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

  • Bodega Bay, California

    Camp at Wright's Beach Campground

    / 32 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Sonoma County, California

    Kortum Trail

    5.0
    9.27 mi / 968 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Livermore, California

    Condor, Volvan, Stone Corral, Coyote Loop

    4.5
    4.38 mi / 620 ft gain
    This regional preserve is perfect for day hikes. There are also designated campsites and even a backpack campsite. Horses and dogs are welcome in the preserve. There are many different clearly marked trails that one can choose from. A good 4.5 mile loop is to start at the Park Residence entrance...
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  • Forestville, California

    Sunset Beach River Park

    4.0
    Sunset 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 ...
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  • 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...
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  • Forestville, California

    Mother's Beach ("Mom's Beach")

    4.0
    Mother'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...
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  • Monte Rio, California

    Islands in the Sky Vista Loop

    4.0
    3.83 mi / 883 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Fremont, California

    Lake Elizabeth Loop

    3.0
    2.1 mi / 69 ft gain
    Lake 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. ...
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  • Calistoga, California

    Hike the Oat Hill Mine Trail

    5.0
    8.3 mi
    The 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...
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  • Jenner, California

    Red Hill and Pomo Canyon Loop

    4.9
    3.91 mi / 937.66 ft gain
    Park 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...
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  • Calistoga, California

    Bald Hill via Oat Hill Mine Trail

    5.58 mi / 1388 ft gain
    Bald 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 h...
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  • Jenner, California

    Shell Beach

    0.18 mi / 62 ft gain
    Shell 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...
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  • Stanford, California

    Kite Hill

    4.0
    Kite 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 simpl...
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  • Stanford, California

    Stanford Dish Loop

    4.4
    3.67 mi / 472 ft gain
    If 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...
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  • Sunol, California

    Hike the Pleasanton Ridge Trail

    4.3
    6.4 mi / 1443 ft gain
    Pleasanton 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 ...
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  • Guerneville, California

    Johnson's Beach

    Johnson's Beach is a public beach located on the Russian River in Guerneville, California. 
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