Find out some of the most beautiful places to explore in Northern California!
Looking for the best outdoor adventures in Northern California? From majestic redwoods and pristine lakes to dreamy waterfalls and scenic coastlines, there’s so much to explore, and these 15 must-see trails, parks, and natural wonders are a great place to start. Add them to your California bucket list and let’s dive in! (Locations are in no particular order).
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1. Redwood National Park
Located in Northern California near the Oregon border, Redwood National Park offers 40 miles of rugged coastline, emerald-green rivers, diverse wildlife, and some of the tallest redwood trees in the world. Some of my favorite trails in the park include:
Boy Scout Tree Trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Lady Bird Johnson Grove in Redwood National Park, near the Bald Hills Road area
Karl Knapp Foothill Trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
For more on the best things to do in Redwood National Park, check out this post or watch the video:
2. Avenue of the Giants
Avenue of the Giants is one of the most scenic drives in the US and one of the best places to see California redwoods. Located in Humboldt County, the road is 32 miles long and parallels US 101, making it easy to access. Along the way, you can explore several redwood groves, including the popular Founders Grove.
If you are visiting Redwood National Park, add Avenue of the Giants to your Itinerary, as it's only an hour and a half away.
Read more about visiting Avenue of the Giants here.
3. Mendocino
Mendocino is a picturesque coastal town surrounded by rugged cliffs, beaches, and redwood forests. For some of the best coastal views, check out the Mendocino Headlands Trail. This flat, easy path follows the cliff tops and offers prime views of the town’s famous sea arches and dramatic rock formations.
4. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular and crowded parks in the U.S., and for good reason. It’s stunning, with countless must-see spots like Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Glacier Point, Taft Point, and Tunnel View. And that’s just the beginning—don’t forget the amazing locations on the east side of the park, like Tuolumne Meadows, Lembert Dome, Cathedral Lakes, and Tenaya Lake.
There’s still so much of the park I haven’t explored, but two of my go-to hikes are the Mist Trail and the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail.
For more on the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail and the Mist Trail, check out this video:
5. Mt. Shasta
Mount Shasta, a stunning volcanic peak in Northern California’s Siskiyou County, is famous for its snow-capped summit and breathtaking views. One of the best hikes in Mount Shasta is the Heart Lake Trail. The hike is relatively moderate and offers amazing scenery. Of course, the best part is Heart Lake, beautifully framed by Mount Shasta in the background—making it a pretty awesome photo spot.
If you’re visiting Mount Shasta, you should add nearby Burney Falls and McCloud Falls to your itinerary. (Both are mentioned later on this list).
6. Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore, about an hour north of San Francisco in Marin County, is a protected stretch of Northern California coastline known for its gorgeous ocean views and abundant wildlife. Two of my favorite hikes in Point Reyes are the Tomales Point Trail and the Chimney Rock Trail. Both offer incredible coastal scenery and have tons of wildflowers in the spring. Tomales Point is one of the best places in the park to see Tule Elk.
Check out this post for more on the best things to do in Point Reyes.
7. Sierra Buttes
The Sierra Buttes, near Sierra City, are known for their rugged peaks, waterfalls, and glacially formed lakes. Sardine Lakes, with both an upper and lower section, is a fantastic place to take in the views. It's also popular for fishing and kayaking, with the massive Buttes providing a dramatic backdrop.
If you're looking for a hike, the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout Trail offers a unique and challenging route. The trail includes a set of stairs leading to the lookout tower, where you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of Sardine Lakes and the valley below.
8. Mammoth Lakes Area
Mammoth Lakes is a destination for year-round outdoor activities, from skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking in summer. It's home to many fantastic trails with incredible scenery, including Duck Pass and the Ediza Lake Trail (two of my favorites), as well as must-see spots like Rainbow Falls, Hot Creek Geologic Site, and Convict Lake.
If you're searching for amazing hikes around Mammoth and the Eastern Sierra, check out this video:
9. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe straddles the California-Nevada border, with half of it situated in California—earning its spot on this list of the best places to explore in Northern California. I’ve been lucky to call this incredible place home for over five years, and its scenery and outdoor activities are truly unmatched. From hiking and paddleboarding to skiing, Lake Tahoe has something for everyone.
I’ve written plenty of blog posts on the best things to do in Lake Tahoe, so be sure to check them out here:
10. Big Sur
The Big Sur coastline, a rugged stretch in Central California, offers some of the most incredible scenery in the country. This region is home to dramatic cliffs, beaches, redwood forests, and diverse wildlife. Must-see stops include McWay Falls, Bixby Bridge, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
For more on the best things to do in Big Sur, check out this post.
11. Mt. Tamalpais
Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin County is a must-visit Bay Area destination, known for its panoramic views of San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean, as well as its scenic trails. It’s also famous for its dreamy fog inversions, with Trojan Point being one of the best vantage points to witness the inversions. For the best hiking trails in Mount Tamalpais, I recommend the Cataract Falls, Dipsea, and East Peak Summit Trails—each providing beautiful views of the park.
12. Pacifica
Pacifica, a seaside town just south of San Francisco, is known for its scenic coastline and surf culture. It's home to some beautiful cliffside trails including Mori Point, Devil's Slide, and Gray Whale Cove.
13. McArthur-Burney Falls State Park
Located about an hour south of Mt. Shasta, right off Highway 89, Burney Falls is one of California's most magical waterfalls. It’s easily accessible, with the overlook just steps from the parking area, and the paved path to the base of the falls less than half a mile. Burney Falls offers year-round beauty, as it never dries up like other waterfalls. My favorite time to visit is late spring or early summer.
14. Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Shasta-Trinity National Forest, the largest national forest in California, offers a mix of volcanic peaks, forests, and lakes. McCloud Falls is a must-see in the area, just an hour's drive from Burney Falls on Highway 89. This series of three waterfalls—Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls—can be explored via a loop trail or by driving right up to each one. I would say Middle McCloud Falls is the most impressive, but all three are worth checking out.
For more on visiting McCloud Falls, check out this post.
15. South Yuba River State Park
Located 10 to 15 miles from Nevada City, South Yuba River State Park offers scenic hiking trails, historic bridges, and the pristine Yuba River. In the springtime, there are tons of wildflowers along the riverbanks, and you may spot a few kayakers and whitewater rafters paddling by. If you are visiting in the spring, I highly recommend the Buttermilk Bend Trail, an easy 2-mile out-and-back known for its wildflower views. In summer, when water levels are lower, the river’s swimming holes are perfect for cooling off on hot days.
For more on the best things to do in Nevada City, check out this post.
I hope you enjoyed my guide to the best outdoor adventures in Northern California!
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