10 Incredible Hidden Gems In Northern California You’ll Want To Discover This Year

If you're looking for hidden beautiful places in Northern California to explore, Trinity Alps Wilderness is one you'll want to see! With more than 500,000 acres of land and more than 600 trails, there is a lot of terrain to explore in this pristine wilderness. The vast landscape is dotted with high mountain lakes, fields of wildflowers, craggy mountain peaks, and green forests. Elevations range from 2,000 to 9,000 feet, and include a variety of trail lengths for all levels of hikers. The busy season is summer, but Trinity Alps Wilderness is open year round. Consider camping at one of the many campgrounds, or stay at a resort in the town of Trinity Center on Trinity Lake.

We bet you've never heard of the Warner Mountains! The best kept secret in Northern California is this isolated and beautiful little mountain range in the northeast corner of the state. The 85-mile mountain range has many trails, campgrounds, and even a small ski area. In the southernmost part of the mountain range is the South Warner Wilderness, a 70,000-acre area with primitive campsites and trails. A beautiful hike is the Mill Creek Falls trail. This 3.4-mile trail will take hikers to 50-foot waterfall cascading off a rocky cliff. In addition to hiking, camping, and skiing, visitors to the Warner Mountains can horseback ride, hunt, fish, go rock hunting, and more!

One of the most unique places to visit in Northern California is Lassen Volcanic National Park. The park is home to steaming fumaroles, wildflower meadows, pristine mountain lakes, plus many volcanoes. Explore Lassen on foot on one of the many trails. We recommend the famous Bumpass Hell Trail. A 2.3-mile trail that takes hikers past murky geothermal mud pits. Or hike to the summit of a volcano on the Cinder Cone Trail. In the wintertime, vehicle access is limited but there is still a lot to see. Hike the 2-mile trail to the hydrothermal area known as Sulphur Works. And drive to Manzanita Lake. This high elevation lake is a good place to snowshoe in the winter. Plan your visit to this incredible volcanic park, where the wonders of the natural world can be explored!

This little coastal area is nestled on the rugged cliffs of the Northern California coast. You may have never heard of Trinidad, but you might recognize some of the beautiful images of its blue waters. What sets Trinidad apart from other Northern California coastal areas is its breathtaking coastline, boasting ten public beaches and offshore rocks that jut out of the brilliant blue waters. This captivating area has a rich history and lots of beautiful hiking trails to explore. Located in Humboldt County, just 15 miles north of Arcata, this serene coastal area serves as a hub for both tourism and commercial fishing. There are a few things you must do and see when visiting. First, start the day with a morning kayak tour where you can see wildlife– including whales! Then, take the 1.7-mile Trinidad Head Trail. This loop trail takes hikers to a promontory with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. You’ll also want to check out the historic Trinidad Head Lighthouse, as well as the Holy Trinity Church, the oldest building in town. Although Trinidad is a small town, its allure is immense!

This mountainous area gives Truckee a run for its money. Bear Valley is home to a ski resort, hiking trails, and some beautiful little lakes. Bear Valley is beautiful year round, but if you plan a trip here we recommend you see it in the winter time. At an elevation of over 7,000 feet, this high mountain area is a winter wonderland. Perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, snow mobiling, or just sitting by a fireplace. In the summertime, this is a great place to go hiking. It's not too crowded, and nearly every trail has beautiful vistas. When the weather is warm, we enjoy picnicking and kayaking in Utica and Union Reservoirs. Peruse some of the beautiful cabins for rent on VRBO and see if that doesn't convince you to make Bear Valley a must-visit destination of 2024!

The Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta, commonly referred to as the Delta, is a vast inland river delta and estuary located in Northern California. Covering around 1,100 square miles, the Delta is home to more than 500 plant and animal species. It stands as one of the largest estuaries in western North America. This region is not only an ecologically significant region but also a hub for various recreational activities. Approximately 500,000 people live in the Delta region. In addition to locals, the region's activities and parks attract millions of visitors each year. Popular recreational activities in the Delta include sailing, waterskiing, houseboating, fishing, and hunting. The waterways are dotted with over 100 marinas and 25 yacht clubs, making it a haven for boating enthusiasts.

