Anti-Aircraft Peak, WA

The former site of a missile radar station makes for a nice Seattle-area hike.

Mori Point, Pacifica, CA

Located in Pacifica, the views of the Pacific ocean are beautiful on a sunny day, if you are lucky enough to avoid the fog.



Trail: Mori Point Trail
Difficulty: Moderate

Seal Point Park, San Mateo, CA

Located in San Mateo, this park provides good views of the SF bay.



Difficulty: Easy

Red Rock Canyon, NV

Thirty minutes west of Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is a great way to spend an afternoon taking a break from the action on the strip. Entrance fee is $7 and they give you a visitor guide with map. Stop at the visitor center where you can ask questions and restrooms are available. Afterwards, drive along the 13-mile Scenic Drive loop, and pick from the 19 different trails as you traverse the loop. Each trail is between 0.75-6 miles; most are around 2-3. The below are photos from my trip with cousins & brother.

Calico

photo by: Mike Yu

Keystone Thrust


Pine Creek Canyon


Trail: Keystone Thrust, Pine Creek Canyon
Difficulty: Moderate (sun exposure, rocky terrain (Keystone), wind chill)

Tips on preparing for a day hike

It's been raining a lot this weekend in California, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to go over knowledge I've built up to better prepare for a hike.

1. Drive carefully. Get good directions & know them before you begin. Make sure you are not sleepy. Get a full tank of gas. Make sure your car battery is working well.
2. Bring a cell phone with GPS capability, camera, and chargers for both. Make sure they are charged near 100% at the start of your hike!
3. Allow plenty of time to complete your hike and get to your car BEFORE sunset.
4. Bring water and energy bars (in a good backpack).
5. Safer to hike with others than by yourself. If you must go alone, tell someone where you are going beforehand.
6. Eat a good meal before the hike, to avoid a later "crash".
7. Check the weather beforehand. Don't hike in landslide-prone areas in wet conditions, areas near burning wildfires, active volcanic regions, you get the idea...also, some hikes are just better during certain times of year.
8. Heed warning signs. Don't venture into closed or potentially dangerous areas.
9. Bring warm clothing just in case the weather changes for the worse.
10. Bring money for parking fees. Check where to park before your drive.
11. Plan your meals beforehand.
12. Apply sunscreen. Bring a jacket/hat in windy areas.
13. Get a trail map, either beforehand or at the trail head/visitor center if available.
14. Be friendly (or yield if appropriate) to fellow hikers or bikers. Warn them of dangerous conditions if you encounter them.
15. Keep your distance from large or dangerous animals. Bring a hiking stick for self-defense.
16. Bring a flashlight, first aid kit, whistle, pen, and tissue paper.
17. Get good hiking shoes that grip the trail/road well.
18. Pause at trail junctions and check your trail map/GPS. If needed take a photo of the signs/general area if you will return later.
19. Check sunset times. If hiking on a beach, check tide tables.
20. Bring a hiking stick for added stability and to fend off animals.
21. As a general rule, have enough supplies for unexpected scenarios, i.e. getting lost & staying overnight on a trail.
22. Do not let your enthusiasm for the hike allow you to take unnecessary risks; use common sense.
  a. It's okay to pull over to a parking lot, take a 20-minute nap and/or drink a caffeine drink if tired driving.
  b. Avoid risking your safety for a great photograph.
  c. Macho men/women: we know you'd like to get to the top or finish line; but do not continue towards your "goal" if it prevents you from getting back to your car before sunset, or increases the chance of a fall/accident.
  d. Sporty women/men: it's nice to wear clothing that you feel & look good in; as long as you have warm clothing as backup when the weather breaks.

Rattlesnake Ledge, Snoqualmie region, WA

When my father suggested to do this hike with him during a Seattle visit, I pictured a nice routine hike on a Sunday morning. Instead, my expectations were blown away. Parking is plentiful (and free!) but get there early to avoid crowds.

