PG&E's Sierra Discovery Trail is an interpretive loop trail that is full of educational signs describing the local plants, geology and wildlife of the area. This 0.8-mile trail is located off of Highway 20 and Bowman Lake Road near Alta, CA. Sarah's family was camping in the Tahoe National Forest at White Cloud Campground along Highway … Continue reading Sierra Discovery Trail
Waterfalls
Burney Falls
I've wanted to see Burney Falls for a very, very long time! At over 3 hours from Sacramento, we decided the best way to spend time at Burney Falls is to camp at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park! If you decide not to camp, it's still easy to get the falls once in the park, provided the crowds … Continue reading Burney Falls
McCloud Falls
For Memorial Day weekend our family booked a campsite at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, but with a check-in time of 2pm, we wanted to take advantage of the day on the way to our campsite. I looked for a couple of things that would be fun but on the quick side, and decided … Continue reading McCloud Falls
Hedge Creek Falls
At 3+ hours from Sacramento (depending on where you live) this short hike may be best saved for part of a road trip going north on I-5, like our family did this weekend. Why we love it: It's short and sweet - right off of the highway, the hike is just about one mile roundtrip, … Continue reading Hedge Creek Falls
Upper Yosemite Falls (Yosemite Nat’l Park)
For Mother's Day, we did our research and had a plan...with managed expectations, of course! With a six year-old and a medically fragile 3 year-old, we try to keep ourselves from setting the bar too high. That's why when everything goes well, it makes for one AMAZING day! We had an amazing Mother's Day at Yosemite National Park! … Continue reading Upper Yosemite Falls (Yosemite Nat’l Park)
Cataract Falls
Just down the "road" (Panoramic Hwy) from Muir Woods, the hiking trails continue to weave through Mt. Tamalpais State Park. I organized this hike to Cararact Falls as a ladies-only (no partners, no kids) day trip, with women who all had only me in common! It was a beautiful day and we had a great time - … Continue reading Cataract Falls
Alamere Falls
So...this is one of those learn-from-my-mistakes kind of experiences. As such, this post will not completely follow the typical format of my posts. A friend and I attempted this hike and ended up hiking approximately 17 miles without ever actually getting to the falls! There are different ways to get to the falls, and we … Continue reading Alamere Falls
Stagecoach Trail Hike
Why we love it: We've done several hikes in Auburn State Recreation Area, and this is probably our favorite! While it's not the type of hike that has a big finale before you head back, we came across two waterfalls and gorgeous views both up and down the 4.2 mile trail. For the Young Ones (0-10): You … Continue reading Stagecoach Trail Hike
Fairy Falls (Beale Falls)
I'm a sucker for a hike that leads to a waterfall - and one that has a pool I can swim in? Even better! While the water was still quite frigid, this was a solid 5+ mile (roundtrip) hike with many places to view the falls, both from afar (best for those with small children) … Continue reading Fairy Falls (Beale Falls)
Independence Trail – West
The Independence Trail (West trail), in the Nevada City area, was a delightfully well-shaded trail for our family. However, unlike many of the hikes we take in NorCal, this one had lots of mosquitos! There are several turnouts to park at, so find the closest one and carefully make your way to the trail head. Why … Continue reading Independence Trail – West
Family Trail Time: A Mama's Hiking Guide 