Basics: This hike takes you up over the top of Hood Mountain to an overlook called Gunsight Rock. On a clear day, the overlook provides sweeping views of the Sonoma Valley. There are multiple trails in Hood Mountain Regional Park – this trip can be anywhere from 6 to 8+ miles depending on your route. Parking is $6 and maps are provided at the trailhead. Dogs are allowed on all the trails. Continue reading “Hood Mountain & Gunsight Rock”
Basics: This 10+ mile hike takes you up 3000 feet to the top of both Mt Olympia and North Peak in Mount Diablo State Park. The network of trails ranges from wide fire roads to steep and narrow single track footpaths. This trip provides excellent views and makes for a great winter hike. The trail can be accessed at the end of Regency Drive in the town of Clayton – parking at this locations is free. The trail can also be reached from Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center – parking is $6 and this option adds a mile or two to the trip. A good map of the park is essential. Trail maps can be purchased at the Mitchell Canyon visitor’s center or at REI. Continue reading “Mount Olympia and North Peak – Diablo SP”
Basics: The Dipsea Trail is a 7 mile trail running from Mill Valley through Muir Woods and Mt Tamalpais State Park all the way to Stinson Beach. It is home to one of the oldest trail races in the country – the Dipsea Race – first run in 1905. With two cars (or a willingness to research bus schedules), the trail can be hiked one way. If transportation options are limited, it’s possible to hike the entire trail out and back for a total of 14 miles and 4400-ft of elevation gain. Continue reading “Double Dipsea Hike”
Basics: This is a 14 mile hike to the top of Mt Diablo from Mitchell Canyon (on the northern side of the mountain). There are many trails and many different options for hiking to the top, but all of them will require over 3000 ft of climbing. Our particular route also took us to the top of Eagle Peak (elev 2369′). Two peaks in one long hike! The trail begins at Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center – located at the end of Mitchell Canyon Road in the city of Clayton. Parking is $6. Continue reading “Mount Diablo – Summit Hike”
Basics: Ralston Peak is located in the southern part of Desolation Wilderness and is relatively easy to reach. There is a trailhead with parking on the north side of Hwy 50 at Camp Sacramento. Permits are required. The hike is just under 6 miles (roundtrip) and involves a moderately strenuous gain of about 2700-ft. Continue reading “Ralston Peak – Desolation Wilderness”
Basics: This is a challenging winter climb to the summit of an active volcano in the Cascade Range. The weather is unpredictable, but on a clear day the views are well worth the effort. The hike from this particular route is approximately 12 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of over 5700 feet. There is one other trail (with less elevation gain) to the summit, but it can only be accessed when the road to Climber’s Bivouac is free of snow. Parking is free but permits are required anywhere above 4800 ft. Continue reading “Mount Saint Helens”
Basics: This is a short hike through a lava tube at Mount Saint Helens in Gifford Pinchot National Forest (Washington state). The cave is very dark – two light sources per person are recommended. There’s not terribly much to see, but it’s a unique and interesting experience. Including the return hike, the trip is under 3 miles. A parking permit is required and can be purchased at the parking lot. During the summer, lanterns can be rented at the kiosk near the entrance. Continue reading “Ape Cave in Washington”
Basics: Feather Falls has to be one of the best waterfalls in California (outside of Yosemite), especially in the spring when it is huge! It is located in Plumas National Forest and can be visited year-round. The hike is 7 to 9 miles depending on which trail you choose to take. There is an elevation loss of about 1000 feet on the way to the falls. Continue reading “Feather Falls”
Basics: This hike is to the top of the 2729-ft Bald Mountain in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. From the top you’ll have views of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys along with the San Francisco Bay Area and many of the nearby peaks. This hike is approximately 6 miles roundtrip. The parking fee is $8. Potential hazards include: rattlesnakes, sun exposure. Continue reading “Bald Mountain”
Basics: Sweeping vistas of the Capay Valley, Coastal Ranges, and on a clear day, the Sierras. This hike begins at the Cache Creek Regional Park Lower Site. It is approximately 8 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 2300 ft. There is a $6 parking fee – and bring a pen to fill out the little envelope. Dogs on a leash are allowed. Potential hazards include: poison oak, rattlesnakes, and treacherous terrain. Continue reading “Fiske Peak”