest, and the hike is around 22 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 6,100 feet.
Hikers should be prepared for a long day on the trail, and it’s important to bring plenty of water and food. The trail starts at Whitney Portal and follows the Whitney Trail, which winds through the forest and up to the summit. The final ascent involves scrambling over rocks and boulders, and hikers should be comfortable with exposure and steep terrain.
The views from the summit are breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. On a clear day, hikers can see all the way to the Sierra Nevada range and the Pacific Ocean. The hike to Mount Whitney’s summit is a challenging but unforgettable adventure that should be on every hiker’s bucket list.
- Half Dome
Half Dome is one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic landmarks, and the hike to its summit is a bucket-list adventure. The trailhead is located in Yosemite Valley, and the hike is around 16 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 4,800 feet.
The hike starts at Happy Isles and follows the Mist Trail, which winds past Vernal and Nevada Falls. The trail then ascends the subdome before reaching the final ascent to the summit. The cables that are bolted into the rock can be intimidating, but hikers should take their time and wear appropriate footwear.
The views from the summit are breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding wilderness. Hikers should be prepared for a long day on the trail and should bring plenty of water and food. The hike to Half Dome’s summit is a challenging but unforgettable adventure that should be on every hiker’s bucket list.
- Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta is the second-tallest mountain in California, standing at 14,179 feet. The hike to its summit is a challenging but rewarding adventure, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trailhead is located in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, and the hike is around 14 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 7,000 feet.
Hikers should be prepared for a long day on the trail, and it’s important to bring plenty of water and food. The trail starts at the Bunny Flat Trailhead and follows the Avalanche Gulch route, which winds through the forest and up to the summit. The final ascent involves scrambling over rocks and boulders, and hikers should be comfortable with exposure and steep terrain.
The views from the summit are spectacular, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. On a clear day, hikers can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The hike to Mount Shasta’s summit is a challenging but unforgettable adventure that should be on every hiker’s bucket list.
- Lassen Peak
Lassen Peak is an active volcano in Lassen Volcanic National Park, standing at 10,457 feet. The hike to its summit is a challenging but rewarding adventure, with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The trailhead is located in the Lassen Peak Trailhead, and the hike is around 5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet.
The hike starts at the trailhead and follows the Lassen Peak Trail, which winds through the forest and up to the summit. The final ascent involves scrambling over rocks and boulders, and hikers should be comfortable with exposure and steep terrain.
The views from the summit are spectacular, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. On a clear day, hikers can see all the way to Mount Shasta and the Pacific Ocean. The hike to Lassen Peak’s summit is a challenging but unforgettable adventure that should be on every hiker’s bucket list.
- Mount Diablo
Mount Diablo is a prominent peak in the East Bay Area, standing at 3,849 feet. The hike to its summit is a popular attraction for visitors, with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay Area. The trailhead is located in the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center, and the hike is around 7 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 3,200 feet.
The hike starts at the visitor center and follows the Mitchell Canyon Trail, which winds through the canyon and up to the summit. The final ascent involves scrambling over rocks and boulders, and hikers should be comfortable with exposure and steep terrain.
The views from the summit are breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the San Francisco Bay Area, the Central Valley, and the Sierra Nevada range. On a clear day, hikers can see all the way to Mount Tamalpais and the Pacific Ocean. The hike to Mount Diablo’s summit is a challenging but rewarding adventure that offers some of the best views in the Bay Area.
- Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic landmarks, and the hike to its summit is a must-do for visitors. The trailhead is located in Yosemite Valley, and the hike is around 7.2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2,700 feet.
The hike starts at the Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead and follows the Yosemite Falls Trail, which winds through the forest and up to the summit. The final ascent involves scrambling over rocks and boulders, and hikers should be comfortable with exposure and steep terrain.
The views from the summit are spectacular, with panoramic vistas of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding wilderness. On a clear day, hikers can see all the way to Half Dome and the High Sierra. The hike to Yosemite Falls’ summit is a challenging but rewarding adventure that offers some of the best views in Yosemite National Park.
- Alamere Falls
Alamere Falls is a unique and stunning waterfall located in the Point Reyes National Seashore. The hike to the falls is a popular attraction for visitors, with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. The trailhead is located in the Palomarin Trailhead, and the hike is around 8.4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet.
The hike starts at the trailhead and follows the Coast Trail, which winds along the rugged coastline and through the forest. The final descent to the falls involves scrambling over rocks and boulders, and hikers should be comfortable with exposure and steep terrain.
The views of the falls are breathtaking, with water cascading down a cliff and flowing directly into the ocean. Hikers can also explore the nearby beach and tide pools, making this hike a great option for families and nature lovers.
- Castle Peak
Castle Peak is a prominent peak in the Sierra Nevada range, standing at 9,103 feet. The hike to its summit is a challenging but rewarding adventure, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trailhead is located on Castle Peak/Boreal Ridge Road, and the hike is around 5.5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2,200 feet.
The hike starts at the trailhead and follows the Castle Peak Trail, which winds through the forest and up to the summit. The final ascent involves scrambling over rocks and boulders, and hikers should be comfortable with exposure and steep terrain.
The views from the summit are spectacular, with panoramic vistas of the Sierra Nevada range, Donner Lake, and the surrounding wilderness. On a clear day, hikers can see all the way to Mount Lassen and the Central Valley. The hike to Castle Peak’s summit is a challenging but unforgettable adventure that should be on every hiker’s bucket list.
- Mount Tallac
Mount Tallac is a prominent peak in the Lake Tahoe area, standing at 9,738 feet. The hike to its summit is a challenging but rewarding adventure, with stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. The trailhead is located in the Mount Tallac Trailhead, and the hike is around 10.2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 3,500 feet.
The hike starts at the trailhead and follows the Mount Tallac Trail, which winds through the forest and up to the summit. The final ascent involves scrambling over rocks and boulders, and hikers should be comfortable with exposure and steep terrain.
The views from the summit are breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of Lake Tahoe, Desolation Wilderness, and the Sierra Nevada range. On a clear day, hikers can see all the way to the Carson Range and the Central Valley. The hike to Mount Tallac’s summit is a challenging but rewarding adventure that offers some of the best views in the Lake Tahoe area.
- Mount Tamalpais
Mount Tamalpais is a prominent peak in the Marin County area, standing at 2,571 feet. The hike to its summit is a popular attraction for visitors, with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay Area. The trailhead is located in the East Peak Parking Lot, and the hike is around 6.4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2,300 feet.
The hike starts at the parking lot and follows the East Peak Trail, which winds through the forest and up to the summit. The final ascent involves scrambling over rocks and boulders, and hikers should be comfortable with exposure and steep terrain.
The views from the summit are breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the San Francisco Bay Area, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Pacific Ocean. On a clear day, hikers can see all the way to Mount Diablo and the Sierra Nevada range. The hike to Mount Tamalpais’ summit is a challenging but rewarding adventure that offers some of the best views in the Bay Area.
Conclusion
Northern California is a hiker’s paradise, with a diverse range of trails and landscapes to explore. From rugged coastlines to towering peaks, there is something for every level of hiker. The 10 hikes on this list are just a small selection of incredible adventures waiting to be discovered in this beautiful region. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, Northern California offers some of the most rewarding and unforgettable hikes in the world. So lace up your boots, pack your backpack, and hit the trail!
Similar Articles
- Ultimate Guide to San Francisco International Airport
- Santa Cruz, California – 10 Top Things to Do
- Wineries Near San Francisco
Hikes in Northern California
