Ross, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Ross, California, are a must-visit for those seeking outdoor adventures. The top-rated attraction is the Cataract Falls trail, a moderate difficulty hiking trail that meanders through lush forests and leads to a stunning waterfall. Along the trail, you'll find a variety of unique rock formations and the cascading Alpine Lake. The trail is well-marked and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Another must-visit is the Phoenix Lake, a man-made reservoir perfect for kayaking and fishing. If you're into bird-watching, the Marinwood Park is home to a variety of bird species. For a more relaxed activity, visit the Ross Common Park for a peaceful picnic. Ross, California, offers the best outdoor activities for everyone.
Top Spots in and near Ross
-
Forestville, California
Sunset Beach River Park
4.0Sunset Beach River Park is located off River Road in Forestville, California. The beach offers up picturesque views of the Russian River and is a great spot to end your float if starting at Steelhead Beach. The Beach: The beach is about a quarter of a mile walk from the parking area. Keep this ...Read more -
Monte Rio, California
Monte Rio Community Beach
Monte Rio Community Beach is located in the Sonoma County town of Monte Rio. The beach nestles up to the Russian River offering a great chance for families to kick back and relax by the water or bring your kayak or stand-up paddle board for fun on the water. Dog-Friendly: Monte Rio Community Be...Read more -
Forestville, California
Mother's Beach ("Mom's Beach")
4.0Mother's Beach, known locally as Mom's Beach, is located in Forestville, California. This beach is a hidden gem situated on the scenic Russian River, between Steelhead Beach and Sunset Beach. Dog Friendly: Mom's Beach is a great spot to bring your pup on a leash. Times of Operation: The bea...Read more -
Monte Rio, California
Islands in the Sky Vista Loop
4.03.83 mi / 883 ft gainThe Islands in the Sky Vista Loop in Monte Rio, California, is a moderately challenging hiking trail. Spanning approximately 3.83 miles, the loop offers a variety of terrain, including forested areas, open meadows, and rocky outcrops. The trail is well-marked and maintained, making it suitable fo...Read more -
Fremont, California
Lake Elizabeth Loop
3.02.1 mi / 69 ft gainLake Elizabeth is located in central Fremont. It offers a nice break from the city streets and can be enjoyed by walkers, joggers, and bikers alike. It is a park for all ages. Other attractions include volleyball nets, multiple playgrounds, and aqua adventure park, geese, and peddle boats. ...Read more -
Calistoga, California
Hike the Oat Hill Mine Trail
5.08.3 miThe incline on this trail begins pretty much right away and is fairly gradual for the entire hike, some of it is quite rocky, making this an easy to moderate level hike. However, with some shade (probably wouldn't attempt it on a hot summer day) and the sweeping views of the valley that get bette...Read more -
Calistoga, California
Hike Bald Hill in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
3.2 mi / 1200 ft gainBald Hill is the first serious peak/summit that can be reached via the Oat Hill Mine Trail as it breaks from the more popular loop and heads into the heart of Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. To get there you can either begin at the less frequently used trailhead at Picket and Rosedale Roads he...Read more -
Sonoma County, California
Red Hill and Pomo Canyon Loop
4.84.73 mi / 981 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 -
Stanford, California
Sunset Picnic at Kite Hill
4.0Kite Hill is nothing more than what the name describes. A simple ascent less than 100 feet in elevation. But that 100 feet is all you need to feel like you discovered a little escape from the buzz below.To get there, you can park directly at the base of Kite Hill along Peter Coutts Rd and simply ...Read more -
Stanford, California
Stanford Dish Loop
4.43.67 mi / 472 ft gainIf you live in the Palo Alto area and are looking for a place to hike or run, The Dish is a close, and great way to get that exercise. Located right on the corner of Stanford Ave and Junipero Serra, you'll see that small gated entrance right when you drive on by. As far as parking goes, you're le...Read more -
Sunol, California
Hike the Pleasanton Ridge Trail
4.36.4 mi / 1443 ft gainPleasanton Ridge Trail is a 6.4 mile loop. The loop is shared by dog walkers, trail runners, hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. From the ridge your viewpoints will include Mount Diablo and the San Francisco Bay. This hike from the Foothills Staging Area is an excellent introduction ...Read more -
Guerneville, California
Johnson's Beach
Johnson's Beach is a public beach located on the Russian River in Guerneville, California.Read more -
Jenner, California
Bouldering at Lamb's Rock, Sunset Boulders
5.0Lamb Boulder, located within the "Sunset Boulders" collection, contains four fun and challenging V2 - V6 bouldering routes. They are: Calambity: V6Rock Scar: V3+Skullcracker: V2 RThe Specialist: V4 Lamb Boulder is located directly across from the Sunset Boulder itself and its trad routes. To get ...Read more -
Portola Valley, California
Hike the Windy Hill Loop
4.37.2 mi / 1400 ft gainThis 7.2-mile loop starts by heading out of the parking lot and onto the Spring Ridge Trail. Head Southeast On Spring Ridge Trail until you connect with Hamms Gulch Trail. When you jump on Hamms Gulch, head southwest for ~3.4 miles as you circle the far end of the OSP. At this point, you will con...Read more -
Jenner, California
Bouldering at Sunset Boulders
5.00.6 miYou can see the boulders off the left side of the road. Couple of different pullouts you can park at to start your approach. It’s about half a mile from the road all downhill. It’s easy going when you’re on your way, but kind of a pain after you’re whooped from climbing. Bouldering, high balls, ...Read more -
Portola Valley, California
Sunrise Hike at Windy Hill
5.0There are a few options to this hike. Usually I would recommend parking in the lot on Portola Road, but because the preserve doesn't open until 30 minutes before sunrise, it's best to park up on Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35). There are two places to park up on Skyline, but the main parking lot i...Read more
