The 10 Natural Wonders of Northern California

The outdoor surroundings of Northern California make it one of the most beautiful places on the planet. We’ve got active volcanoes, massive waterfalls, pristine rivers, crystal-clear lakes and endless trails to boast, leaving little to the imagination for any outdoor adventurer.
When you think about it, not much of our outdoor destinations are completely natural. Many of our lakes and rivers are controlled by dams, trails are carefully constructed, and ill-conceived logging operations put human’s touch on most outdoor areas. We rarely get to see nature in its true form.
It remains nearly impossible today to see nature the way it was created, but there are still some places in NorCal that have remained natural. That’s why we created a list of the 10 natural wonders of Northern California, because we couldn’t limit it to just 7.
Burney Falls

Since President Theodore Roosevelt dubbed it the “8th Wonder of the World,” it has to come in first on this list.
Located just north of Redding between Lassen Peak and Mt. Shasta is Burney Falls, NorCal’s famous 129-foot waterfall, which cascades from Burney Creek down into Lake Britton. The falls are a sacred place for the Pit River Indian Tribe, who have held ceremonial rituals here for thousands of years.
While you’re there, don’t miss the Falls Loop Trail, which is a 1-mile hike to the base of the falls and back up. During the walk, you’ll see lava flows and fractured basalt — evidence of the region’s turbulent volcanic activity. After descending 100 feet into Burney Canyon, we’re rewarded with a cool mist at the base of the falls.
Mount Shasta

While there are plenty of big and beautiful natural landmarks in NorCal, you won’t find one any bigger and more beautiful than Mount Shasta.
Sitting at 14,179 feet tall and an estimated volume of 85 cubic miles, this volcano can be seen for miles in any direction in NorCal. The smooth slopes of the mountain are something of legend and aura of it is so palpable, that people travel from all over the world just to be in its presence. The Crown of California is as beautiful as it is a mystery to everyone who gets close to it. It’s the perfect outdoor playground for anyone, giving majestic slopes and tributaries to anyone that comes in its path.
There’s so many ways to enjoy Mount Shasta. You can earn insane views of the active volcano from Heart Lake. You can hike the lush meadows of the lower elevation areas. Or you can drink from the headwaters of the Sacramento River at the bottom of the mountain.
On any given day, you’re also likely to see one of the magical lenticular clouds that make Shasta so famous. The clouds lend to the legends surrounding the area, including sightings of aliens, Bigfoot and the beings living inside the mountain – Lemurians.
Learn more about the Crown of California – Mount Shasta
Redwood Forest

Did you know the 3 tallest trees in the world sit in the Redwood National and State Parks?
That’s right, the redwood trees might be the most fascinating natural wonder we have in NorCal. These redwoods can live over 2,000 years and grow more than 350 feet high, with the tallest tree in the world, Hyperion, standing at an astounding 379 feet. That’s nearly 60 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty. The bark of these trees can grow to be more than a foot thick, making them fire, pest and fungal resistant.
The Humboldt Redwoods State Park is also home to the largest remaining contiguous old-growth coastal redwood forest in the world. It’s comprised of over 17,000 acres of forest that has never been logged, an astounding feat in California’s storied logging history.
Learn more about the Redwoods of Northern California
Yosemite Falls

Sitting in Yosemite National Park is the tallest waterfall in North America, and it’s quite a sight to behold in person.
Yosemite Falls is arguably the centerpiece of one of the world’s most popular parks, Yosemite National Park. It actually consists of three separate falls: Upper Yosemite Fall, the Middle Cascades, and Lower Yosemite Falls. The Upper and Lower sections of the waterfall are some of the most popular and beautiful destinations in the park.
If you take into account the three different drops of the waterfall, it cascades down a total of 2,425 feet from the top to the bottom, making it North America’s tallest. Upper Yosemite Falls accounts for most of the drop, with a 1,430-foot plunge, with Lower Yosemite Falls accounting for the bottom 320-foot drop.
Learn more about Yosemite Falls
Lake Tahoe

The crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe are something of legend, and the lake’s sheer size and depth make it one of the largest lakes in America. In fact, it’s the largest alpine lake in North America and sits only behind the Great Lakes as the largest by volume in the United States. It’s also the second deepest in the country, trailing only Crater Lake in Southern Oregon.
The lake was formed around two million years ago as part of the Lake Tahoe Basin and its current characteristics show why it has sat in its place for so long. The marshes surrounding the lake create a filter of sorts for the water, making it some of the cleanest natural water on earth. If you walked up to the water of Lake Tahoe in 1968, you’d be able to see 108 feet down to the bottom. Today, following over 50 years of human activity on the lake, you can still see 62-feet down into the water.
Of course, the surrounding mountains of the Sierra Nevada make the Tahoe area one of the great outdoor destinations in the country. With its famed ski resorts, camping opportunities and water resources, the lake is just one of the many great destinations to enjoy in the region. But it also remains one of the most unique lakes on the planet.
Learn more about the mysteries of Lake Tahoe
Lassen Peak

When you drive around the different areas of NorCal, there are moments when you’ll look to the east and notice a beautiful mountain standing in all its glory. In fact, that is an active volcano known for its eruption just over a hundred years ago. Drive an hour east and you can see the beast up close.
Lassen Peak is one of the most marvelous destinations in NorCal, bringing with it a fascinating volcanic history to match its clean, mountainous shape. The hike to the top of the 10,463-foot volcano isn’t as difficult as you might imagine, providing unparalleled views of the area. If you aren’t up for a hike, enjoy its beauty in Lassen Volcanic National Park, with the best spots at Manzanita Lake and Lake Helen.
When you visit Redding, it’s hard to miss the massive volcano to the east keeping a constant eye over the region. It’s truly a marvel to see.
Read more about the Hike to the Top of Lassen Peak
Half Dome

Scoring views of Half Dome throughout Yosemite National Park is a treat for any visitor. But the true adventurer might prefer to get their kicks with the thrilling hike to the top of the legendary rock formation.
Rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is a Yosemite National Park icon and a great challenge for many hikers. Despite an 1865 report declaring that it was “perfectly inaccessible, being probably the only one of the prominent points about the Yosemite which never has been, and never will be, trodden by human foot,†George Anderson reached the summit in 1875, in the process laying the predecessor to today’s cable route.
The 14- to 16-mile round-trip hike to Half Dome is not for you if you’re out of shape or unprepared. You will be gaining elevation (for a total of 4,800 feet) most of your way to the top of Half Dome. Most would say the reward is worth the effort. Along the way, you’ll see outstanding views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, and–from the shoulder and summit–panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra.
Learn more about the Thrilling Hike to the Top of Half Dome
Fern Canyon

Humboldt’s Fern Canyon has become one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Northern California, with its 50-foot walls covered in ferns. The hike through the canyon is uniquely picturesque, much like walking through an ancient forest filled with dinosaurs.
Located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, it takes a bit of work to get to the North Coast gem known as Fern Canyon, but it’s worth it. From Highway 101 at Orick, drive unpaved Davison Road 10 miles to this spectacular canyon, a hidden paradise of ferns lining a narrow gorge carved out by Home Creek. Some of the seven different types of ferns clinging to the steep cliffs are ancient species, with ancestry tracing back 325 million years. Living underneath their leafy shade are some eye-catching amphibians, including Pacific giant salamanders, which can measure nearly a foot in length, and northern red-legged frogs.
The trail follows a series of small footbridges (installed in summer) deep into the canyon. Lush, drooping ferns create hanging gardens, miniature waterfalls pour down rock faces, and moss wallpapers every surface. The walls grow taller and squeeze tighter as you travel.
Learn more about Humboldt’s Fern Canyon
Clear Lake

Did you know that there’s a lake in NorCal that’s nearly a half a million years old, staking claim to the oldest lake in North America?
Clear Lake in Lake County is one of the most geologically unique lakes on the planet, sitting at 480,000 years old and being formed on top of a volcano deep below the earth’s surface. There’s volcanic activity such as fumaroles and boiling hot springs all around the area, a reminder of the lake’s storied past.
So how has Clear Lake sat in its same spot for this long? It’s actually a geological anomaly. The molten rock that sits deep below the lake is remnant from the volcano that once sat at the location, now dormant. That rock tilts a little bit every year, allowing water to seep through at a slow rate and keep the water level consistent for hundreds of thousands of years.
Trinity Alps Wilderness

