Top Hiking Trails in Northern California

Spring has sprung and summer is hot on its heels. The weather is warming up, paving the way for some perfect off-road adventures this weekend. Whether you're craving the salty ocean air or the cover of ancient redwoods, we've got the perfect places for you to check out.

Here is a top-10 list of Northern California hiking trails, according to Only In Your State. Patch has included information brief details and a link to each destination.

1. Stout Grove Trail

Stout Grove is the world's most scenic stand of redwoods. It's not all that large, and it doesn't have the biggest trees, but for sheer photogenic beauty, nothing beats this extraordinary grove on a sunny afternoon.

2. Lassen Peak

The trail to the top of Lassen Peak begins at the peak parking area at an elevation of 8500 feet. The popular trail is 2.5 miles one-way to the summit. There are many fantastic vistas of the park and surrounding areas from the trail (see picture gallery below). The summit provides one of the most spectacular views of the Devastated Area, a view from the top looking down. This view is the best vantage point to contemplate the power of the 1914-17 eruptions. The lingering rotten-egg smell of hydrogen sulfide near the summit reminds visitors that Lassen is still considered an active, but dormant, volcano.

3. Trees of Mystery

Trees of Mystery is a roadside attraction in Klamath, California 36 miles south of the Oregon border. This private enterprise, founded in 1931, is located adjacent to US Highway 101 on private land surrounded by Redwood National and State Parks. 15500 US-101, Klamath, CA 95548

4. Hammond Trail

This 5-plus mile hiking/biking/equestrian component of the California Coastal Trail stretches from the Arcata Bottoms northward to Clam Beach County Park in McKinleyville.

5. Patrick’s Point

Patrick's Point State Park is 25 miles north of Eureka, California in the heart of California's coast redwood country. The State Park was named for Patrick Beegan, an Irish immigrant who originally called it Patrick's Ranch. One mile trail near Eureka.

6. Eagle Lake

Eagle Lake is a lake at 5,098-foot elevation in Lassen County approximately 15 mi north of Susanville, California. An endorheic alkaline lake, it is the second largest natural lake entirely in the state of California, United States. 37.5 square miles

7. Ediza Lake Trail

Ediza is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Ritter Range. From the eastern shore of this alpine jewel views extend from jagged spires of the Minarets to the towering massifs of Mount Ritter and Banner Peak. The hike to the lake while long is quite scenic, visiting lovely Shadow Lake and wandering by the pretty waterfalls and cascades on Shadow Creek along the way. Beyond Ediza off-trail routes lead to Iceberg and Cecile Lake, tucked in deep granite bowls beneath the spires of the Minarets.

8. Sierra Buttes Trail

Sierra Buttes Lookout From PCT Trailhead is a 4.7 mile out and back trail located near Sierra City, CA and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

9. Iceberg Lake Trail

Cradled below a jagged ridge of volcanic peaks called the Minarets, Iceberg Lake is a beautiful, potentially snow-bordered or ice-filled lake of vivid blue water. The backcountry lake is located deep in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of Inyo National Forest, 8.3 miles from the trailhead at Agnew Meadows. Iceberg Lake is just a mile from Ediza Lake and a nice extension for the hike to that outstanding lake. 2 miles (out and back extension) with a 510-foot elevation change.

10. General Grant Tree Trail

Three Rivers, CA One of the world's largest living trees. President Coolidge proclaimed it the Nation's Christmas tree in 1926. Visit the historic Gamlin Cabin and the Fallen Monarch along this 1/3 mile paved trail. North and west of the Kings Canyon Visitor Center 1 mile.

Photo Courtesy NPS.gov