No, San Francisco is not Northern California.

We had lived in California our entire lives before beginning our journey as travel therapists. We now find that many people out of California don’t know what is north of San Francisco. So if you find yourself exploring Northern California and searching for an adventure, keep reading.

Here are some amazing stops worth checking out. Everything from giant coastal redwoods, Fern Canyon (where part of Jurassic Park was filmed), Lassen Volcanic National Park, and many more wonderful adventures.

We will break this up into two sections. The first is central/eastern Northern California, beginning just North of Redding CA.

Lake Shasta

10 miles North of Redding you will drive across the beautiful lake Shasta. In the summer, temperatures can climb above 100 degrees and spending a day or two at the lake can be relaxing and needed break from the heat. They have campsites, houseboat rentals, jet-ski/boats and paddleboard/kayak rentals at the marina.

If lake adventures aren’t your thing, you can also visit the Shasta caverns. Purchasing a ticket to see the caverns includes a boat service across the lake, shuttle up the hillside, and a tour inside the Shasta Caverns. Plus, it’s significantly cooler inside the caverns compared to the scorching heat outside. You can find your tickets here.

Mt Shasta

Winter or summer, Mt Shasta can be filled with adventure. In the summer months or fall/spring, there are hiking trails surrounding Mt. Shasta. Linked here is an example of a few in the area.

In the winter, Shasta has a ski resort that includes a bunny slope for tubing, which we tried this year for the first time! The views from the slopes are spectacular. Click here for a link to the ski resort.

If you want what we consider a great picture of Mt Shasta, just across the entry road for the ski resort is a public sledding hill. As you’re leaving the park you literally can’t miss it. Park and walk up a 100 yards or so and you can snap a shot of Shasta in the background.

kayaking options near redding

We have kayaked in several locations near Redding, but our favorite would be down the Sacramento River and at Whiskey Town Lake. If you want to kayak, launch at South Bonnyview Boat Launch and park your pick up car at Andersen River Park Boat Ramp. Toughest part of the trip? Don’t miss your exit point haha. We went with some locals we met at work who had done it before. A few small rapids, nothing major. We even had a first time kayaker who had no issue with the float down the river.

While we don’t get any commission from anything in our posts, I would direct you to Action Sport Rentals for your kayak if in the Redding Area.

Mt lassen

If you’re looking for another adventure, just a day trip away from Redding California, search no further than Lassen Volcanic National Park (North entrance, South entrance) We have been here several times and hiked to the top of this 10,456 foot summit. Despite being a warm day in summer, there was still a small area of snow pack at the top.

Hiking Mt Lassen peak isn’t the only adventure. In summer you can drive the entire park, and some memorable hikes include Kings Creek Trail (with waterfall views) and the easy, but picturesque Manzanita Trail along the lake (enter at North entrance).

If you decide to travel in winter, the park road may or may not be plowed and you will need to reference the park website. When we went, the road was open 1 mile into the park from both North or South entrance. There was plenty of parking and options for snowshoeing. You can opt to walk along the closed road as far as you are willing, otherwise we just did the Manzanita Trail along the lake and had some amazing shots of a snow covered Mt. Lassen.

Mossbrae falls

Enter the small town of Dunsmir CA for two local attractions. Food & Waterfall!

Yaks on the 5 is a delicious stop with beer, cornhole and cool names when you place your order. We were chipmunk cheeks.

Once you’ve had a snack, leave your car parked and head North along the sidewalk on your 3 mile round trip trek to Mossbrae Falls. (you can attempt to park closer, but depending on time of day, parking can be limited).

If you started from Yaks, in approx 1/2-3/4 mile, you will come across the side road SCARLET WAY. Turn left here.

Walk down the road and turn right at the bottom of the hill onto CAVE street.

You will come across railroad tracks after you cross the creek and as soon as you cross the creek, turn right onto the tracks and head North. Be careful, this is an active railroad and we have been passed by two trains while hiking.

Despite this seeming like a dangerous activity, we have literally passed dozens of people while hiking the path 3 different times in total.