The Trinity Alps Wilderness, located just northwest of Redding, is a gorgeous mountain range providing backpackers with stunning views, pristine high-alpine lakes and unmatched wilderness isolation. It’s the perfect place for an outdoor adventure in the summer months.
For campers and backpackers looking for an introduction to the Trinity Alps Range, Caribou Lakes Trail is the perfect route! Along the trail, hikers run into enormous Caribou Lake (72 acres), Lower Caribou Lake, as well as stunning Snowslide Lake and a series of other smaller pools.
We also recommend taking the difficult hike to Grizzly Falls. Considering its length (14 miles) and altitude change (5,400 feet), Grizzly Creek trail doesn’t exactly fit into the category of “casual hikesâ€. Following the motto: “nothing worth doing is easy†though, Grizzly Creek Trail’s grueling hike leads to one of the best if not THE best payoffs in Northern California.
Hello just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading
properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same results.
bookmarked!!, I love your blog!
I delight in, result in I discovered exactly what I was looking for.
You have ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day.
Bye
Appreciate this post. Will try it out.
You could definitely see your enthusiasm within the article you write.
The arena hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not
afraid to say how they believe. At all times go after your heart.
Hello exceptional website! Does running a blog similar to this
take a large amount of work? I have absolutely no knowledge of computer programming but I was hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyhow, if you have any
recommendations or tips for new blog owners please share. I know this is
off subject however I simply had to ask. Cheers!
I love it when folks get together and share thoughts.
Great blog, continue the good work!
It’s very simple to find out any matter on web as compared to textbooks, as I found this paragraph at this
site.
Helpful info. Lucky me I found your site by
accident, and I am shocked why this twist of fate did not took place earlier!
I bookmarked it.
Outstanding quest there. What occurred after? Thanks!
It is really a great and useful piece of information. I am happy that you
shared this useful information with us. Please stay us up to date like this.
Thanks for sharing.
Ahaa, its pleasant conversation about this paragraph here at this website,
I have read all that, so at this time me also commenting here.
Hi i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anyplace, when i read this piece
of writing i thought i could also create comment due to this sensible piece of writing.
Great blog here! Also your website loads up fast!
What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to
your host? I wish my site loaded up as fast as yours
lol
Generally I do not learn post on blogs, however I would like to
say that this write-up very compelled me to try and do so!
Your writing style has been amazed me. Thank you, very great
post.
Tremendous issues here. I am very happy to see your article.
Thanks a lot and I’m looking forward to contact you.
Will you please drop me a e-mail?
always i used to read smaller content that as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this paragraph which I am
reading now.
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful article. Thanks for supplying this info.
We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
Your site provided us with valuable info to work on. You have done a formidable job and our entire
community will be thankful to you.
Hi there, after reading this remarkable piece of writing i am too delighted to share my know-how here with mates.
I have read so many articles on the topic of the blogger lovers
however this post is genuinely a nice post,
keep it up.
Excellent blog right here! Additionally your web site quite a bit up fast!
What host are you the usage of? Can I am getting your affiliate hyperlink in your host?
I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours
lol
wonderful issues altogether, you just received a new reader.
What might you suggest about your put up that you just made
some days ago? Any positive?
Please let me know if you’re looking for a author for your blog.
You have some really good articles and I think I would be a good asset.
If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to
write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
Please send me an e-mail if interested. Thank you!
Good write-up. I absolutely love this site. Keep it up!
This paragraph is really a nice one it helps new net viewers, who are wishing
in favor of blogging.
Great blog right here! Also your web site loads up fast!
What web host are you using? Can I am getting your associate link to your host?
I wish my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol
Hi there, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam comments?
If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can recommend?
I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any assistance is very much appreciated.
Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it,
you can be a great author. I will always bookmark your blog and
may come back down the road. I want to encourage that you continue your great job, have a
nice weekend!
hey there and thank you for your information – I’ve definitely picked
up anything new from right here. I did however expertise some
technical issues using this website, as I experienced to reload the site many times
previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK?
Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will very frequently affect your placement in google and can damage your high-quality score
if ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I’m adding this RSS to my email and can look out for a lot more of your respective fascinating content.
Ensure that you update this again very soon.
