Northern California is a great place for a spring 2026 backpacking trip! Here are the best low/middle elevation trails in the Bay Area, Northern Sierra Nevada, Lassen National Forest, Klamath Mountains, redwoods, and North Coast. You can hike many of them year-round, even in winter. Tired of Winter, Ready to Backpack This Spring, 2026? Wherever […]
Darlingtonia Trail on Highway 199 in Smith River National Recreation Area
The intriguing Darlingtonia Trail in the Smith River National Recreation Area of Six Rivers National Forest is on the north side of Highway 199. You’ve likely seen the sign for “Botanical Trail” when traveling Highway 199 to and from Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and the California coast near Crescent City. The short trail is […]
Hiking the French Hill Trail in the Smith River National Recreation Area
Hiking the French Hill Trail in the Smith River National Recreation Area of the Six Rivers National Forest is well worth the effort. You’ll have solitude along the trail, you’ll gain good views of Siskiyou Wilderness and nearby ridges and slopes, and you’ll see a wide variety of plant life. And you’ll also get a […]