The trail starts out innocently enough at Rattlesnake Lake. It then immediately moves into a lush forest over several switchbacks. At about mile 2 is a junction. Bear right to get to Rattlesnake ledge, where you'll emerge into a clearing onto a large rocky ledge. Those who persist to this point will be stunned by storybook 360-degree views of tree-covered Mount Si and gorgeous Rattlesnake lake. The scenery will be difficult to beat on a sunny day.



Trail: Rattlesnake Ledge Trail (4-mile round trip, 1100-ft elevation gain)
Difficulty: Moderate

Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, WA

Located near the logging city of Hoquiam, this marshland is the site of bird migrations in the spring and fall. The Sandpiper trail provides a good view of the marshlands and Grays harbor, along with the abundant plant and animal life.



Thanks to my parents for playing tour guide on this hike!

Trail: Sandpiper Trail
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (wind)

Barr Trail near Manitou incline, Colorado Springs, CO

During a work trip to Colorado Springs, I did a short 5-mile round-trip hike along the first 2 1/2 miles of the Barr Trail, approaching the top of the Manitou incline (which itself was closed for maintenance, unfortunately).

Trail: Barr Trail (first 2 miles), Manitou incline connector trail
Difficulty: >Moderate

★ Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, CA

About 40 miles northwest of San Francisco, this coastal wonder is a photographer's dream come true. It was one of those hikes I had wanted to do for years but never got around to, until I suggested it to my uncle and brother in the days leading up to Labor day weekend 2016. And so the three of us began a little adventure that Saturday.

The first point of interest is the Point Reyes Lighthouse. From Sir Frances Drake Blvd turn right (west) at the Chimney Rock/Lighthouse junction. After finding parking, go west until reaching the visitor center. You can get a free trail map there if needed. Descend 309 steps until you reach the lighthouse. If desired one can go inside. Ascend 309 steps for a good workout, and retrace the remainder of your path until getting back to the car.

Next, take Sir Frances Drake Blvd and keep right at the junction. Park at the Chimney Rock trail head. Take Chimney Rock Trail 0.4 miles. Heed all warning signs and continue past the junction. If you decide to risk going on the 0.1 mile Headlands Overlook Trail exercise extreme caution & proceed at your own risk. [Note: Maintain a large distance from the overhanging cliff edge--it and surrounding areas can give way at any time and a fall at that height is likely fatal!!] Head east on Chimney Rock Trail another 0.3 miles to take in the 300+ degree panoramic view of the ocean and headlands. Turn back and go the 0.7 miles back to the parking area.



I'd like to thank my Uncle David for driving & playing tour guide once again!

Note: It gets very windy here.

Trail: Pt Reyes lighthouse (1.3 to 2 miles round trip), Chimney Rock trail (1.5 mile round trip)
Difficulty: >Moderate (due to safety considerations)

★ Pinnacles National Park, San Benito, CA

What was supposed to be a relaxing 5-mile hike on a Sunday afternoon turned out to be a very harrowing experience.

Prerequisites: get a full tank of gas 25 miles before getting to the park as there are no services after that. Explore the caves with a flashlight. If you must do the 5-mile hike, go with someone who has done the hike before and do it during the winter or early spring. Get a working GPS and trail map. Bring >=1.5 liters water per person.

I started my journey at Bear Gulch and decided to explore Bear Gulch cave.


After exiting I got a good view of Bear Gulch reservoir.


I then took Rim trail to High Peaks trail and walked 1.5 miles. Near the end was a steep series of switchbacks in hot summer weather and this was when a worried feeling started setting in. At the junction with Juniper Canyon trail I continued east another 1.3 miles on High Peaks trail. It was in this stretch of the trail that I felt the most anxiety and ACTUAL FEAR. Walking around the rock formations, every twist and turn was an opportunity to lose one's sense of direction. Signage was sparse, there were almost no people to follow, and at places the trails were not defined well enough. Luckily GPS came to my rescue. The scenery was breathtaking though, given the vastness of the whole area.


But for me, this (the GPS display on my phone and the signage to turn onto Condor Gulch Trail back to the Visitor center) was the best piece of scenery.


By this time it was 4:30pm. I ran into several groups of hikers still going uphill and began encouraging some of them to turn around given the lateness in the day and my recent (mis)adventures.

