California

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Santa Cruz Island - Channel Islands, California

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Santa Cruz Island - Channel Islands, California

Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Harbor, Santa Cruz Island

15.7 miles / 4,234 ft elevation

Gorgeous two-day backpacking trip on Santa Cruz Island off the coast of Santa Barbara, California. This hike takes you to Channel Islands National Park, which conserves the unique Channel Islands ecosystems. The waters around these islands are also conserved by the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and make for amazing diving. The trail meanders along the island's coast on a ridge line offering panoramic ocean views on both sides. No luck is needed to encounter the curious and adorable island fox on this island. For the best weather, plan a trip in late summer/early fall (July - October).

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Half Dome Day Hike - Yosemite National Park, California

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Half Dome Day Hike - Yosemite National Park, California

Half Dome Day Hike - Yosemite National Park, California

14.6 miles / 6,283 ft elevation

The Half Dome day hike is a strenuous, high elevation all-day hike in famous Yosemite National Park requiring an early morning start to finish during daylight hours. However, it is also one of the most scenic hikes in Yosemite, passing by 317 ft Vernal Falls and 594 ft Nevada Falls on the way to the Half Dome summit. Permits are required in order to climb the cables in the final stretch to reach the summit. These permits are limited and distributed by lottery each year after taking applications in March. The cables are up late May through early October if conditions allow.

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Lost Coast Trail - King Range, California

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Lost Coast Trail - King Range, California

Mattole Beach to Shelter Cove

25.3 miles / 2,120 ft elevation

This is a refreshing 3 day ocean-side backpacking trip along the Lost Coast from Mattole Beach to Shelter Cove in the King Range National Conservation Area. The trail is mostly on the beach itself with occasional climbs up and down the earth cliffs making this one of the more challenging 25 mile hikes you can make for the elevation. We strongly recommend bringing hiking poles.  That being said, black sand beaches, old-growth forests and a 4,000-foot-high wall of windswept peaks make the trek worth the effort. 

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Fungus Fair Loop - Point Reyes, California

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Fungus Fair Loop - Point Reyes, California

Fungus Fair Loop - Point Reyes, California

5.5 miles / 1,622 ft elevation

On one weekend per year, typically in January, Point Reyes National Seashore hosts a Fungus Fair at its Bear Valley Visitor Center. The Saturday prior to the fair, volunteers are invited to gather at 10AM for a quick orientation and instructions on how to gather mushrooms. After foraging, volunteers can take their collection to the barn next to the visitor center where a guide walks you through what species you collected. Whether you are into mushroom foraging or just want to know a bit more about the California fungi, this short hike to Mt. Wittenberg summit is for you. Visit any time of year as well for an easy scenic loop with views of the coast.

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Cataract Falls Loop - Marin County, California

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Cataract Falls Loop - Marin County, California

9.2 miles / 2,947 ft elevation

Cataract Falls can be found along Cataract Creek, at the southern point of Alpine Lake in Marin County. The most popular portion of the hike is the first 0.5 miles where you ascend about 500 feet directly along the creek passing a large number of small scenic waterfalls, clear blue pools and a rocks covered in ferns and moss. After passing this section you can continue on this 9 mile moderate loop to see a pygmy redwood forest, panoramic views of the surrounding area and views of the lake. Plan to hike this loop soon after the rain for the best waterfall experience.

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Tennessee Valley - Marin Headlands, California

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Tennessee Valley - Marin Headlands, California

Tennessee Valley Trail to Tennessee Valley Cove

3.8 miles / 439 ft elevation

This short and easy day hike is a crowd favorite and it's easy to see why. Suitable for anything from trail running to walking with a stroller, this wide and flat out-and-back trail rewards you with a gorgeous beach and some of the best Pacific views at Tennessee Cove. For an extra kicker you can hike up to an outlook north of the cove with an old bunker, or take the Coastal Trail to Muir Beach 2.5 miles away.

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Berry Creek Falls - Big Basin, California

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Berry Creek Falls - Big Basin, California

Berry Creek Falls - Big Basin, California

14.0 miles / 3,575 ft elevation

Berry Creek Falls is a popular destination within Big Basin Redwoods State Park just north of Santa Cruz, California. The set of waterfalls that make up Berry Creek Falls lie at the end of Berry Creek close to where it joins with West Waddell Creek. There are many ways to approach these falls, and this post specifically covers the out-and-back approach from Waddell Beach on the coast. This approach is a great way to see the California Newt and Rough-skinned Newt, especially if it has been raining recently.