Hiking & Camping experiences in Northern California
Hiking along the natural as well as interpretative trails in California is a thrilling experience. Pack up your trail running shoes and camping equipment in your backpack for a long journey as these routes can be long and lengthy. Northern California has a number of trails to viewpoints, mountain summits, backcountry treks, natural walks and so on. It is a perfect place for an adventurous weekend getaway. Some of the routes here are similar to those seen in Patagonia. You will be traversing through the peaks of the north face and south sides of the western mountains, all the way to the coastline. Be prepared for all conditions by packing the right camping gear, including first aid kits!
The definitive camping equipment list for extended trips:
- Water Bottles (Nalgene Water Bottles are Best)
- Hiking Shoes or Trail Running Shoes
- Backpacks (The North Face makes excellent Hydration Packs, as does Camelback and Osprey.
- Polarized Sunglasses. Oakley sunglasses are exceptionally well made and offer quite a variety.
- Lightweight hiking clothes. Consider garments from Patagonia and The North Face. Both manufactures use lightweight materials that are breathable and fast drying. Men's and Women's clothing is available.
- Sleeping Bags
- Camping Tents
- First Aid Kits
- Camping Stoves
- Hiking Socks
Best hiking trails in Northern California
This region promises some of the best trails in the whole wide world. Some of the best among them are:-
20 Lakes Basin Loop is a trail about 8.5 miles long. This trail can be used for a dayhike. It is set amongst the alpine beauty and promises a short yet beautiful experience of majestic peaks and lovely lakes. It is an exciting place for rambling. For more excitement you ought to ramble to the west of the sub basin or to Coness Lake, south of the basin. Consider packing a good pair of trail running shoes from The North Face. You'll need to bring a full day's worth of water with your Nalgene water bottles, and because this region stays sunny, make sure you're sporting the latest specs from Oakley Sunglasses.
Next you can try out the Ebbetts Pass to Carson Pass via Pacific crest trail which is almost 30 miles long. Consider a sturdy pair of trail running shoes from the north face for this monster of a trek. The high sierra section is not usually crowded and is fantastic. The views available here will remind you of those seen in Patagonia. It takes you along the eroded volcanic landscapes.
A short backpacking hike through the castle state park is a must for all enthusiasts who want to catch a glimpse of sand boulders and fabulous views of towering views over the San Lorenzo River and Pescadero Creek watersheds. You'll want a polarized pair of Oakley sunglasses for this one! Summer fogs and winter storms along the north face can be a hindrance on this trail at times but they make it more thrilling than others. Take care to have the best shoes and camping equipment for the climate. Weekends you may even meet up a number of your old friends here.
16.5 miles long Canyon Creek Trail is one of the best in the world. It takes hikers to the best of the Alps. For its spectacular views (don't forget your Oakley sunglasses) it not only attracts hikers but also naturalists, anglers, north face rock climbers, peak baggers and even cross country hikers.
Happy Isles to Merced Lake is a 27 mile trail with awesome views past Vernal and Nevada falls, similar to the ones seen in Patagonia. There is the Mist trail which takes you to the vernal falls and the mist there is lovely and refreshing. You'll definitely want to bring your Oakley sunglasses for this one. Then the second part takes you to the Nevada falls. All along the hike you can listen to the Merced River. There are awesome camping destinations all along the waterfronts. Bring your camping equipment and trail running shoes for extended stays in these regions.
The ten mile hike along the southern Desolation Wilderness trail is one of the favorites amongst the locals. It is on Lake Tahoe’s western side. Keep one whole free day aside for this hike if you want to take in the maximum fun. Great for early morning runs…but make sure you pack a good pair of trail running shoes.
More popular trails
The skyline-to-the-sea trail offers a hike for both the backpackers and the bikers. The last part of the hike is just for hikers and bikes should be deposited and the place hiked on foot. The Patagonia hike extends from the Waddell Beach then it passes Alder Camp going to Twin Redwoods and Camp Herbert trail camps along the way to Berry Creek Falls. The north face side of the falls is amazing.
The Lost coast trail is a remote hike along highway 1 and is about 17 miles long. It is between Orange camp and Usal camp, it is a tedious hike and takes almost three days and can test the limits of endurance of hikers. It is one of the most adventurous of all, but you'll need a good pair of shoes to get through it all. There are a number of sheer creek canyons, descending quickly and ascending steeply to more than 100 feet at times.
There are more than forty famous hike trails in northern California. Some of the National Forest Recreation Trails are beautiful. The others are the Ohlone trail, summit trail, Virginia Lake to green creek trail, the traverse trail which is a five day backpacking trail across the Santa Cruz Mountains. Then comes in the Lillian lake loop trail, Meeks bay to emerald bay trail, point Rayes national seashore trail and many more. The days here stay sunny, so be sure you bring plenty of sun tan lotion and don't forget your sunglasses.
Getting ready for the hike
There are some precautions or better still preparations that you should take while going for a hike. Some of the most important ones are:-
- Wear sturdy non-slip shoes
- Depending on the time and climate, the clothing.
- Carry any source of light (try avoiding gas lanterns)
- Plastic hard hats can be used
- Take water sunglasses and a backpack with you having all the materials.
- All of your camping equipment is a must!
The Camping Equipment should have all the things described above and also anything else that you think is important. But do take care that it is not heavy. Hiking should be done with as much less burden as possible.
Northern California offers a number of spectacular views, thrilling experiences and lovely memories on their fantastic hike routes. So load your rucksack with all the equipments and clothing suited for Patagonia or what you think is the best. Enjoy and have a care-free hike.
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