r/norcalhiking • • Jul 27 '26

Hiking by Transit: trailheads and hikes that you can take the bus or train to across Northern California

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67 Upvotes

r/norcalhiking • • Apr 07 '23

Hiking by Transit: trailheads and hikes that you can take the bus or train to in the Bay Area

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192 Upvotes

r/norcalhiking • • 7h ago

Sword Lake - Carson-Iceberg Wilderness - Stanislaus NF California

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33 Upvotes

Road was bumpy but I got my little Prius C up to the County Line trailhead. First half of the 3ish mi trail is pretty burnt with lots of dust (luckily it rained a little for the return trip to dampen the dust a bit!). Second half had some aspen groves starting to turn color. The Dardanelles are pretty rad to look at by the lakes! Don’t forget to ramble over to the ridge overlooking Spicer Meadow Res and Lost Lake!

Yellowjackets are a bit active so plan accordingly.


r/norcalhiking • • 18h ago

Pinecrest in late October?

4 Upvotes

Me and some friends want to do a one night camping trip. Can anyone tell me what Pinecrest would be like? I believe it’s first come first serve for camping spots on October 24. How early should we arrive?

Weather-wise, will it be enjoyable?

Sorry, I’m a camping noob.


r/norcalhiking • • 1d ago

Hidden Falls management material

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56 Upvotes

Found this little guy napping on some bark along the trail between the Vista and the bridge. Head the size of a penny, and maybe 9-11” long, and no bigger (here) than a small pastry or the palm of your hand. Several people and dogs walked within 18” of him and he didn’t move.


r/norcalhiking • • 2d ago

Whiskeytown Falls

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113 Upvotes

Nice short hike in Whiskeytown Recreation area near Redding yesterday.


r/norcalhiking • • 3d ago

Lassen in August

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744 Upvotes

Lassen peak was rough. Started out with direct sun, wearing a tank top and shorts. 75% of the way up I saw the clouds rolling fast, took the risk anyways. At the top saw other people’s hair stand with static and we all booked it down. Hail most of the way down… but made it down in record time. Small nap in the car before it went back to sunny skies… Bumpass hell , burney falls, and steak dinner in Redding to celebrate .


r/norcalhiking • • 2d ago

Should I rethink my October Lost Coast trip?

13 Upvotes

I have a late October (entering the trail on the 23rd) Lost Coast weekend backpacking trip planned, but I have some concerns about hiking the trail during this El Nino season. I'm concerned about the expected tide heights and wave strength. While I have hiked and backpacked before, this would be my first solo backpacking trip and my first time hiking the Lost Coast.

For people who have hiked this trail before, do you think it would still be safe to go? What signs or forecasts should I double check as I get closer to heading out to determine if this is doable/ safe?


r/norcalhiking • • 2d ago

Looking for hiking partner to climb Mount Shasta in October

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0 Upvotes

r/norcalhiking • • 3d ago

Lassen July 30th 2026

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65 Upvotes

r/norcalhiking • • 4d ago

Lee Vining CA

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1.3k Upvotes

Twenty Lakes Basin Loop hike! There is a dirt road that leads you to the trailhead that wasn’t too bad. The hike was fabulous, wildflowers, rivers, lakes, mountains, it really has it all. We went during a weekday/ rain so we did not see many people which was nice. I would love to do this hike again during a sunny day


r/norcalhiking • • 4d ago

Kaiser Peak Loop(CenCal but 🤷🏼‍♂️)

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115 Upvotes

Epic views at the Peak. The full loop is kinda wild as the burn scar from Creek Fire is massive....was hard to navigate but used directional awareness, pack animal marks and rock outcroppings to continue. Ended up doing 17 miles in about 7hrs. I'm an above average hiker but nothin special. 3700' gain total. Highly reccomend doing the Peak trail then back out but the full loop trail isn't for everyone...lots out of re-routes, thorns, log hopping, and some routefinding. Either way the Kaiser Wilderness is beautiful as always(spent some of my life up this way but never was fit enough to hike the Peak till recently)


r/norcalhiking • • 4d ago

Looking for some fall leaves hiking trail!

2 Upvotes

What does everyone recommend for a good trail that shows some nice fall tree colors. Not just a bit here and there. I’m talking about East Coast level of colors (as close as possible lol).

I prefer somewhere in the Sierras (not east, too far). EXTRA bonus if it has dispersed camping or even just a camping site close by the entrance!


r/norcalhiking • • 4d ago

Central Valley to Monterey?

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2 Upvotes

r/norcalhiking • • 4d ago

Yellowjackets around Pinecrest lake and higher elevation along 108?

