Category: Out And Back

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Baton Flat to Wilson Valley (Redbud Trail)

The hike along Redbud Trail takes you through the scenic foothills of the Cache Creek Wilderness Area.
The hike along Redbud Trail takes you through the scenic foothills of the Cache Creek Wilderness Area.

This is a continuation of the Redbud Trail summary I wrote about in 2018. The total length of Redbud Trail (one way) is about 7.5 miles to Wilson Valley where it meets the Judge Davis Trail at Cache Creek. To read about the first 2.5 miles of the hike, see my Redbud Trail to Baton Flat summary. We pick up here at Baton Flat.

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River Canyon Trail at Calaveras Big Trees State Park

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River Canyon Trail at Calaveras Big Trees State Park is the poorest maintained trail I’ve ever hiked. Parts of the trail should be closed as a safety hazard due to the poor upkeep of it. If the trail were maintained, this could be a really nice hike through the forest down to the North Fork of the Stanislaus River. Instead, I should have worn my heavier off-trail boots for parts of this trail.

I hate to start the hiking season off with a downer summary, but I want to get the word out before anybody might consider going to this state park.

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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, as there are safety concerns and trail hazards 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.

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Hiking Bear Valley to Kelham Beach at Point Reyes National Seashore

Sandy Kelham Beach at Point Reyes National Seashore is backed by a cliff wall along its expanse.
Sandy Kelham Beach at Point Reyes National Seashore is backed by a cliff wall along its expanse.

Bear Valley Trail is probably the most popular trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and I’ve hiked it countless times. This family-friendly trail is wide and follows the Bear Valley Creek under lush canopy almost all the way where it intersects with the Coast Trail.

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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 Lake Margaret

Lake Margaret is surrounded by granite on most of its shores.
Lake Margaret is surrounded by granite on most of its shores.

Lake Margaret is a beautiful back country lake in the Eldorado National Forest just 2.5 miles from the trailhead.

But don’t let that short mileage fool you. While the hike is pleasant and moves through forested areas, next to small bodies of water, and during the right time of year it is very flowery and green. There are, however, some challenges to overcome. Continue reading “Hiking to Lake Margaret”

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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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