Sitting at your computer and wondering what to do this weekend? We know what you're doing: hiking. Specifically, taking one of the following short and sweet hikes in Northern California. (And by "short" we mean under 5 miles -- nothing too crazy here!) So grab your hiking boots, throw a (reusable) bottle of water and some trail mix into a backpack, and go explore! Northern California's dreamy weather means we can hike any time of the year, and it will always be incredible. So ditch the screens and hit the trails: here are 13 short hikes in Northern California for everyone:
1. Stout Grove, Jedediah Smith State Park
Only 9 miles east of Crescent City is this gorgeous state park. Grove Trail lies alongside the Smith river and has LOTS of hiking trails. Feel like being lazy? Take the half-mile hike around Stout Grove, or as we call it, "Mother Nature's Cathedral."
2. Boy Scout Tree Trail, Jedediah Smith State Park
Since you're already here at Jedediah Smith, you might want more than a half hour hike? Then take the 5.3 mile Stout Grove Boy Scout Tree Trail. We're bending the rules with this one. If you go up and back it's twice that, but this hike is so worth it and it highlights some of the most incredible parts of Redwood forest known to man. Make sure to get there early. This one is getting more popular.
3. Montgomery Grove Trail, Mondocino
Take this scenic road in (Orr Springs Road) to meet the trailhead at Montgomery Woods. This spot is pretty remote, and at least a 30-minute drive from a freeway. But the ride there is scenic and lovely, and the end result is so worth it. Only a 2 hike, this is the Shangri-La of hiking spots in Northern California.
4. Tall Trees Grove, Redwood National Park
This hiking trail is 3.9 miles long. You're going to climb over 650 feet as you walk this path, all the way to the Libbey Tree. Once believed to be the tallest tree in the world, it's since been overshadowed by a few others; however, it's still one of the most stunning natural wonders in Northern California.
5. Sun Trail (OR) 6. Dipsea Trail, Muir Woods
There are two Muir Woods trails from which to choose: Sun Trail is 4.7 miles of scenic views. Climb a hill that gives you a breathtaking view of Mt. Tamalpais. Don't feel like taking this one? Then follow the arrow to the Dipsea trail. This 3.7-mile loop hike takes you to ocean views and back into the Redwoods again. While these trees aren't as impressive as other areas, they are undoubtedly less busy, which makes for a more peaceful hiking experience. Just be aware: there's a 14-rung ladder that can be slippery, so this may not be the best hike for boisterous younger kids.
7. Floating Island Lake Trail, Tahoe
Just a short 1.6 miles until you get to marvel at Floating Island. You'll walk along a wooded path that's just bursting with natural beauty. Don't wait for a better weekend. Go to this Tahoe trail now!
8. Bridge Trail, Pescadero County Park
This trail is 1.1 miles of lush green ferns and a babbling creek. What more could you ask for? Stop along the bank and read a book for awhile. Sit and meditate. Snap photos of wildlife beneath the canopy of trees at Pescadero County Park. This place is truly magical.
9. Hidden Falls Trails, Auburn Regional Park
Hidden Falls Trails is a favorite for hikers and bikers alike; it's 30 miles of trails perfect for all levels. The eponymous Hidden Falls Loop is 3.2 miles, making it a perfect in-between kind of hike for when you're feeling a little extra.
10. Codfish Falls Trail, Auburn
Codfish Falls Trail is 1.7 miles long and takes around an hour. You'll walk through some pretty parts of the North Fork American River. Just know, there are some steep drop-offs to the river below. So if heights aren't your thing, may not be the the best trail for you.
11. Pfeiffer Falls Trail, Big Sur State Park
This 2.5-mile hike is the most popular one at Big Sur. You'll begin by the lodge and navigate up a tree-covered hill to reach a pretty incredible waterfall.
12. Bumpass Hell Trail, Old Station
This scenic trail offers 2.9 miles of hiking paradise, but it's only open from June until October. It's a popular hike not only for the scenery, but also for the occasional streams of thermal mist that seem to explode from the earth below.
13. Cascade Falls Trail, Lake Tahoe
Ever looked DOWN a waterfall? Here's your chance. Only a two-mile jaunt into heaven. You'll walk along the mountainside on the Cascade Falls Trail, with a picture-perfect view of Cascade Lake. Bring along a camera -- you'll definitely want to capture this.
It's pretty safe to say that Northern California is a hiker's dream. So get out there and enjoy these short and scenic hikes in Northern California -- you'll be glad you did! And once you've made your way through these beginner-level treks, you can tackle these absolutely spectacular hikes in Northern California.
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