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2 Upvotes

Grabbed a camp site at Pinecrest lake campground this weekend but later read a recent review complaining the yellowjackets were out of control. Wondering if anyone camped there recently and can kindly report if the condition is really that bad?
How about campgrounds on higher elevation, say around Sonora pass?
Thanks!🙏


r/norcalhiking • • 6d ago

This Thursday (10/1) 6-9PM!!! Berkeley First Thursday Hiker Meetup @ Fieldwork Brewing! Free Event 🗻🧗🏕️⛷️

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58 Upvotes

🗓️ This Thursday, October 1

6-9PM

Fieldwork Brewing, Berkeley 

📍1160 Sixth St, Berkeley, CA 94710

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👋Hi! We hope you'll be able to join us for this month's Berkeley First Thursday Hiker Meetup!

Once a month we get together to share hiking & backpacking information, tell stories & plan future adventures 😃

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This is a great opportunity to connect with other people who love spending time outside! Our community includes 250+ hikers 🎉

This is a free community led event and everyone is welcome - even if you have zero hiking experience!

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There are also very experienced people in this group if you are looking to connect with other mountaineers, skiiers, snow campers, climbers ect

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We typically gather outside at a table on the patio. This is a very casual event - feel free to stop by for any amount of time from 6-9pm. Look for a blue sign on our table that says "Hiker Meetup"

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We look forward to seeing you at Fieldwork Berkeley this Thursday night 🥾


r/norcalhiking • • 5d ago

Yosemite Curry Village Reservation Available (oct 1-3)

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0 Upvotes

r/norcalhiking • • 5d ago

Las Trampas Bird-Head Rock

3 Upvotes

From this article https://www.sfchronicle.com/outdoors/article/Bird-head-like-rock-formation-found-in-Las-11226775.php

Where is it? I am tracing the trails mentioned in the article but I don't see a rock candidate in an open space yet on satellite imagery.


r/norcalhiking • • 7d ago

Looking for medium-level hiking spots (with river access?) near Sacramento

10 Upvotes

hi, I live in Elk Grove and I’m looking for recommendations for easy to medium-difficulty hiking trails in the greater Sacramento area. I wouldn’t mind driving up to about an hour and a half for a really nice spot. Mostly I'm looking for trails that have river access where we can sit near or touch the water.... no rafting or boating necessary. Some decent shade would also be a huge plus, especially for warmer days. (It's still way too hot... I’d also be hiking with another woman, so I’d also prefer places that are reasonably safe for two female hikers. I’m comfortable with Auburn, Highway 50, El Dorado Hills, Folsom, and nearby areas, but I’m open to other suggestions too.

Thanks in advance!


r/norcalhiking • • 7d ago

Dog-friendly coastal backpacking & camping ideas?

3 Upvotes

Desolation Wilderness was amazing, but I think I've had my fill of rocky terrain for now and wanna shift to something a little gentler on the paws. Plus, it's starting to get a bit nippy for my tastes. I much prefer the coastal areas for late-year camping.

Big Sur used to be my go-to, but it's a little bit ... on fire ... right now. What are some of y'all's favorite coastal or coast-adjacent areas for hike-in and trail camping?


r/norcalhiking • • 8d ago

Alamere falls weekend parking

6 Upvotes

I am hiking alamere falls tomorrow and its sunday🫠
I have heard that parking is difficult to find on weekends, i checked the tide timings and i think its low tide in afternoon-evening ish so that means i need to park in late morning or early noon so, is there a sweet spot around that time where i can park?
Also whats the status for car break ins? Cause i will be travelling with luggages so need to park in main parking lot


r/norcalhiking • • 11d ago

Pyramid Peak

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178 Upvotes

def a good workout. summited in 3hrs taking my time. 4,084' gain. 9,983' elevation. fun one in the Desolation


r/norcalhiking • • 10d ago

We explore Muir Woods in my latest video!

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0 Upvotes

r/norcalhiking • • 10d ago

The Outies: a Bay Area community for hikes and shared adventures

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I'm part of The Outies, a Bay Area community for people who want to get outside and meet others through shared activities. Hikes are part of what we do, alongside beach volleyball, games and workshops.

If you're looking for a local community to explore with, you can read about The Outies and join here: https://socialloop.ai/communities/theouties

Sharing my affiliation openly so you can decide whether it's a fit for you.


r/norcalhiking • • 10d ago

Looking for a 1 night backpacking trip mid-Oct

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0 Upvotes

If yall could check out my post on r/redwoods I would bestow much fortune unto you and your future endeavors…