Trail: High Peaks trail and Condor Gulch trail loop, detouring to Bear Gulch cave at beginning, 6.1 mi
Difficulty: Strenuous (potential to get lost, steepness, heat, extreme heights)

Mt. Tamalpais - Matt Davis Steep Ravine Loop, Mill Valley, CA

Mt. Tamalpais gives hikers a good combination of redwoods and coastal views. The weather is also comfortably cool even during the summer.

Trail: Matt Davis-Steep Ravine Loop, 6.7 miles
Difficulty: >Moderate

El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, Redwood City, CA

This hike features redwoods and a tafoni sandstone formation. The trail is very steep, bring at least 4 bottles of water per person.

Start at the East end of the park for a 10-mile clockwise loop. Take the following trails in order: Sierra Morena .3, Gordon Mill .5, Crossover .2, Crosscut .5, Timberview .5, Giant Salamander 1.1, Methuselah .3, Fir 1.4 (to vista point and back to junction), Resolution 1.1, El Corte de Madera Creek .6, Tafoni 1.1 (to Sandstone Formation and back to junction), Fir .2, Manzanita .1, Methuselah .7, and Sierra Morena .8.

Trail: See above. About 10 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous (steepness, length)

Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve, Redwood City, CA

This hike begins at the east entrance of the park, just off highway 35. Take the North Ridge Trail for at least 0.8 miles until you hit Whittemore Gulch Trail, then turn left. Continue westward on the latter for 2.2 miles and at the junction stay left on Harkins Ridge Trail coming back eastbound for 3 miles. Turn right on North Ridge Trail and walk the remaining 0.3 miles to the parking lot.

Trail: North Ridge, Whittemore Gulch, & Harkins Ridge trails, 6.6 mi
Difficulty: >Moderate (steepness)

Big Basin Redwoods State Park--Berry Creek Falls, Boulder Creek, CA

This 10+ mile hike starts at Park Headquarters on the eastern end of the park. Try to get there before peak hours to avoid parking issues (the fee is $10), and ask for a trail map.

From the park headquarters, head north on the Skyline-to-the-Sea trail .3 mile until you hit Dool trail, turn left, then left again immediately on Sunset trail (see trail map). Head west on Sunset trail for about 4+ miles until you hit Berry Creek Falls trail, then turn left. You'll see a brief clearing, and a couple smaller waterfalls. Enjoy the redwoods along the way.


After going about 1 mile on Berry Creek Falls trail you'll finally reach Berry Creek falls.


Continuing past the falls the trail becomes Skyline-to-the-Sea trail. Follow this trail 4 miles back to the parking area. All distances are approximate. Net elevation change is about 1000ft, but hikers actually climb double that amount due to the jagged elevation profile.

Trail: Skyline to the Sea-Sunset loop, 10.5 miles
Difficulty: moderate to strenuous (elevation change, length)

Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles, CA

This L.A. beach is quite beautiful in the evening. Thanks to Stephanie for recommending it!

Difficulty: Easy

Temescal Ridge Trail, Los Angeles, CA

Situated in Northern L.A., this hike is known for its excellent views of Santa Monica. Start at Temescal Canyon Trail, then hike north until you hit Temescal Ridge Trail and make your return journey completing a 4-mile loop.

Trail: Temescal Canyon Loop, 3.5 miles, 800ft elev. gain
Difficulty: >Moderate (dusty, trail not well marked)

Lands End and Ocean Beach, San Francisco, CA

I started my afternoon of hiking by parking at Ocean Beach near the Cliff house, as the Lands End parking lot was full when I got there at around 3pm on a Sunday. You can access the trail head from the beach though it is a somewhat steep walk.

Go about 1.5 miles along the Coastal trail, taking in views of the ocean, rock formations, cypress trees, and the Golden Gate bridge. For a 3-mile round-trip you can turn around at Eagles point (at the end of Lands End), or continue on El Camino Del Mar/Sea Cliff Ave for a bit more mileage if you are feeling adventurous and can safely find your way around. I ended up at Baker Beach before turning around and finishing my hike back at Ocean Beach. There is also a jogging trail parallel to Highway 35 and Ocean Beach.

