In the summer of 2023, while I was visiting Interlaken, Switzerland, I took a train to Lauterbrunnen to have a look at the famously beautiful valley.
Out & back
Oakwood Valley Trail Out & Back
Marin Headlands
2.4 miles
This hike starts off gentle, then climbs up steeply to Alta Trail, where there’s a nice view.
Tennessee Valley Trail to the Beach
Marin Headlands
3.4 miles
This hike out to Tennessee Beach is easy and popular, but the highlight is the beach itself.
Bear Valley to Divide Meadow Out & Back
Point Reyes National Seashore
3.2 miles
If you ever want a relaxing hike at an easy-to-get-to, easy-to-park-at trailhead, nothing beats Bear Valley Trail.
Abbotts Lagoon Trail Out & Back
Point Reyes National Seashore
3.3 miles
This short hike out to Abbotts Lagoon is flat, peaceful, and popular for bird-watching.
Knight Drive to Echo Trail Out & Back
China Camp State Park
4.6 miles
Check out a small patch of unlikely redwoods in China Camp State Park.
Hiking Finland’s Saana Fell
In the summer of 2021, I was lucky enough to travel with my family to Kilpisjärvi in the far north of Finland to hike Saana Fell.
Point Bonita Lighthouse & 2 Nearby Trails
Marin Headlands (Golden Gate National Recreation Area)
1.0 mile
The Marin Headlands are a lovely place to hike, with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, the San Francisco Bay, and the city. Point Bonita Lighthouse can be visited on certain afternoons, and there are a few short trails nearby to add onto your trip if you’re interested in the historical monuments.
Bear Valley Trail to Kelham Beach
Point Reyes National Seashore
9.6 miles
ALERT! This hike is no longer possible, following coastal erosion in January 2023. You can hike as far as Coastal Trail but Kelham Beach is not accessible and any attempt to reach the beach is considered dangerous.
Stinson Beach Out & Back on Dipsea Trail
Mount Tamalpais State Park
2.6 miles
A short hike from the town of Stinson Beach to White Gate Fire Road and back, this hike features a wooded stream and views of the Pacific Ocean