The Prettiest Hikes in California

Why: The bridge above the clear river is so beautiful! Length: short 0.5 mile Parking: Small lot. I used Howland Hill Rd to get to the lot. The road is unpaved. Best time to go: Summer so you can picnic, paddle, and swim at the beach next to Smith River Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/814ncLUDCHhbdbYj8

Why: You're surrounded by massive walls of Fern and walk through a stream with wooden boards Length: 1 mile loop, but 11-mile round trip to Fern Canyon from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center without any permit Parking: There is a Fern Canyon parking area, but to get there you need to cross two streams. If you're driving a low-clearance vehicle you will most likely get stuck. Also, Davison Road (a dirt road) is not good for large recreational vehicles or anything towing a trailer. Reservations: Usually required during the summer Best Time to Go: June to September when wooden footbridges are usually installed Tips: -Roosevelt Elk are common in the area to the trail. Do not approach them as it's very dangerous. -Wear water shoes with good grip. Your shoes will get wet! -Download the area on Google Maps so you can have access offline Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/e7vecaRZTaJRuYVi8

Why: The water shed is surrounded by beautiful trees and the stairs and bridges to the falls adds to the wooden scenery Length: 3 miles out-and-back, 7.5 miles loop Parking: At the trailhead is limited on Bolinas-Fairfax Road. Others suggest parking at Laurel Dell Picnic Area (at the top of the trail) Best Time to Go: In my opinion, all year round. But if you want to see the waterfall flowing, go after the winter or spring rains Tips: -Wear sturdy and comfy shoes. The trail can get steep and has switchbacks -Download the area on Google Maps so you can have access offline Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DyCU6M2cpGziX9hx7

Trail: Verna Dunshee Trail Why: You get 360 views of the SF Bay Area way high up at the Observation Deck Length: 0.7 mile, paved trail Parking: Available at the East peak trail head Best Time to Go: In my opinion, all year round. But if you want to see the hills of Mount Tam green, go after the winter or spring rains Tips: -Trail starts on left after entering from parking lot -You can find other dirt trails along the way -Check out the Gardner Fire Lookout while you're there (trail is a little more challenging) -Download the area on Google Maps so you can have access offline Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KTz6XzKr6fkrCrAd8

Why: You get a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the coast and the ocean. It's also close to many challenging trails. Length: 0.20 miles round-trip Parking: Limited parking right in front on Conzelman Road. You can also try parking on the Coastal Trail Parking and carefully walk along Conzelman Road. Best Time to Go: In my opinion, all year round Tips: -If you want a longer and more challenging hike, also do the 7.3 mi Hawk Hill, Kirby Cove, and Battery Spencer (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/golden-gate-gems-hawk-hill-kirby-cove-and-battery-spencer) -Download the area on Google Maps so you can have access offline Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q6PdjekFer1yjKB46

Why: The trail goes a long a beautiful creek and is surrounded by redwoods. Length: 3.5-mile loop if you continue on Lime Kilns Trail (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/fall-creek-to-lime-kilns-trail) Parking: Limited parking when coming in from Felton Empire Road. Some cars were parked along Felton Empire Road. Best Time to Go: In my opinion, all year round. But if you want to see the creek flowing go after the winter or spring rains. Tips: -It can get muddy, so wear the right shoes. -There were some downed trees, but it's easy to navigate through -Download the area on Google Maps so you can have access offline Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZEAK8eu5u9mkA43g6