View from Lands End


Ocean Beach

Difficulty: Moderate, >Moderate (if connecting to Baker Beach)

Pescadero State Beach & Marsh, CA

Situated along Highway 1 somewhere between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz, Pescadero State Beach is good for short hikes along the beach and adjoining marsh. To get there take Highway 92 west, then head south on Highway 1 for about 15 miles.


The park also provides many opportunities for viewing wildlife. I was lucky enough to spot a group of napping seals.


Slightly inland, the North Pond Trail is a short < 1-mile loop located near the marshlands. Deer, ducks and other wildlife can be seen there.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (unshaded, thick vegetation in some areas)

Henry W. Coe State Park, Morgan Hill, CA

If you like rugged, beautiful day-hikes and have 4 or 5 hours to spare, then Henry W. Coe State park is a great hiking opportunity. To get there, take the Dunne Avenue exit off highway 101 in Morgan Hill and head east on Dunne Ave. The last 10 miles of this road narrows and steepens as it winds its way up Pine ridge. Water and sunblock are a good idea.

I started my 5-mile journey at the Coe Ranch Headquarters. You can purchase a parking pass for $8 and get a free trail map at the visitor center. Go 0.5 miles on Monument trail before turning left on Hobbs Road. Note that if you detour along the 1.1-mile Ponderosa trail loop before hitting Hobbs Road, it can be difficult to follow due to the trail's narrowness and the overgrown plant life.


Follow Hobbs Road downhill for 0.8 miles before turning left on Flat Frog Trail and following the signs to Frog Lake. You'll be rewarded for your persistence with great views of the lake!


Retrace your steps for 0.2 miles, then continue left on Flat Frog Trail towards headquarters for 2.3 miles. Continue westwards on Coral Trail for 0.6 miles towards the park headquarters and the hike is complete.

Trail: Frog Lake Loop, with Ponderosa Trail extension, 5.3 miles
Difficulty: >Moderate (unshaded, thick vegetation in certain areas)

Thanks to Emilia for suggesting this hike!

Sweeney Ridge, Pacifica, CA

Near the coastal town of Pacifica, Sweeney Ridge provides views of the Pacific ocean as well as the San Francisco bay. The ridge can be approached from the west via the Mori Ridge Trail (described below) or the east via Sneath Lane (see April 9th hike).

To get to the Mori Ridge trail head, Take Highway 1 and turn east onto Mori Ridge Road and continue uphill past Shelldance Nursery. Parking is available at the end of the nursery.

Take Mori Ridge trail 1.3 miles until reaching Sweeney Ridge trail. From here you may turn back, or continue on Sweeney Ridge trail until you hit a Nike Missile Control site or reach Sneath Lane or Bacquaino trail further beyond that. Total elevation change is around 1000ft.

Pacific coast, west side


SF Bay. Note Sign Hill Park in the distance.

Trail: Mori Ridge + Sweeney Ridge trails, 4.6 mi round trip
Difficulty: Moderate (elevation change)

Photos courtesy of Mike Y.

Shark Fin Cove, Davenport, CA

Along Highway 1 near Santa Cruz, Shark Fin Cove is an ideal hangout spot for a weekend.

I started my hike at Bonny Doon Beach. Walk north less than 0.5 miles to reach Shark Fin Cove. Both beach areas are accessible by a steep, short trail.



There are also many photo opportunities in the surrounding area.


Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (steepness)

Thanks to my Uncle David for suggesting this beautiful hike!

Cisinshan, Yangmingshan National Park, Taiwan

Cisinshan ("7 star mountain"), a dormant volcano, is known for its fumaroles that emit sulfur gases.

To get there from Taipei, take the 260 bus from the Taipei Main MRT station 35+ stops to Yangmingshan. Take the internal 108 bus to Xiaoyoukeng ("small oil pit").

After taking in closeup views of the fumaroles, begin your hike at the trail head. Walk uphill over a 1.6 kilometer-long series of steps to the summit. Take note of the steam vents, rocky landscape, views of Taipei, and vegetation. At the summit, you can turn back and retrace your steps or descend along Lengshuikeng ("cold water pit") trail. I did the former due to time constraint.

