01
Most popular pick
Hidden Falls Regional Park
Rolling Foothills West Of Auburn • Oak Woodland Preserve With Waterfalls • Best All-Around Day Hike
A well-signed network of loops to overlooks, creeks, and the park's namesake falls, with options for quick strolls or longer circuits.
Hidden Falls is the go-to choice when you want variety without a long drive, offering graded paths, singletrack, and several bridges and viewpoints. Reserve parking in advance on busy weekends and pick a loop that matches your group, from mellow creekside walks to longer ridge routes with big foothill vistas. In winter and spring, the falls and side creeks run strongest, and mud can make trekking poles handy.
02
Classic river canyon walk
Clementine Trail, Auburn State Recreation Area
American River Canyon Near Auburn • Riverside Canyon Trail • Scenic River Outing
A gently climbing path along the North Fork American River to Lake Clementine, mixing cliffy canyon views with access to the water below.
Starting near the Foresthill Bridge, the Clementine Trail follows an old road grade that feels surprisingly wild once you leave the parking area behind. It is an excellent choice when you want a straightforward out-and-back with steady but manageable elevation gain and plenty of spots to pause and watch the river. Summer brings crowds and heat, so go early in the day and shoulder seasons for a more relaxed hike.
03
Best for spring color
Buttermilk Bend Trail, South Yuba River State Park
Bridgeport Area Northwest Of Lake Of The Pines • Wildflower-Rich Riverside Path • Spring Wildflower Favorite
A gently rolling trail tracing the north bank of the South Yuba River, known for open views, seasonal cascades, and standout spring blooms.
Buttermilk Bend is the hike locals recommend when the foothills green up and wildflowers blanket the slopes above the South Yuba. The grade is mild and the tread is generally smooth, making it friendly for casual hikers who still want big scenery. In peak season parking fills quickly, so treat it as a morning or late-afternoon outing and linger at the viewpoints overlooking emerald pools below.
04
Easiest shaded option
Empire Mine State Historic Park
Forest Fringe East Of Grass Valley • Pine Forest And Historic Mine Roads • Low-Key Shaded Loops
A web of mostly gentle trails through tall pines and mine-era ruins, ideal for cooler, slower-paced walks close to town.
Empire Mine pairs local history with surprisingly peaceful forest walking, just a short drive up the hill from Lake of the Pines. Once past the main historic core, you can link old roadbeds and singletrack for custom-length loops that rarely feel steep or exposed. It is a strong choice for families, shoulder-season strolls, or days when you want trees and quiet more than big views.
05
Most dramatic canyon hike
Stevens Trail
Rugged Canyon Country Near Colfax • Steep Canyon Trek With River Access • Best For Strong Hikers
A narrow, sometimes rocky path that contours high above the North Fork American River before dropping toward boulder-strewn pools below.
Stevens Trail delivers some of the most dramatic canyon scenery within easy driving distance of Lake of the Pines, but it makes you work for it with sustained grades and exposure. The payoff is a mix of airy cliffside traverses, spring wildflowers, and access to the river for those who commit to the full descent. Bring plenty of water, sturdy footwear, and a realistic turnaround time, especially on hot days when the hike out can feel significantly tougher.