Oakland, California
Looking for the best hiking in Oakland? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Oakland. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Oakland
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Los Altos, California
Foothills Park: Boronda Lake
3.00.93 mi / 0 ft gainSituated in the hills above Palo Alto; Foothills Park is the perfect spot to spend the day outdoors. With hiking, fishing, picnic areas, wide open fields, and expansive views of the Bay Area, this hidden gem is a must visit. Foothills Park is 2.7 miles west of 280 after exiting Page Mill. After ...Read more -
Novato, California
Schwindt, Indian Valley, and Waterfall Trail Loop
3.51 mi / 594 ft gainSchwindt, Indian Valley, and Waterfall Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Novato, California.Read more -
Santa Clara County, California
Black Mountain via Rhus Ridge Trail
9.75 mi / 2992 ft gainJust outside of Los Altos is a very long ridge of mountains, one of which is Black Mountain. This is a very dry hike, with no tree canopy, so it can get very hot! Be aware that this can make the hike feel a lot more difficult with the sun beating down on you. Follow Rhus Ridge Trail to Black Mo...Read more -
San Geronimo, California
Roys Redwood Preserve Loop
5.02.37 mi / 430 ft gainRoy's Redwoods Preserve is an easily missed pocket of Redwoods off Nicasio Valley Road in Marin County. Don't miss it: heading North on Sir Francis Drake Blvd turn right onto Nicasio Valley Rd--the gate for this little park is about a half mile up on the right. From the main entrance you enter a ...Read more -
Novato, California
North Levee Trail
5.03.78 mi / 157 ft gainNorth Levee Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Novato, California.Read more -
Los Altos, California
Stevens Creek & Canyon Loop
4.52.77 mi / 446 ft gainThis hike is best done in the late fall, winter, and spring so that the creek is running and the hills are green. Starting at the preserve parking lot, the first half of the hike is predominantly downhill. At the main trailhead, start in the direction of the Stevens Creek Nature Trail, as told by...Read more -
Los Altos, California
Black Mountain and Stevens Creek Canyon
4.05.47 mi / 1066 ft gainThis hike can be done during any season, but for the creek to be running and for more comfortable temperatures, it is best to go on a cool winter or spring day. Starting at the preserve parking lot, take the Stevens Creek nature trail, allowing you to witness spectacular views of a large, forest...Read more -
Bolinas, California
Alamere Falls via Palomarin Trailhead
4.513.54 mi / 1936 ft gainAlamere Falls is the tallest waterfall in the bay area and makes for a very scenic Bolinas waterfall hike. It is known as a tide fall because it empties directly into the Pacific Ocean. This is extremely unique because there are only 34 tide falls in the world and two in California, the other bei...Read more -
Bolinas, California
Point Reyes' Wildcat Camp via Coast Trail
5.011.19 mi / 1926 ft gainIn order to make this trip possible, go to recreation.gov and make a reservation for Wildcat Camp (available year-round). On your way to the trailhead, make sure to stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center to grab your camping permit. For more information, visit: http://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvis...Read more -
Bolinas, California
Glen Camp Loop via the Palomarin Trailhead
4.715.72 mi / 3091 ft gainDay 1 Before heading to the trailhead, make sure to stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center to pick up your permit. To stay overnight in Point Reyes, you must stay at one of the trail camps. Camping anywhere else in the park is not allowed. Permits for the trail camps can be booked up to 6 mo...Read more -
Bolinas, California
Bass Lake via Palomarin Trailhead
4.26.11 mi / 1024 ft gainFollow the Coast Trail from Palomarin Trailhead to Bass Lake. It's a fairly easy ~2.5-3 miles to the Lake. As soon as you pass the lake, on the left you will see a narrow unmarked dirt trail. Take this trail and you'll get to a nice clearing with easy lake access (this will be a great spot for lu...Read more -
Bolinas, California
Backpack to Coast Camp in Point Reyes via Palomarin Trailhead
20.5 mi / 2705 ft gainSpanning from just north of the small town of Bolinas (about an hour north of San Francisco) across Inverness ridge and to the top of Tomales Point, Point Reyes National Seashore is as stunning park featuring breathtaking ocean views and solitude among the grassy hillsides and forested ridges. Th...Read more -
Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, California
Deer Hollow Farm Trail
4.02.46 mi / 312 ft gainRancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve has many beginner to intermediate hiking trails. Deer Hollow Farm Trail Loop is a hiking trail for beginners, families, or anyone wanting to go on a short hike with nice views of the bay. The trail passes by a farm and deer can often be seen wandering arou...Read more -
Cupertino, California
Black Mountain via PG&E, Quarry and Black Mountain Trail
3.011.72 mi / 3901 ft gainBlack Mountain via PG&E, Quarry and Black Mountain Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Cupertino, California.Read more -
Redwood City, California
Russian Ridge Loop
4.55.45 mi / 837 ft gainRussian Ridge offers a great place to jump on the trail and in the right season, see some of the best wildflowers blooming. On top of that, you get access to amazing views from the ridge. Once you get your parking space, jump on the Ridge Trail and start gaining a little elevation while you head...Read more -
Livermore, California
Murietta Falls
4.012.3 mi / 3947 ft gainGet ready for one of the toughest, lung busting hikes in the east bay with over 6-miles and 4,000ft of climbing in one direction. When you make it to the hike, it's also important to realize that without recent rain, there many not actually be a waterfall. With that said, you're still getting in ...Read more