California

Take the 395 North for 20 miles past Bishop and make a left on Rock Creek Road. Follow this road for 10 miles until you reach the free parking area at the Mosquito Flats Trailhead. Even on a holiday weekend, finding parking wasn’t a problem. The trailhead offers easy access to bathrooms and bear ...

This PG&E campsite is located on the northern most inlet of Lake Almanor and is slightly more remote than the other sites around Lake Almanor. The campground offers spectacular views and easy access to great fishing. To get there, head east out of the town of Chester on Highway 36. After cros...

Wilson Beach in False Klamath Cove is a small but scenic spot in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. Surrounded by thick forest, the dark gray sandy beach is scattered with driftwood, interesting rocks formations, and tide pools. The small free parking area has picnic tables and is a popular spo...

This trip requires a wilderness permit. You can get one at the Lodgepole Visitor Center where you can also rent a bear canister or use the bathroom before heading out.Wolverton Trailhead -> Big Bird Lake (~12 miles)The start of the trail is on the left side of the parking lot and towards the m...

Tuolumne Meadows at an elevation of 8,619 feet exemplifies the high country of the Sierra Nevada, with its sweeping sub-alpine meadows, granite domes, summer wildflowers and meandering rivers. When the forest opens up park along the side of the road and find a trail.  There are also plenty of ne...

Lake Shasta sits at the foot of infamous Mt Shasta, past the major Northern California city of Redding. From the Bay Area you can count on at least a 3.5 hour drive to get to waters edge, but the drive goes by quickly just cruising on HWY 5. There are multiple Marinas on Shasta but the largest is...

The Laurel Lakes trip, just south of Mammoth Lakes, is a worthwhile day trip that can easily be made into a hiking/camping trip.To get there, make your way to Laurel Lakes Rd via Sherwin Creek Rd either from Old Mammoth Rd or from the 395. The road to the lakes is not too bad initially but you'll...

The Trinity River is one that is rarely visited by your typical Bay Area resident. In fact, much of true Northern California is "untouched" in the eyes of those who live in The City, which is what drew me to this place to begin with. After a five hour journey from San Francisco, we made it to our...

Starting from the Wright's Lake parking area, walk past the service gate to find the loop trail. Follow the loop trail to the signed trail for Twin, Grouse, Island, and Hemlock Lakes heading toward the right. You will begin an approximate 150 foot ascend before coming to a saddle. Another 150 foo...

Just outside the town of Mammoth Lakes, CA is the Sherwin Lakes Trailhead. An easy 10 minute drive down some dirt roads will get you to the dirt parking lot where you can safely leave your vehicle and begin your fairly easy 2.5 mile hike to Sherwin Lakes. (Valentine Lake is not much further beyon...

Ansel Adams Wilderness is located in Mammoth Lakes, California. The trail to Lake Ediza is frequently traveled and is usually completed as an out-and-back day hike. In the summer, from 7am-7pm the road to the trail head is inaccessible to cars. To reach the trailhead you must take the shuttle fro...

This hike starts at the Glen Alpine Trailhead near Fallen Leaf Lake. Because Desolation is a wilderness area, you are required to fill out a day-use permit which can be found at the trailhead. If you are backpacking make sure to obtain an overnight permit either online or at the Taylor Creek Visi...

The hike to George Lake starts out about 4 miles after you turn off 168 onto Kaiser Pass Rd. You'll want to park at the parking lot right before Badger Flat Campground. The parking lot is easy to notice and it is located on the right hand side of the road, two pit toilets and bear lockers are loc...

The North Fork of Big Pine Creek is often cited as having the most unbelievable scenery reachable in a single day. And it's hard to disagree. The Big Pine Creek North Fork trail is just minutes outside of Big Pine off the 395. If going in the winter, access to the trailhead can be closed off, so...

The paved road ends at the Maxson Trailhead parking lot on the SE side of Courtright Reservoir. The adventure starts with a glance to the left, down a rock-strewn dirt track that leads off further into the wilderness. You're wondering, "Is that the trail?" and "Do I dare?"The Dusy-Ershim Trail of...

If you wish to experience the beauty of the Siskiyou Wilderness and avoid the crowds associated with The Devil’s Punchbowl, then consider a visit to Raspberry Lake. Beginning at the Young’s Valley Trailhead (Coordinates: 41.889919, -123.654755), this hike is a great option for those seeking wide...