It’s actually a great and useful piece of information. I am happy that you just shared
this useful info with us. Please keep us up to date like
this. Thanks for sharing.
Greetings from Florida! I’m bored at work so I decided to check
out your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the info you present
here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed
at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I’m not
even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, amazing site!
I was wondering if you ever considered changing the page layout of your site?
Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so
people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of
text for only having one or 2 pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?
Unquestionably imagine that that you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be
at the internet the simplest factor to be mindful of.
I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while other
people think about issues that they just do not recognize about.
You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest and also defined out the entire thing without having side
effect , other people could take a signal. Will probably be again to get more.
Thank you
Excellent way of explaining, and nice article to take information about my presentation focus, which i am going to present in institution of higher education.
always i used to read smaller content that also clear their motive, and that is also happening with this post
which I am reading at this place.
It’s hard to find experienced people on this subject, however, you seem
like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Asking questions are really nice thing if you are not understanding anything completely, except this post offers nice
understanding yet.
Hurrah, that’s what I was looking for, what a data! existing here at this weblog,
thanks admin of this web site.
Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is great, let alone
the content!
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact
was a amusement account it. Look advanced to
far added agreeable from you! However, how could we
communicate?
Hmm it seems like your site ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll
just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still
new to everything. Do you have any helpful hints for newbie blog writers?
I’d really appreciate it.
Thank you for any other excellent post. The place else may just anybody get
that kind of information in such an ideal means of writing?
I have a presentation next week, and I am on the search for such info.
Hi there, i read your blog from time to time and
i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot
of spam remarks? If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can advise?
I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any assistance is very much appreciated.
always i used to read smaller posts that also clear their motive, and that is also happening with this post
which I am reading at this place.
I think this is one of the most significant info for me.
And i’m glad reading your article. But wanna remark on few general things,
The web site style is great, the articles is really nice :
D. Good job, cheers
It’s actually very difficult in this active life to listen news on Television,
so I only use the web for that purpose, and get the most recent information.
Ahaa, its nice discussion about this post here at this webpage, I have read
all that, so at this time me also commenting here.
It’s going to be ending of mine day, but before end I am reading this enormous piece of writing to
improve my experience.
My brother recommended I might like this website. He was totally right.
This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine
just how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!
fantastic submit, very informative. I ponder why the opposite experts
of this sector do not realize this. You must continue your writing.
I’m sure, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!
I am really inspired along with your writing talents and also with the layout to your blog.
Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?
Either way stay up the nice quality writing, it is rare to peer
a great blog like this one today..
I’m extremely inspired with your writing abilities and also with the layout in your blog.
Is that this a paid subject matter or did you customize it your self?
Anyway stay up the excellent high quality writing, it’s uncommon to peer a
great blog like this one nowadays..
Hello there! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted
to give a quick shout out and tell you I truly enjoy reading through your posts.
Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same
subjects? Thanks a lot!
Thank you for any other excellent post. Where else may just anybody get that
kind of info in such an ideal approach of writing? I’ve a
presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the look for such info.
I have been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles
or blog posts in this sort of house . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this web site.
Studying this information So i’m satisfied to express that I have an incredibly good uncanny feeling
I discovered just what I needed. I so much indubitably will make sure to don?t overlook this website and give it
a look on a relentless basis.
We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
Your site offered us with helpful information to work on. You have done an impressive task and our whole community
will probably be grateful to you.
What i don’t understood is in truth how you are not actually much more
well-liked than you may be now. You’re so intelligent.
You realize therefore considerably relating to this subject,
made me for my part consider it from so many varied angles.
Its like men and women are not involved except it is something to do with Woman gaga!
Your own stuffs great. Always maintain it
up!