01
Best overall pick
Lake Mendocino East Shore Walk
East Side Of Lake Mendocino, Just East Of Calpella • Lakeside Shoreline Trail With Rolling Hills • Closest To Town
A scenic out-and-back along Lake Mendocino’s quieter shore, starting essentially in Calpella’s backyard.
This route traces the east side of Lake Mendocino, with mellow climbs, oak-dotted hillsides, and constant glimpses of the water. It’s long enough for a real workout but never feels remote, making it a reliable choice for after-work miles or a low-key weekend hike. Expect mixed sun and shade, occasional muddy spots after rain, and easy spur paths down to the shoreline.
02
Classic local loop
Lake Mendocino Loop Trail
Around Lake Mendocino, North Of Ukiah • Rolling Oak Woodland And Lakeview Circuit • Best Half-Day Circuit
A longer loop that circles much of Lake Mendocino, stitching together open ridges, wooded gullies, and big water views.
If you want to settle into a rhythm and stay out for a few hours, this is the go-to loop around Lake Mendocino. Portions of the route climb to open ridgelines where you can look back toward Calpella and across the reservoir, while other stretches duck into cooler draws with more shade. Bring plenty of water, as sun exposure can be real in the warmer months and trail signage can be sparse in a few junctions.
03
Best redwood escape
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve Trails
Between Ukiah And Comptche, West Of Calpella • Old-Growth Redwood Grove Loop • Coolest Summer Retreat
A short, steady climb leads into a secluded bowl of towering redwoods and soft, ferny undergrowth.
Montgomery Woods feels worlds away from Highway 101, even though it’s a reasonable drive from Calpella. The main loop is not long, but the combination of steep initial ascent, hushed creekside sections, and cathedral-like redwood groves makes it memorable. It’s an ideal half-day outing when valley temperatures spike or you want to show visitors a classic Mendocino redwood forest without committing to a long trek.
04
Big mountain day
Snow Mountain via Deafy Glade Trail
Mendocino National Forest, East Of Calpella • High-Country Summit And Ridge Hike • Big-Day Adventure
A strenuous climb into the high country of Mendocino National Forest, rewarded with broad summit views and a true backcountry feel.
For strong hikers looking to stretch beyond the lake and redwoods, the Snow Mountain route via Deafy Glade offers a demanding but rewarding objective. The trail gains serious elevation, passing through oak and pine into more open alpine-style terrain near the top, with expansive views over the Coast Range on clear days. Start early, be prepared for changing weather, and treat this as a full-day outing with limited services anywhere nearby.
05
Coastal favorite
Fern Canyon Trail, Van Damme State Park
Mendocino Coast Near Little River • Shaded Creekside And Fern Canyon Hike • Best Coastal Side Trip
A gentle creek-following trail that leaves the highway noise behind and winds into a lush canyon thick with ferns.
When you’re ready to trade inland heat for salt air, the Fern Canyon Trail makes a great day trip from Calpella. The path follows Little River through a narrow valley, crossing the creek multiple times as the canyon walls close in and the ferns get denser. Pair the hike with a stop at the nearby beach or headlands, and you have a well-rounded Mendocino Coast outing that still fits easily into a single day.