This short hike out to grass lake makes for a memorable trip with many streams and waterfalls along the way. This swift getaway is located in the Eastern Sierras in Desolation Wilderness only two miles along the Glen Alpine Trail. 

Overview~
Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
Difficulty Level: easy-moderate
Approximate Time: about 45 minutes to an hour to reach the lake
Pet Friendly: yes
Crowd Levels: low
Best season to go: Spring and Summer to avoid snow and rain

What to bring~
1. Lunch: this hike makes for the perfect picnic spot!
2. Plenty of water: this hike does have some incline so be sure to bring water to hydrate yourself on the way.
3. Camera: the lake itself is picturesque and there is a beautiful waterfall view that can be seen from the West side of the lake. 
4. Back-packing gear (optional): The ranger station allows a certain amount of campers to spend the night in various areas along the Glen Alpine Trail; if you're up for it I would reccomend staying the night at the lake to see the sunset and continuing on in the morning to another lake or up Glen Alpine trail to the peak of Mt. Tallac. 

What you will see~
1. The hike itself starts off passing Glen-Alpine Falls by car which are quite beautiful and worth the stop. Along the way you will also see many smaller falls and upon reaching the lake, as stated above, there is a stunning waterfall that can be seen from the West side of the lake. 
2. Lots of lush grasses growing in the water, hence the name Grass Lake.
3. It should be mentioned that there is a stream crossing in order to get to grass lake that requires you to walk across a fallen tree. Most hikers should be able to cross without much difficulty, but be careful if you bring along your pet (mine had a little trouble).

How to get there~
Park at the trailhead to enter Desolation Wilderness just beyond Glen Alpine Falls, there is a small parking area there, and entrance is on the far right side. Follow your way up the trail approximately 1.5 miles and there is a turn off to the Left for Grass Lake, once you cross the stream, continue on the trail for about a half mile and you'll see the lake. 

For all waterfall lovers in the state of California, McArthur-Burney Falls is a must see. Once described by Teddy Roosevelt as the eighth wonder of the world, this 129 ft waterfall is unlike any other in the Cascade Region. 

Overview~
Distance: 1.3mi or a 2.4mi loop
Difficulty Level: easy
Approximate Time: 30-45 minutes
Pet friendly: no
Crowd levels: High
Best season to go? Any- the waterfall is at high flow year round

What to bring?
1. $8.00: there is a fee to get into the park
2. Camera: you will want to capture what is perhaps the most beautiful waterfall in Northern California
3. Water: as always, stay hydrated, even on short hikes like this one
4. Optional camping gear: there are campsites and cabins in the park, which you may want to stay at for the weekend.

What you will see:
1. As stated above, there are campsites and cabins in the park. You may want to reserve  your spot ahead of time as this is a popular destination being just a couple miles from the waterfall; reservations can be made through reserveamerica.com.
2. Vivid hues, this waterfall has pristine water echoing colors of a glacier. 
3. Two neat bridges to cross and pose for photos while hiking around the loop. 
4. The massive, jaw-dropping McArthur-Burney Falls; I'm not kidding when I say massive, this waterfall was worth the long drive and the $8.00, I promise you won't regret it if you visit. 

How to get there?
Heading North on Hwy 89 exiting the small town of Burney, drive just six miles and take a left onto Lake Road. After entering through the payment booth, park anywhere available and follow the ample signs to the loop or head straight down to the falls. 

Prairie Creek Redwood State Park is a beautiful getaway for those seeking lush forests and a pristine coastline. In the state park there are many beautiful hikes through giant Redwood trees and Fern groves, but my favorite hike in the park by far is Fern Canyon. This short, but sweet hike is where parts of Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World were filmed. The canyon walls are covered in beautiful fern plants and when it rains, water drips down in delicate streams through the leaves. 

Overview~
Distance: 2 mi
Elevation: 30 ft
Difficulty Level: easy 
Approximate time: 1 hour (depends largely on how long you wish to admire the canyon)
Pet Friendly: no, service animals only
Crowd levels: moderate
Best Season to go: Spring or Fall

What to bring in your pack:
1. Camera or Phone: this hike is beautiful and unlike anything you've seen before, so you will want a camera to document your experience
2. Water: Though this is a short, easy hike, it is always important to stay hydrated
3. $8.00: State Park entrance fee
4. Lunch: I would recommend going on this hike early and then stopping for a picnic after at Gold Bluffs Beach located just miles before the trail entrance

What you will see:
1. Lots and lots of beautiful ferns clinging to the walls of the box canyon, five different species to be exact: lady, deer, sword, chain, and five-fingered; there are also gorgeous mosses and small trickling streams of water.
2. Low flowing creeks with boards overlaying for you to walk across them; the USDA was very considerate when creating this trail and made this hike accessible to everyone. 
3. When you're driving to the trail-head, you will see smaller trees consumed with Ivy and moss, and giant Redwoods.
4. Just miles before arriving at the trail, you will see Gold Bluffs beach, which, makes a wonderful spot for post-hike relaxation, fun, and the picnic spoken of above.
4. There is a small waterfall at the end of the short hike that is only there after rain, sadly I didn't get to see it, but I hope you all get to!