Fumaroles at Xiaoyoukeng


View from the summit




After completing the hike, take the 108 bus back to the Yangmingshan bus stop at the park entrance.

Trail: Xiaoyoukeng, 3.2km round trip, 286m elevation gain
Difficulty: >Moderate (steepness)

Yehliu Geopark, New Taipei City, Taiwan

Located in Northern Taiwan, this natural wonder is valued for its unique rock formations and coastal views. It was formed millions of years ago in the Miocene.

"Queen's Head" rock formation


Yehliu Cape/Promontory


Difficulty: Moderate

Thanks to my Uncle David for playing tour guide on this hike and also the previous post!

Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf, New Taipei City, Taiwan

Located in Northern Taiwan, this area makes for pleasant strolls with views of the Tamsui River and Taiwan Strait.

Difficulty: >Easy (afternoon heat)

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, Portola Valley, CA

Just off I-280 on Alpine road, Windy Hill provides a formidable hike, with an 1100+ foot elevation gain over 2.5 miles (>5-mile round trip). Start at the trail head, then go 0.7 miles along Meadow Trail before turning left when you hit Spring Ridge Trail. Continue for 1.6 miles up the steep rolling hillside paths, then take Anniversary Trail 0.2 miles to the summit. You'll enjoy excellent views of the bay. Be sure to bring water and sunscreen. For those who want to skip the uphill struggle, park at Skyline Boulevard and take the 0.7-mile Anniversary Trail loop.

Trail: Spring Ridge Trail + Meadow Trail, 5.4 miles, 1100ft elev gain
Difficulty: >Moderate (elevation change, steepness, exposure to sun)

Sweeney Ridge, San Bruno/Pacifica, CA

This scenic hike features views of San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Park at the trail head at Sneath Lane, and continue 1.7 miles on foot. Along the way, the trail overlooks the San Francisco Watershed and San Andreas Reservoir (which is situated along the San Andreas Fault). Further into the hike you'll get excellent views of SF bay. Once you hit a crossroads near the top of the ridge, you can continue northwards on Sweeney Ridge trail or go southwards on Baquiano trail for a longer hike and views of the Pacific coast before turning back.


Trail: Sneath Lane trail, 3.3 mile round trip, 540ft elev change
Difficulty: Moderate

Marin Headlands, Sausalito, CA

Just north of the Golden Gate bridge, the Marin Headlands offers several trails with excellent coastal views. To get there, exit on Alexander Avenue, turn left on Danes Drive/Bunker Road (stopping at the tunnel until the 5-minute stoplight turns green), and follow the signs to the visitor center, where you can get a trail map. Parking is free everywhere in the park. Visitor center staff and hikers are courteous and helpful. It may be a good idea to check the weather beforehand.

There are several points of interest in this scenic area.

The first, Point Bonita Lighthouse, is accessible via Field Road. Walk 0.5 miles along the Point Bonita trail while taking in pleasant ocean views before hitting a tunnel. Between 12:30 and 3:30pm on weekends and Mondays, one can reach the lighthouse through this tunnel. The surrounding area is also home to several historic military installations including Fort Barry (with several gun batteries), built around 1900, and a Nike Missile Site active during the cold war.


From a hiking standpoint, the main attraction is the Coastal/Miwok trails. Park at the northeastern corner of Rodeo Lagoon and walk 1.6 miles on Miwok Trail, which rises hundreds of feet in elevation. Bear left on Wolf Ridge Trail for 0.7 miles. The journey is somewhat strenuous but worth it. As soon as you hit Coastal Trail you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Rodeo Cove, Bird Island, and the Pacific Ocean. Continue west, then south, descending along the Coastal trail for 1.5 miles. Point Bonita Lighthouse should be visible in the distance (photo #1b). Turn left on Lagoon Trail and continue for another mile or so until you return full circle to the trail head.



Trail: Miwok + Wolf Ridge + Coastal trails, 4.8 miles
Difficulty: >Moderate (elevation change, length)