Gorgeous hike in Archer Taylor Preserve takes you to the top of Maggie’s Peak for a great view of the San Francisco Bay Area and to Devil’s Well and a number of other waterfalls while hiking among pines, maples and redwoods.

This little-known trail takes hikers above Rector Reservoir on Department of Fish and Game land with excellent views of the Napa Valley from the east.

A hike through Knoxville Wildlife Area leading to a little known seasonal North San Francisco Bay Area Waterfall offers solitude and poison oak!

A gorgeous vertical hike along the Cataract Falls Trail on Mt. Tamplpais in Fairfield, CA. Seemingly endless waterfalls cascade along this wooded out and back trail. The hike ends with gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean overlooking Bolinas.

Gorgeous tree-canopied hike through the Redwood Loop Trail and it’s giant redwood trees, followed by an out and back journey to Berry Creek Falls along the Skyline to the Sea Trail.

Somewhat seasonal, Yosemite Falls is one of the highlights of visiting the National Park. A nice short hike that isn’t too wet and offers a number of great photograph opportunities.

Bridalveil Falls flows year-round from Bridalveil Creek and is the first set of falls seen as you enter Yosemite Valley. Prepare to get a little wet on this nice, short and paved hike to it’s base.

Eagle Falls is a scenic set of subalpine waterfalls from Eagle Creek which flows from Eagle Lake above. Probably best in summer but you can go anytime. Be sure to check out the upper and lower sets to take in all the views.

Mid winter was a great time to go see Alamere Falls in Pt. Reyes. The easy terrain makes this medium distance hike seem like nothing. There are three sets of waterfalls, two lakes and some mud along the way. There is a minor climbing challenge to descend to the very bottom falls, which are the best of the three.

Excellent coastal hike in Pacifica and Montara, CA to the summit of Montara Mountain. Excellent views and a great variety of trails, flora and fauna.

We took the longer trail from Eagle Point Campground along Emerald Bay and down into Vikingsholm where we took the paid tour. Very scenic and relatively easy hike. Best in summer.

Tuolumne Falls, White Cascade, Glen Aulin, McGee Lake, Polly Dome Lakes, May Lake and Mount Hoffman made for an excellent backpack journey begging for extra memory cards for your camera.

Skyline to the Sea Trail was one of my first non-sierra backpacking trips. Wasn’t sure how it would compare. While it may be true it’s missing the rugged mountain panoramas, it makes up for it with beautiful plant life everywhere and a diversity of terrains. This is a fairly lengthy 35 mile trail that I did in 3 nights.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is located in the Santa Cruz mountains off Hwy 35. Giant trees and a cool shady hike with waterfalls await.