Lagunitas, California
Lagunitas, California is a top destination for outdoor adventures with an array of scenic hiking trails. One must-visit trail is the Peters Creek Loop, a challenging 13-mile round trip that offers stunning views of old-growth redwoods, fern-lined creeks, and a tranquil waterfall. Another popular trail is the Bear Valley Trail, a more leisurely 8.2-mile round trip that winds through a lush forest and ends at the Arch Rock, a unique rock formation overlooking the Pacific Ocean. For those interested in bird watching, the Kent Lake Loop is a 9.5-mile trail that circles a large reservoir, providing ample opportunities to spot various bird species. Enjoy these best trails and outdoor activities in and near Lagunitas for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Top Spots in and near Lagunitas
-
Oakland, California
Dunn Loop
5.03.08 mi / 758 ft gainThe Redwood Regional Dunn Loop is just outside of Oakland, and can be reached from anywhere in the Bay Area for a fun day or half-day trip. The trail is open year-round. In the spring, wildflowers are abundant. The trail has a great mix of sun and shade. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash.Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Gray Whale Cove Loop
5.01.22 mi / 518 ft gainStarting at the parking lot adjacent to Gray Whale Cove State Beach, proceed to the start sign indicating "Grey Whale Cove Trail". GWCT is a fun brisk hike with slight elevation gain that should be easy enough to take a small group or even children to. Take note of the tight spaces you may encou...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Gray Whale Cove Trail
4.52.23 mi / 367 ft gainGray whale cove trail is a splendid, short, and easy hike for the entire family with beautiful ocean views. The starting point is conveniently located near a parking lot that accesses Montara State Beach. From the south end of the parking lot, follow the trail up through the coastal scrub. Within...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Montara Mountain North & Middle Peaks Loop
4.37.22 mi / 1929 ft gainNOTE: as of 2019, North Peak has been fenced off around the installation of a radio tower and weather station. Additionally, the summit has been found to be a habitat for the endangered San Bruno elfin butterfly. The Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a popular seaside trail that’s just 20 minutes s...Read more -
Bodega Bay, California
Camp at Wright's Beach Campground
/ 32 ft gainThis campground is defined by the scenery: rugged headlands, craggy coastlines, natural arches, and quiet coves.Wright's Beach Campground features primitive camping - basic tent sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and amazing ocean views. This is a great location for Bay Area campers who want t...Read more -
Sonoma County, California
Kortum Trail
5.09.27 mi / 968 ft gainThe Kortum Trail in the Sonoma Coast State Park connects Goat Rock with Wrights Beach, winding along the top of the sea cliffs and affording incredible views of the California Coast and its numerous sea rocks and arches. To get there take the Pacific Coast Highway / Highway 1 to either Wright's...Read more -
Santa Rosa, California
Gunsight Rock via Hood Mountain Trail
5.07.91 mi / 2372 ft gainHike to Gunsight Rock through Hood Mountain Regional Park to get a view overlooking Sonoma and Napa Valley. In order to get to the trailhead take Highway 12 to Los Alamos Rd, the road will then turn into Timberline Dr, this will take you to the trailhead. There is a parking fee of $8. From the p...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
McNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes
4.88 mi / 1427 ft gainMcNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes is a 4.8 mile trail located near Montara State Beach that offers ocean views when it is not too cloudy. You can get amazing views when you hike up above the clouds. This hike follows one of the main trails up the mountain, but there are many smaller trails to e...Read more -
Millbrae, CaliforniaSawyer Camp Trail: San Andreas Lake to Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir
4.05.35 mi / 354 ft gainSawyer Camp Trail: San Andreas Lake to Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Millbrae, California.Read more -
Monte Rio, CaliforniaMonte Rio Redwoods Loop
5.04.1 mi / 1375 ft gainMonte Rio Redwoods Loop is a hike located off of Bodega Highway in Monte Rio, California.Read more -
Forestville, California
Canoe the Russian River via Forestville
5.0Starting at Burke's Canoe in Forestville, CA this is a 10-mile self-guided canoe trip down the Russian River. You can rent your canoe from Burke's and launch from their beach. Burke's will also pick you up 10 miles down-river and shuttle you back to their parking lot.This canoe trip features lo...Read more -
Jenner, California
Red Hill and Pomo Canyon Loop
4.93.91 mi / 937.66 ft gainPark in the Shell Beach parking lot, north of Bodega Bay proper but just south of Goat Rock State Beach on Highway 1. Cross the road to pick up the Dr. David C. Joseph Memorial Trail heading up away from the ocean. Follow the trail, staying right toward Red Hill. (The trail forks off down Pomo Ca...Read more -
Jenner, California
Shell Beach
0.18 mi / 62 ft gainShell Beach is a hidden gem along the rugged Sonoma Coast in Northern California, offering visitors a breathtaking coastal experience just minutes from the charming town of Jenner. Nestled within the Sonoma Coast State Park, this secluded beach features dramatic rocky shorelines, tide pools teemi...Read more -
Oakland, California
West Ridge and East Ridge Loop
5.08.04 mi / 1194 ft gainIt’s difficult to have a car in San Francisco, but oh-so worth it when it comes to weekend getaways, especially with all the Bay Area has to offer. This is a super accessible trail system just 30 minutes outside of the city that makes for a fun, easy trail run or hike. Redwood Regional Park, par...Read more -
Lafayette, California
Briones Park's Lafayette Ridge
4.35.31 mi / 981 ft gainThis is a nice and casual hike through the meadows and rolling hills, dotted with cows and hawks and sometimes goats or foxes. As you head up Lafayette Ridge, you'll be rewarded with the beautiful vista spanning from the Oakland Hills to sparkling Lafayette Reservoir. The hike is mostly through ...Read more -
Forestville, California
Steelhead Beach
4.0Steelhead Beach offers two great spots to access the river. There's a small beach on the right-hand side of the beach (south end) and a launch site on the left (north end) of the beach. The launch point makes for a great spot to start your float down the river. Make sure you have a shuttle car or...Read more
