01
Best close ridge hike
Blue Ridge Trail
Southeast Of Hidden Valley Lake • Rugged Ridge Hike With Sweeping Canyon Views • Best Close-To-Town Challenge
A steep, rocky trail that climbs quickly to a ridgeline with big views into the Cache Creek canyon and surrounding hills.
Expect a true workout here, with sustained climbing, exposed sections, and rewarding vistas almost the entire way along the ridge. On clear days you can pick out distant Lake County peaks and the folded canyons of the Cache Creek Wilderness. Go early in summer for cooler temps and bring plenty of water, as shade is limited.
02
Shadiest summer option
Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest
Cobb Mountain Area • Shaded Forest Singletrack Network • Best For Easy-To-Customize Loops
A web of mostly gentle trails through regrowing pine and fir forest, ideal for flexible loop hikes in the cooler high country.
Boggs is where locals go when the lower elevations heat up, thanks to higher elevation and long stretches of tree cover. The signed trail system makes it easy to stitch together anything from a quick hour walk to a half-day ramble without repeating much. Expect a mix of fire roads and narrow singletrack, with moderate grades and plenty of quiet corners.
03
Iconic summit climb
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park – Mount Saint Helena
Along Highway 29 Toward Calistoga • Steep Volcanic Summit Hike With Big Panoramas • Iconic Regional Peak
A sustained climb to one of the North Bay’s signature summits, rewarded by far-reaching views that can stretch from the Sierra to the Pacific on clear days.
From the highway pullout, the route winds up through mixed forest before breaking out onto open slopes and wide views. The climb is steady and can feel relentless, but the payoff at the top includes a 360-degree panorama over Napa Valley, Lake County ridges, and distant ranges. Start early, especially in warm weather, and expect limited shade on the upper half of the hike.
04
Best easy nature walk
Anderson Marsh State Historic Park
Near Lower Lake On Clear Lake’S South Shore • Lowland Wetlands And Oak Woodland Loops • Best Wildlife And Birding Walk
Gentle trails and boardwalk-style paths weave through marsh, open fields, and old oaks along the southern edge of Clear Lake.
This is a relaxed place to stretch your legs when you want scenery and wildlife more than elevation gain. The routes are mostly flat, making them friendly for casual walkers, kids, and mixed-ability groups. Watch and listen for herons, egrets, and marsh birds, and bring binoculars if you like to linger at viewpoints over the water.
05
Most adventurous outing
Cache Creek Wilderness – Redbud Trail
Highway 20 Corridor East Of Clear Lake • Backcountry Canyon Hike With River Access • Best Full-Day Adventure
A rugged out-and-back or loop-style hike that drops into the Cache Creek canyon, with options to reach the river and climb back onto open ridges.
The Redbud Trail feels wilder than most nearby options, with long stretches of open country and a good chance of spotting raptors or even tule elk on distant hillsides. The initial descent means you pay for your views on the way back out, so save energy and pack for heat, especially late in the season. It is a go-to choice when you want a more remote, all-day hike without driving all the way to the high Sierra.