Category: 05-10 Miles

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Hiking Deafy Glade to Summit Springs

Once you climb high enough, you look out into the Sacramento Valley from the Deafy Glade Trail.
Once you climb high enough, you look out into the Sacramento Valley from the Deafy Glade Trail.

There is an update to Deafy Glade trail that will be posed here. If you are contemplating doing this hike, I recommend you read the post when it is published. There are some safety concerns and trail hazards you need to be aware of.

Deafy Glade Trail is a butt kicker. After about a mile in and a creek crossing, it’s 3.5 miles of climbing that pulls on your calves, hamstrings and other lower body muscles. If you want buns of steel, this trail can make it happen for you. The view from the top where the Deafy Glade Trail meets the Summit Springs Trail offers views down into the Sacramento Valley and even the Sutter Buttes on a clear day.

Continue reading “Hiking Deafy Glade to Summit Springs”

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Hiking Smittle Creek Trail

Lake Berryessa
Lake Berryessa

The hike on the Smittle Creek Trail is an easy rolling hill hike along the shores of Lake Berryessa, but it really isn’t that impressive. I hiked it in the fall, but it may come alive in the spring when the hills are green and wildflowers are in bloom. I’m told this trail is popular with birdwatchers. I’m not knocking this trail… it has its place, and viewed in context, it makes for a pleasant Sunday stroll with a picnic by the lake. Continue reading “Hiking Smittle Creek Trail”

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Hiking to Scott’s Lake is full of Fall Color

The fall color along the trail to Scott's Lake can be unbelievable.
The fall color along the trail to Scott’s Lake can be unbelievable.

If you hike the trail to Scott’s Lake in the fall when the aspens are turning color, it will knock your socks off.

The hike starts off at the trailhead parking lot just off Highway 89 on Luther Pass, which is part of the larger Tahoe Rim Trail. You hike a pleasant .1 a mile before you come upon Highway 89 and have to cross it. Listen for traffic, as you should be able to hear it before you can see it coming around the two corners. Continue reading “Hiking to Scott’s Lake is full of Fall Color”

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Hiking Fleming Trail Loop in Eldorado National Forest

Hiking among the trees on the Fleming Loop in the Eldorado National Forest is a place that offers peaceful contemplation.
Hiking among the trees on the Fleming Loop in the Eldorado National Forest is a place that offers peaceful contemplation.

If you’re in the frame of mind for this type of trail, the Fleming Meadow Loop rocks. There are no sweeping vistas, not an abundance of wildflowers or much running water – just a hike among the trees in some areas with very dense forest. My experience was awesome for contemplation and meditation.

The Fleming Meadow Loop in the Eldorado National Forest is one of the best marked and maintained trails I’ve come across in a national forest. When you hike Trail 8, you will come across many junctions with roads and other trails, but Trail 8 is marked so it is easy to follow. This trail is taken advantage of by hikers, mountain bikers, equestrian riders and the locals who know its secret. Continue reading “Hiking Fleming Trail Loop in Eldorado National Forest”

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Hiking to Feather Falls

Feather Falls in Butte County plummets more than 400 feet down into the Feather River.
Feather Falls in Butte County plummets more than 400 feet down into the Feather River.

How can you be a hiker in Northern California and not hike to Feather Falls? The falls are an awesome to sight to behold, and the hike isn’t so bad either – depending on when you go and the condition of the trail. At about .4 miles from the trailhead, you’ll have decision to make when you come to fork.

If you want to make a loop out of this hike, it might be best to go to the left, as the trail will head downhill. Coming back up this way could be strenuous. If you do decide to come back up this way, there are a series of benches along the trail for resting. This way is shorter taking about 3.3 miles to get to the overlook. Continue reading “Hiking to Feather Falls”

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Hiking Juniper Lake to Horseshoe Lake

Horseshoe Lake is peacefully serene in the morning. Stop and take it in.
Horseshoe Lake is peacefully serene in the morning. Stop and take it in.

Horseshoe Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park offers an awesome view, and is what makes this hike worth it. I got to experience the lake early in the morning before I saw any other hikers. It was beautiful, and even though I consider the entire hike the destination, just looking at Horseshoe Lake is a destination. Continue reading “Hiking Juniper Lake to Horseshoe Lake”

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Hiking Prospect Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen through a smokey haze from Prospect Peak.
Mt. Lassen through a smokey haze from Prospect Peak.

What makes the hike up to Prospect Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park worth the effort are the views from the 8340-foot summit. First, I have to admit, the views would have been spectacular when I was there, but there were several wildfires burning at the time. The Carr Fire near Redding and the Whaleback Fire near Susanville along with others in the state made for very hazy views when the wind blew in the smoke. Continue reading “Hiking Prospect Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park”

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Hiking Eagle Pass to Paul Thomas Trail

Black Butte Lake from Eagle Pass is a green and alive in the springtime.
Black Butte Lake from Eagle Pass is a green and alive in the springtime.

The hike from Eagle Pass to the Paul Thomas Trail can only be done in the springtime while the grasses are green before the summer sets in and the weather is still cool enough to be outside in the valley. The view from Eagle Pass you hike up to is incredible. It looks over to Black Butte, the lake itself to the west and the Coastal Mountain Range that spans the horizon running from the north the south that disappears to sight. Continue reading “Hiking Eagle Pass to Paul Thomas Trail”

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Hiking Snow Mountain West Peak

The Sutter Buttes, the Sacramento Valley and the Sierra Nevadas can be seen in the distance from Snow Mountain.
The Sutter Buttes, the Sacramento Valley and the Sierra Nevadas can be seen in the distance from Snow Mountain.

Note: This portion of the forest was severely burned in 2018 shortly after I hiked it, and most the trees are now burned out. See my Snow Mountain East Peak summary for an update.

Peaceful desolation. That’s what the hike up Snow Mountain in the Snow Mountain Wilderness is. The trails are defined, the wildflowers are in bloom in the summer and people are scarce. The trails in this Northern California area are a hidden gem, as they are under-hiked and seemingly unknown to most.

Though not recommended to hike in the summer as the heat can be brutal, I happened to catch the mountain on an unseasonably cool July day with overcast and a smattering of rain. The wildflowers were in bloom from red to purple, yellow, blue and orange. The hike starts out exposed and meanders for a little more than a mile before you start to get under the cover of the tall pine trees as you climb.

Continue reading “Hiking Snow Mountain West Peak”

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