If you’re looking for some beautiful and memorable waterfront trails, Northern California is full of them. Whether you want to walk along the beach, along the shore of a river or a lake, or dip your toes in a reservoir, this area has it all. Check out these five great trails for starters, but the possibilities are truly endless in the Golden Gate State. Get out there and enjoy it!

1. Endert's Beach via California Coastal Trail; Redwood National Park
Enderts Beach Road, Enderts Beach Rd, Crescent City, CA, USA
Frances Waldrop/AllTrails
Let's start with a very good one - this is one of the best waterfront trails in California or anywhere. It's rated moderate, but it's rather easy, actually, and its only 1.3 miles in length.
Shelby Doran/AllTrails
The views that you see on this trail will stay with you forever. The trail goes along a high cliff but eventually descends to a perfect beach. You'll love this one.
2. Truckee River Trail; Tahoe National Forest
Truckee, CA 96161, USA
Daniel Obenberger/AllTrails
This easy, paved trail follows the Truckee River for 10.2 miles with little elevation gain, making it accessible to all.
Victor Morales/AllTrails
This trail is kid-friendly and is great for biking, too.
3. Kehoe Beach Trail; Point Reyes National Seashore
Kehoe Beach Trail, California 94937, USA
J Golz/All Trails
This trail will take you right to the beach. On the way, you'll pass beautiful fields of wildflowers. You can bring your dog as long as you keep him or her on a leash.

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Louie Z/AllTrails
This out-and-back trail is 2.5 miles long. It can be popular, but the beach is so vast that you'll still be able to enjoy feelings of solitude.
4. Bailey Cove Loop Trail; Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Bailey Cove, California 96070, USA
Nina Lindsay/AllTrails
This 2.6-mile loop trail will take you out onto and around a peninsula in Shasta Lake. It's great for hiking or mountain biking.
Cameron Mozayan/AllTrails
You'll get great views of the surrounding mountains and of the marina and its many houseboats. This trail is rated moderate.
5. Big River Trail; Mendocino Headlands State Park
Big River, Mendocino, CA 95460, USA
Matt Wright/AllTrails
This trail is 16 miles long but don't feel like you have to do the whole thing - even bits and pieces of this trail are lovely.
Cameron Pinkerton/AllTrails
The trail is moderately challenging, but worth it. It's great for biking or hiking, and this area is also excellent for kayaking if you brought one along.

There’s so much to see and enjoy in Northern California. These waterfront trails are just a start! In Northern California, there’s something amazing around every corner. These trails are proof.

Looking for more great trails in Northern California? Check out this list: 15 Of The Most Scenic Hikes In Northern California You’ll Love

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