Roughly 2 miles down this track you will come to a railroad bridge (one of those old looking steel structures, can’t miss it) Just before this bridge on the right is a path leading downhill (it’s a dirt path through some trees). Walk down to see the falls!

To get a better idea of the trail, check out this YouTube video. We combined Mt Lassen, Burney Falls, and Mossbrae falls into this short video, but you can skip towards the end and see what it looks like while walking the railroad and even where to turn to see the falls.

Burney falls

Looking for the EASIEST hike to a WATERFALL....EVER... well maybe not ever, but the 10$ entrance fee to see Burney Falls is worth it.

With ample parking and paved walk ways, Burney falls is as family friendly as it gets. You would never guess this hidden gem is in the middle of nowhere Northern California.

You can view the falls as soon as you reach the outer rim just outside of the parking lot, but if you are up for a short downhill walk, you can reach the base of the falls for panoramic views. We just visited again in early April and the falls were RAGING. There is an option to walk the 1 mile loop around the falls, but we found the best views are at the base.

mccloud falls

McCloud River Falls trail includes 3 different waterfalls, upper, middle, and lower. Parking is on paved road and it is easily accessed to start the trail. While in total you can hike between 3.5-4 miles to see all three falls, we have been several times and middle falls is definitely the highlight. Approx 50 feet high and 80 feet across, it is the largest of the three and has a large pool underneath.

While visiting we have seen many people swimming and the last time we were there, cliff divers were above the falls doing some impressive stunts into the pool below. If you are already near Burney Falls or Dunsmuir, this is a stop worth seeing. Also….this one is dog friendly!

Want a lot more detail on this hike? Click here…

what else you got california?

So now you’ve explore a few great stops near Redding California. Interested in taking a peak what’s behind the Redwood Curtain? A 3 hour drive west of Redding, along the 299 and you will quickly learn why they call it the Redwood Curtain.

A windy, narrow, cliff hanging road puts you in the town of Arcata California. Welcome to the infamous Humboldt county. I’m sure you know what they are known for in this part of the Emerald Triangle.

While you can find all things related to Sasquatch and marijuana, I’m here to tell you they have some amazing hikes, redwoods and scenery that is like no other. Ready? Here we go

Trinidad/Trinidad head trail

The town of Trinidad is beautiful, but we like it for the small, pet friendly beach and the Trinidad Head Trail. Parking in the dirt lot, just look for the small side road that curves up the trail head.

As you head uphill along the road, it eventually turns into a gravel/dirt path with a peak that has nearly 360 views of the ocean. With Small cliffs, redwoods, and the fresh ocean breeze you can see why we sometimes repeat this trail on weekend mornings. After the trail, be sure to stop by the adjacent beach.

If you would like some local wine, be sure to check out Moonstone Crossing Winery as well.

Prairie creek state park

If you want to see elk, then Prairie Creek State Park is the place. Whether it’s in the park or on the drive there, we have seen multiple elk nearly every trip.

After parking at the visitor center, no fee required, pick between countless trails. You can easily link two or three trails together as well.

Unfortunately, this park is not very pet friendly other than in parking lots. Looking for recommendations on trails to take and to get a better idea of what the park looks like? Check out our YouTube video here.

Crescent city

Approx 2 hours North of Arcata is Crescent City. Pretty much the last city before reaching Oregon. It’s your typical beach town with plenty of hotels looking out to the pacific. If you go through this city, be sure to stop and check out the Battery Point Light. Otherwise we did hike one trail near Crescent City, the Myrtle Creek Trail.

This trail is 2 miles round trip and very easy, mostly flat. The trail begins off highway 199 near the intersection with South Fork Road. Park at the Myrtle Beach river access or at the small pullout across from the trailhead. While the trail is scenic, we thought the views of the Smith River at the Myrtle Beach river access were the best part. Click here for a link to All Trails.

Brookings Oregon

Technically not California, Brookings Oregon is the furthest North we have ventured while living in Arcata. While we kept our stay short (only a day trip), we did manage to hike along the Oregon Coast trail starting at the Natural Bridges overlook. The hike down to the bridges looks a little sketchy, so we headed North on the trail for about a mile and explored other scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. Besides, the view of the Natural Bridges from the overlook offered more than perfect pictures.

