01
Best close-to-town hike
Orland Buttes at Black Butte Lake
Black Butte Lake Recreation Area West Of Orland • Lakeside Foothill Hike With Rocky Outcrops • Best Close-To-Town Escape
Low, rolling trails around the Orland Buttes deliver blue-water views, spring wildflowers, and easy access from Corning.
Head west to Black Butte Lake for a quick change of scenery from orchards to open water and rocky hills. The informal paths around the buttes offer short climbs, big sky, and plenty of spots to wander off and explore side ridges. It is a great choice when you want real dirt underfoot but do not have time for a full-day outing.
02
Best riverfront ramble
Yana Trail, Sacramento River Bend Area
Bend Area North Of Red Bluff Along The Sacramento River • Riverfront Oak Woodland Trail With Open Bluffs • Top Winter-Season Option
This long, mostly gentle trail follows bluffs and benches above the Sacramento River with wide views and reliable wildlife sightings.
The Yana Trail feels surprisingly wild for being so close to town, with sweeping overlooks, side canyons, and constant glimpses of the Sacramento River below. In cooler months, the open grasslands green up and raptors work the thermals along the bluff edge. Go early or late in the day to catch the best light on the river and avoid the midafternoon heat.
03
Best half-day workout
Monkey Face Loop, Upper Bidwell Park
Upper Bidwell Park In Northeast Chico • Rim-And-Canyon City Park Hike On Volcanic Rock • Best For Varied Fitness Levels
A classic Chico loop, this route climbs past basalt outcrops to panoramic views over Big Chico Creek Canyon and the valley beyond.
Upper Bidwell Park is where many North Valley hikers cut their teeth, and the Monkey Face Loop shows off why. The trail mixes smooth stretches with some steeper, rocky pitches, so you can tailor the outing to the group and turn around as needed. On clear days, look west for Coast Range silhouettes and east toward the distant high country around Lassen.
04
Big summit day
Brokeoff Mountain, Lassen Volcanic National Park
Southwest Corner Of Lassen Volcanic National Park • High-Elevation Volcanic Summit Trail • Bucket-List Day Hike
A sustained climb to Brokeoff Mountain’s summit rewards you with one of the best skyline views in the northern Sierra–Cascade transition zone.
For hikers willing to drive a bit farther from Corning, Brokeoff is the standout objective. The trail winds through forest and meadows before breaking out onto airy switchbacks with increasing views of Lassen Peak and the surrounding ranges. It is a demanding but non-technical route, ideal when you want cool mountain air and a true sense of accomplishment.
05
Best for solitude
Iron Canyon Trail into Ishi Wilderness
Eastern Tehama County Above Deer Creek • Remote Canyon-And-Plateau Backcountry Route • Best For Experienced Hikers Seeking Quiet
This rugged path drops into a lava-rock canyon and climbs toward the Ishi Wilderness, trading crowds for big spaces and deep quiet.
If you prefer your hikes on the wilder side, the Iron Canyon approach into the Ishi country delivers. The route is steeper and less groomed than more popular options, but you gain dramatic canyon walls, volcanic formations, and a real sense of being off the beaten path. Carry extra water, watch the heat, and treat this as a true backcountry outing rather than a casual stroll.