01
Towering redwood escape
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve
West Of Ukiah • Shaded Redwood Grove Loop Hike • Best Nearby Old-Growth Redwoods
A short but unforgettable loop through one of inland Mendocino County’s most impressive old-growth redwood groves.
The main loop trail at Montgomery Woods rises gently from the parking area before circling a broad, cathedral-like flat filled with skyscraping redwoods and lush ferns. It is a great choice when summer heat hits Hopland, thanks to deep shade and a cool creek running through the grove. Go early or late in the day for quieter trails and shafts of light filtering through the canopy.
02
Lakeside ridge favorite
Lake Sonoma Trail Network
South Of Hopland Near Geyserville • Oak-Studded Reservoir And Ridge Hikes • Best For Varied Mileage
Rolling singletrack above Lake Sonoma offers a mix of leg-burning climbs, big-water views, and shorter options close to the car.
From the main visitor center and nearby trailheads, you can link sections of the South Lake, Dry Creek, and surrounding trails into anything from a quick hour-long loop to a full-day ridge walk. Expect classic foothill scenery: blue oaks, open grass slopes, and frequent glimpses of the lake far below. In warmer months, start early and treat yourself to a picnic by the water when you finish.
03
Rugged backcountry outing
South Cow Mountain Recreation Area
East Of Ukiah • Steep Chaparral And Ridge Routes • Best For Strong Hikers
A network of steep, no-nonsense trails and old roads that trade shade for wide-open views across the Mayacamas range.
South Cow Mountain is better known to off-roaders, but hikers willing to climb will find long ridges, quiet side canyons, and big-sky vistas. Routes here tend to be exposed, rocky, and direct, rewarding the effort with sweeping looks toward Clear Lake, Ukiah Valley, and distant coastal hills. Bring extra water, sturdy shoes, and a willingness to share wide tracks with the occasional vehicle on multi-use routes.
04
High-country summit day
Snow Mountain Wilderness
Mendocino National Forest East Of Upper Lake • Alpine-Style Summit Trek • Best Big-Mountain Objective
A demanding hike that climbs through forest and open slopes to one of the region’s highest and most panoramic summits.
Most hikers tackle Snow Mountain via the Deafy Glade or Summit Trail, both of which serve up long, steady climbs and real backcountry feel. As you gain elevation, mixed conifers replace oaks and you start to see far-reaching views across the Central Valley and coastal ranges. It is a full-day commitment from Hopland, but one that rewards fit hikers with a true wilderness experience and a sense of being far from the highway.
05
Coastal waterfall classic
Russian Gulch State Park
Coast Near Mendocino • Ferny Canyon And Bluff Hikes • Best Coast-And-Forest Combo
A standout Mendocino Coast park where you can pair a lush inland waterfall hike with airy clifftop views over the Pacific.
Many locals make a loop here: first heading up the inland trail to Russian Gulch’s 36-foot waterfall, then driving or strolling out to the headlands for a look into the famous blowhole and sea arches. The canyon portion of the hike runs along a lively creek through second-growth redwoods and dense ferns, offering cool, sheltered walking even on warm days. Combine it with a stop in Mendocino village for an easy but memorable Hopland-to-coast day trip.