Pinnacles National Park, located near the Salinas Valley, offer visitors access to a stunning and unique landscape to explore. Pinnacles was formed approximately 23 million years ago when a series of volcanic activities shaped the park's distinctive landscape. Today, visitors can explore the trails and even the many caves created millions of years ago. The towering rock spires are popular with rock climbers. Hikers can choose from more than 30 miles of trails and traverse the park's diverse landscapes-- from grasslands to rocky uphill climbs through talus caves and more! Birders enjoy Pinnacles for the chance to view prairie and peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and the California condor in the wild. For visitors new to Pinnacles, ranger guidance is available at the Pinnacles Visitor Center, Bear Gulch Nature Center, or West Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station. Rangers offer trail advice tailored to different fitness and experience levels. To stay the night at Pinnacles, just make a reservation at the campground. The park is particularly popular in spring and fall, as summer temperatures can be intense. Pinnacles National Park is an ideal destination for anyone searching for non touristy things to do in Northern California.

These parks have major ecological significance since they’re home to ancient old-growth redwood forests. The Redwood National and State Parks are a collective treasure comprising one national park and three California state parks, including Redwood National Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Located along the scenic coastline of Northern California, these parks collectively span 139,000 acres. These four parks play a pivotal role in the preservation of our world’s natural wonders, protecting an astounding 45 percent of the remaining coast redwood old-growth forests. The coastal redwood, recognized for being the tallest and one of the oldest tree species on Earth, found itself classified as an endangered species in 2011. The parks not only safeguard these towering giants but also serve as a refuge for a diverse array of indigenous flora, fauna, grassland prairie, cultural resources, waterways, and approximately 37 miles of unspoiled coastline. Spend several days exploring this vast park system. Stay overnight in one of the charming nearby towns of Trinidad, Ferndale, or Crescent City.

Sure, there are a lot of stunning beaches and beautiful ocean vistas in Northern California, but this one just might take the cake. Point Reyes National Seashore is a place that is off the beaten path in Northern California, but it's worth the drive. Point Reyes National Seashore is a massive area with lots to see: the Cypress Tree Tunnel, the ocean-front elk preserve, elephant seals on Drakes Beach, and Point Reyes Lighthouse. But nothing has taken our breathe away quite like this stunning view from the South Beach Overlook, located on the path to the lighthouse. This sandy beach, the crashing ocean waves, and the grassy cliff go on as far as the eye can see. Check the weather before you leave since Point Reyes is often foggy. Visit on a clear day for a view of the lifetime. With all the other amazing places to see in Point Reyes National Seashore, we bet this oceanfront park might become a favorite place to visit.

The stunning Burney Falls is the main attraction in McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park. This stunning waterfall is often regarded as one of the most spectacular in Northern California. While not a household name yet, Burney Falls is gaining recognition and is becoming a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. The park is situated within the Cascade Range and Modoc Plateau natural region. With a blend of forests, streams, and lake shorelines, including a portion of the picturesque Lake Britton, the park is a haven for nature lovers. It is an easy 1.1 mile hike to the majestic Burney Falls. At 129-feet, the falls may not be the highest or largest waterfall in the state, but is widely considered one of the most beautiful. What sets Burney Falls apart is its constant and impressive flow of water, gushing at a rate of 100 million gallons every day. While Burney Falls has long been a cherished spot for locals and those in-the-know, the recent years have seen a surge in its popularity. The park has experienced a significant increase in visitors, especially on weekends from April to October when it reaches full capacity. The growing interest in Burney Falls is turning it into a sought-after destination. To accommodate the rising number of visitors, the park is currently undergoing trail reconstruction. The trail leading to the falls is expected to reopen in fall 2024. As you await the reopening of the trail, take advantage of the time to plan your visit. Consider booking a VRBO, or get an early bird deal by making a reservation at a hotel in the nearby town of Fall River Mills.