You don’t have to be a mountaineer to become a frequent hiker. There are many Northern California hiking trails for beginners that are less than 5 miles, and considered “easy” or “moderate”. If the idea of stepping into the hiking world piques your interest but you want to start with some easy-breezy trails, we’d like to introduce you to some of the best (and shortest) mountain hiking trails in Northern California.

1. Hidden Lake Trail
Natty No Dreads/AllTrails
This 1.8-mile trail is a great way to experience the Trinity Alps Wilderness if you’re a beginner hiker.
Located within the Trinity Alps Wilderness, a stone's throw away from Forks of Salmon, this out-and-back trail presents an ideal opportunity for those new to hiking to experience this California alpine forest.
Hidden Lake Trail, Pacific Crest Nat'l Scenic Trl, Forks of Salmon, CA 96031, USA
Natty No Dreads/AllTrails
Don't be fooled by its brevity– the trail offers a moderately challenging hike due to the elevation gain. For an optimal adventure, set your sights on the period from June through October. During these months, the weather is cooler, making the journey all the more enjoyable. But be sure to bring layers when you’re hiking in the mountains. Oh, and let's not forget about our furry companions! Dogs are more than welcome to join in the excitement and, in certain areas they can even roam off-leash.
2. Iverson and Sequoia Nature Loop Trail
Portola Redwoods State Park, 9000 Portola State Park Rd, La Honda, CA 94020, USA
Josh Klaus/AllTrails
This 1.1-mile loop trail is accessible for many fitness levels and abilities. And at about 2,000-feet in elevation, the Portola Redwoods State Park is high enough to experience cooler mountain weather, but not so high you’ll need to worry about getting out-of-breath due to the elevation. Another plus? You may not encounter other people on your hike, giving you time and space to enjoy this fairy tale-like redwood forest. You'll need to leave pups at home for this hike— dogs aren't allowed on this trail.
3. Sardine Lakes
Stephanie Walker/AllTrails
When you’re hiking this short trail, it’s easy to forget you’re not deep into the wilderness.
The 1.3 mile out-and-back trail in the Tahoe National Forest is surrounded by beautiful high mountain nature. This is the type of beauty that it seems is usually reserved for people willing to hike for many miles. And you can reach it in 1.3!
Sardine Lakes, California 93541, USA
Paul Remmenga/AllTrails
Labeled as an easy route, completing this trail takes a mere 35-minutes. Four-legged companions are more than welcome to join, although they must remain leashed. As an added bonus, this trail is located a short drive from the fun mountain towns of Sierra City and Downieville.
4. Clear Lake Trail
South Warner Wilderness, Eagleville, CA 96110, USA
Leah Henry/AllTrails
This 1.8-mile trail is an easy way to experience the remote and rugged South Warner Wilderness. Clear Lake Trail takes hikers through the forest to a high mountain lake. It’s an easy trail with only a slight elevation climb. Most hikers report that this trail takes about 35 minutes total.
5. Tahoe Donner Nature Loop
Dea Burlew/AllTrails
A stone's throw away from downtown Truckee is this popular 2.2-mile loop.
This well-frequented trail boasts an easy route, courtesy of its minimal elevation change. But don't let your guard down just yet – remember, Truckee sits at an impressive altitude of over 5,800 feet, which might catch you off guard and leave you breathless.
12092 Northwoods Blvd, Truckee, CA 96161, USA
Kelle Foster/AllTrails
Be prepared to snap some photos! As you traverse this path, you may notice fields of beautiful mountain wildflowers. There can be some rocky and muddy parts along this trail so be sure to wear proper hiking boots. The prime time to hike this trail is from March to October.
6. Juniper Trail
Juniper Trail, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA
Carl Vellotti/AllTrails
We love this trail because it’s a great way to see Mount Diablo and it is open year round. This 2.1-mile trail in Mount Diablo State Park is considered moderately challenging due to the 738-foot elevation gain. You’re likely to run into other hikers on this trail, but not dogs since pups are not allowed on this hike.
7. The Potholes
Sarah Grace/AllTrails
This loop trail is located southwest of Lake Tahoe in the Eldorado National Forest.
It’s an easy trail, with flat rocks dotted with swimming holes. At 1.5 miles, the out-and-back trail takes less than 40 minutes to complete. This hike is considered easy and takes an average of 34 minutes to complete, although you may want to stop and take a dip in the water.
Silver Lake West Campground, Pioneer, CA 95666, USA
Wendy Wheeler/AllTrails
The best times to visit this trail are March through October, after the snow melt and before the winter storms. You can bring you dog, but they must be on a leash for this hike.

Hiking is a great way to spend time in nature while racking up those step counts. It’s also a fun and low cost activity that you can do alone or with friends. Are there any short hiking trails in your neck of Northern California? If so, tell us about them in the comments.

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