Due to limited time, this was our only adventure, but have heard great things about the Secret Beach…

Avenue of the giants

Avenue of the Giants is a highway in Northern California that travels through the Humboldt Redwoods State Park. At just over 30 miles in length, you can enter from either the Northern or Southern end. At the start of the road on the Northern end there are pamphlets outlining stops along the way. If you don’t pick one up, don’t worry, trails are easily marked at varying distances along the route.

At some point driving along the redwoods there will be a small gift shop. We have stopped for our typical Christmas ornaments and post cards in-between the several hikes we have taken along the giants. Be sure to stop at Founders Grove to view one of the tallest trees in the world. Also, please do yourself a favor and hike the 1 mile trail at Founders Grove to see the fallen Dyerville Giant. This tree is MASSIVE and difficult to describe without viewing yourself.

Ferndale

Ferndale is a small town with a hint of the smell of cows. Honestly, reminds me of home. What you find downtown though is a Main Street that could be used as the backdrop to a major film. Lined with home town shops, antiques, and food attractions, it really is picturesque. And let me tell you, the Christmas Parade, which was comprised of only tractors was AWESOME!

In Ferndale, if you choose to stay the night, check out the Gingerbread Mansion Inn. Even if you don’t stay, snap a photo as this Mansion is one of California’s most photographed and published historic homes.

Arcata community forest

If you find yourself spending the night in Arcata, the community forest is the local go to for hikes, runs, and a nice get-away to the woods. Miles of trails, multiple entry points, and it is all pet friendly. We chose to start at the Sunny Brae Forest Trailhead, but one google search will show plenty of other options.

Patrick’s point State Park

Patrick's Point State Park is 25 miles north of Eureka, California and has many adventures packed into one small area. The park itself has an entrance fee, and is only dog friendly in the parking areas. Unfortunately, no dogs on the trails.

Patrick’s Point State Park offers forested trails that travel along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Once you enter the park, there is a visitor center and a reconstructed Yurok-plank-house-village. They do offer campgrounds within the park and have many picnic tables for day use. We spent the day hiking over 4 miles along the coast and stopped at Wedding Rock for pictures and the views of the ocean. Check out our video here to see more about this park.

Sequoia park

You actually don’t have to travel far from Eureka California, or even out of the city to see some very large redwoods. Sequoia Park is pet friendly and offers outdoor swings, picnic tables, and a 1 mile loop around the park. You will work your way through a scenic trail and at about half way come across a small duck pond. Keep heading up the hill and continue to work your way back to the park entrance.

Coming soon is the Skywalk, which allows you to walk high among the redwoods, unfortunately, construction wasn’t finished while we were visiting. It may be worth checking out so you can walk among the redwoods! click here for access to Sequoia Park information including the skywalk.

fern canyon

Fern Canyon is located in the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. You have two options to access this beautiful location. You can hike the 9 mile loop trail from Prairie Creek Headquarters, or like us, drive the 8 mile dirt road, reach a paved parking lot and walk 0.1 miles to the start of the canyon.

The canyon itself can easily be hiked over 0.5 miles one way crisscrossing over streams and logs. We love the views taking a stroll through Fern Canyon, with its 50 foot high walls covered with ferns. ⁣ Be sure to have extra socks or try not to get your feet wet. ⁣ The canyon has views around every corner and afterwards you can take one of the trails from the parking lot to the beach, only a 100 yards away. ⁣. Be on the lookout for Elk. Didn’t spot any this time, but we have in the past! ⁣

If you want to see in detail what this canyon looks like, you can check out our YouTube video here.

summary

Well there it is, some of our favorite spots in Northern California. We know there are so many more, but this is a great place to start. Enjoy your travels.

If you are looking for more travel adventures you can check us out on our instagram, Facebook or YouTube. And if you are a traveling therapist, we had a podcast where we interview friends and strangers we meet along our travel adventures, as well as talk about travel therapy.