Sierra Nevada | Lassen | Shasta | Trinity Alps | Redwood Coast | Bay Area
This day hike or short backpacking trip to Seven Lakes Basin on the Pacific Crest Trail is one of the best in the Mount Shasta region. The basin holds Upper Seven Lake, Lower Seven Lake, and several smaller lakes, with swimming the best in Upper Seven Lake. On the way to Seven Lakes Basin, you’ll be treated to vistas of the Trinity Alps and Mount Shasta.
Taylor Lake is the most accessible lake in the Russian Wilderness. Camping, fishing, swimming, and picnicking await at the end of the level 0.3 mile hiking trail. This makes Taylor Lake perfect small kids or hikers with physical limitations; nearly … [Continue reading]
My new guidebook Hike the Parks: Redwood National & State Parks is now widely available throughout Northern California! You can buy it at many bookstores and outdoor stores, and at the usual online sources like Amazon. I lived in Crescent City … [Continue reading]
The Black Butte Trail climbs steeply up volcanic Black Butte just west of Mount Shasta in Siskiyou County. It's a day hike that will give you a good workout, and it features stunning views of Mount Shasta, Mount Eddy, Castle Crags, and the Trinity … [Continue reading]
Potem Creek tumbles 70 feet over Potem Falls to crash into a beautiful, rock-rimmed swimming hole, all yours for a short trail hike. Potem Falls, near the Pit River in the Shasta Lake National Recreation Area of Shasta-Trinity National Forest, is … [Continue reading]
Love to hike? Castle Crags State Park hosts a range of hiking trails for every ability, plus an excellent campground. This post gives all you all your hiking options, plus camping details, and includes discussion of the geology, plant and animal … [Continue reading]
I loved writing Hike the Parks: Redwood National & State Parks, my new all-color guidebook coming out June 1 from my long-time publisher Mountaineers Books. I lived in Crescent City and rural Del Norte County from 2000-2005, so I know the area … [Continue reading]
Why walk Angel Island hiking trails? Primarily for the gorgeous vistas of San Francisco Bay, including San Francisco itself, along with the Golden Gate, plus the surrounding hills and mountains stretching off into the far distance. This hike guides … [Continue reading]
There are five free-entrance days (no fee!) in 2019 for national parks and national monuments in Northern California. Hike your favorite trails, picnic, explore, and enjoy nature with your friends and family. 2019 Free Entrance Days to Northern … [Continue reading]
I have several 2019 presentations coming up in Redding, the Sacramento area, and other cities about day hiking and backpacking the beautiful trails of Northern California, from the Sierra Nevada to Lassen Volcanic National Park to Mount Shasta to the … [Continue reading]
The Antelope Creek Trail leaves the McClure Trailhead to travel through the Sierra volcanic canyon country of Lassen National Forest. Backpack or day hike past wildflowers and meadows and along the tumbling clear water of North Fork Antelope Creek. … [Continue reading]
The steep granite slopes of Castle Crags tower above this Pacific Crest Trail hike through Castle Crags State Park, Castle Crags Wilderness, and Shasta-Trinity National Forest. You gain a lot of beauty for a modest effort, and you'll likely also have … [Continue reading]
San Francisco hosts a variety of exceptional hiking trails. Guidebook author Alexandra Kenin shares her favorite hikes at ocean beaches and parks throughout the city, along with the best hikes and walks for children and dogs. Alexandra Kenin … [Continue reading]
Hikers now must buy a lands pass to hike many wildlife areas and ecological reserves managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. This post explains which visitors need to buy a lands pass, how to buy it, and which wildlife areas and … [Continue reading]
Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park has many miles of hiking trails, fascinating human history, and an abundance of wildlife, fascinating volcanic geology, and Cascade volcano views. You'll have to boat to the park, but that adds to the adventure and … [Continue reading]
Hike peaceful redwood groves and rugged coastline: more info.
Check out the new fourth edition of 100 Classic Hikes in Northern California. Completely updated!