How to get there: 
Heading North on the Hwy 101, take a left onto Davison Road just about two miles past Orick. Take the road all the way to the end to the parking lot and when you arrive, you will see the trail-head to the far right. Follow the trail alongside Home Creek into the Canyon.
​*Note: trailers are not permitted on Davison Road. 

If you're looking for an inspiring, grandiose hike in Tahoe area, this is the perfect hike for you. Starting off with a pristine waterfall and ending with the breathtaking view from the top of Mt. Tallac is astounding with beauty beyond words; this hike ranks my favorite in the Sierra Nevada region. 

Overview-
Distance: 6 mi
Elevation: 3,200 ft
Difficultly level: moderate to strenuous
Approximate time: 6-8 hours depending on your leisure
Pet Friendly: yes, but the distance and elevation is too strenuous for most dogs
Crowded: moderately 
Best season to go: late spring/early summer

What to bring in your pack-
1. Lot's of water: as always, water is an absolute imperative on this hike as the trek up the mountain is long and challenging.
2. Hiking snacks: bring along a small picnic on this hike to stop and eat by Gilmore Lake, which is, the 3/4 point up the mountain. Bring only easily digestible and healthy foods, however, in order to sustain your body up the hardest, final stretch.
3. Camera or phone: the view from the top of Mt. Tallac is absolutely breathtaking and you will want to save that moment in time forever.
4. Sunscreen and a hat: protect your skin from the UV rays beating down on you the majority of the way.
5. Stable hiking shoes: the trail is very rocky the whole way up, so supportive hiking shoes are a must.
6. Bathing suit (optional): as stated above, Gilmore Lake is about 3/4 of the way up the mountain and provides a refreshing way to cool off before heading up the final stretch. 

What you will see-
There are many small waterfalls along the trail at the beginning of the hike. The Glen Alpine trailhead starts just above the popular Glen Alpine Falls and continues up alongside the river bend. There are also many lakes you can detour to if you decide the hike is too challenging and would prefer a more relaxing day. Once you get to the top, there are small patches of snow, beautiful flowers, and of course, the incredible view of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake. 

How to get there-
I suggest buying a Desolation Wilderness map from the ranger station before your hike to ensure you don't get lost along the way. The trails are generally well marked, but it's always better to be sure you know the way. Park at the trailhead to enter Desolation Wilderness just beyond Glen Alpine Falls, there is a small parking area there, and entrance is on the far left side. Follow your way up to "Gilmore Lake," and then you will cross a small creek to "Tallac Trail," follow that to the end, and soak in the views.

This was perhaps, my most favorite hike this Summer! Hiking to the top was an arduous task indeed, but the views were nothing short of spectacular; I cannot describe the intense, magical beauty of the vast mountain ranges, nor the insurmountable euphoria of looking over the top of the tallest waterfall in North America. 

Overview:
Distance: 7.2mi round-trip
Elevation: 2,700ft
Difficulty level: strenuous (only avid hikers advised)
Approximate time: 6-8 hours depending upon your skill-level
Pet Friendly: no
Crowd levels: high, especially in the Summer
Best season to go: Spring or beginning of Summer
Cost: $30- to enter Yosemite National Park

What to bring in your pack:
1. Lot's of water: the elevation gain is very taxing and you will need to hydrate yourself along the way.
2. Hiking snacks: power bars, trail mix, dried fruit, and a sandwich are perfect for this long, all-day hike. 
3. Camera or Phone: The views are beyond beautiful and you will want to capture every moment along the way!
4. Sunscreen and a hat: long segments of the trail offer no relief from the beating sun. Especially in the Summer you will need sunscreen, a hat, or both.
5. Good hiking shoes: this is not a hike to wear your Birkenstocks on.. upon reaching the summit, you will have the chance to look down over the top of the waterfall and will need good shoes to ensure your footing is secure on the mountain-side.
6. Your motivation: getting to the top is a very difficult feat, but I promise you will be so proud of your accomplishment once you get to the top and that makes the view that much better! 

What you will see:
The majority of the hike you will get the pleasure of seeing beautiful mountain ranges, a glorious view of Half Dome, and a birds eye view of Yosemite Valley. 
Once you reach the summit, you can look down over the top of the waterfall!

How to get there:
Follow the roads on the map given to you upon entering until you arrive in Yosemite Valley; park near the Yosemite Falls trail-head in the daily parking just ahead of "Camp 4" or across the street in the overflow parking area. Finding a parking spot can be difficult, so be sure to get there early.