What we’re about
Welcome! (Require: a personal photo and introduce yourself to the group)
***By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings***
- Click RATING TABLE to learn more about difficulty levels. Click HikingOC Policy to read more FYI. https://www.meetup.com/hikingoc/messages/boards/thread/53724845
Take a quick look at our Events Calendar to see what events are on the horizon
- • Join us whether you are new or experienced in Hiking. There are different levels, but we all share one common: using our legs to move up down hills. Most of the time on dirt trails, but there are different terrains: rocky or gravels or in water, river or mud; different settings: mountain, forest, wilderness or desert.
• Contact us if you are interested to join the Organizer Team and organize Hikes local OC or out of town Hikes to those who share the same interest. Our wide open calendar will fill with events during the weekdays, but mostly the weekends. Our events or trips are generated by volunteer effort and time of volunteer organizers.
[All Our Organizers Volunteer their Time and Effort for Free Cost to Most Events]
• Once or twice per month, there will be events or trips that require payments. These are costs to cover your expenses and fund raising to "HikingOC Fund".
• "HikingOC Fund" will generate profit after the costs from events monthly. It will maintain the group website, support all HikingOC volunteered organizers who contribute to build this hiking group, an outdoor active community and to donate to the good causes or charities.
• If you like to do a great cause in honor our group name, please support helping those affected by disasters or the National Park Services (we hike on many lands of the National Parks.) We are sure your support is highly appreciated and rescues the unfortunates! There are many Non-Profit Organizations, please contact direct AMERICAN RED CROSS ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER for more info
***Read more past hikes on A Journey with HikingOC -- ANP Tourism-Lifetime Memory
for more Travel Trips in the US and Many Regions in the World***
Check on the IMAGES to see our photo albums
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- 2025-July/Aug: NorCal/OR: River Rafting-Lakes-National & State Parks/Levels 2 UpSacramento International Airport, Sacramento, CA
***HikingOC Summer Repeating Trip to NorCal and Oregon: American River Rafting, Lake Tahoe, Waterfalls, Lassen Volcanic and Crater Lake National Parks, Portland, Salem, Mt Hood, Mt Shasta, NorCal Coast Landmarks, Redwoods State Parks/National Park, Napa Valley, Sacramento, etc.!***
Schedule: July 19 to August 3/5, 2025 breaking into 4 different parts!
3 days/2 nights, 6 days/5 nights, 4 days/3 nights or the whole trip 18 days/17 nightsRSVP is NOT SECURED a space. Please contact the host via message, email or in person on a local hike to discuss more about the trip
TRIP COST, DEPOSIT AND CANCELLATION
> > > Plan lodging and transportation your own, just join us hiking, $250/part or $700 the whole trip for coordinating fee (non-refundable deposit, the whole trip or $60/day). Contact the host directly to get info***
> > > Estimate trip cost:
Including lodging double occupancy, transportation\, coordinating fee, but not including airfares, food, tours, permits (may adjust from 5-10%+- after the trip after having the final cost on expenses)
Whole trip for 18 days/17 nights
Part 1: 6 days/5 nights for $800+
Part 1-1: 3 days/2 nights-July 19-21, 2025 for $400+
Part 1-2: 3 days/3 nights-July 22-24, 2025
> > > Advance deposit is $700 (non-refundable) and due by April 6, 2025. Payment after due date 10% more on deposit amount or depends on available spaces.
> > > CANCELLATION OF SERVICES: If you need to cancel, the deposit amount is non-refundable
> > > Cancellation 3 weeks or less prior to the trip, total estimate trip cost is forfeit.
The following EXCLUDING expenses:- Airfares: $220+ RT (SW from LGB/ONT/SAN to SMF and from MFR (Medford, OR) back)
- Most meals
- Optional activities
- River Rafting: $145+
Allow $300+ (your budget) for meals, optional activities and other expenses/gifts
Part 2: Oregon: Portland/Salem/Mt Hood Waterfalls/Mountains https://www.meetup.com/hikingoc/events/306561961/
Part 3: NorCal: Mt Shasta/Coast/Redwood Parks/Napa Valley/Sac https://www.meetup.com/hikingoc/events/307119933/GENERAL RATING/DIFFICULTY: Levels 2 up/Moderate for distance, elevation and pace. Click to see RATING TABLE for more info about hiking levels https://tinyurl.com/HikeRating
Hiking Itinerary: depends on weather conditions
We will be driving and hiking about 5 to 10+ miles/day depends on the group.
Part 1:
Day 1 Sat July 19: Arrive Sacramento (SMF from LGB/ONT/SAN), then driving to American River for Rafting (half day tour $139/person) https://www.meetup.com/hikingoc/events/306114186/
Days 2-3 Sun-Mon July 20-21: Lake Tahoe
https://www.meetup.com/hikingoc/events/309046439/
Day 4: Tues July 22 Lassen Volcanic NP/Burney Falls State Park
https://www.meetup.com/hikingoc/events/309046828/
Days 5-6: Wed July 23 & Thurs July 24: Crater Lake & Umpqua National Forest/Umpqua River highway waterfalls along the way: Watson, Clearwater, Toketee Falls, etc.
https://www.meetup.com/hikingoc/events/307170708/Part 2: https://www.meetup.com/hikingoc/events/306561961/
Part 3: https://www.meetup.com/hikingoc/events/307119933/REMINDER
By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings
***Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike***
>>YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
>>YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETYNot open - 2025-July: Part 1/Days 2 - 3: Lake Tahoe both sides CA & NV/Levels 2 to 3Needs location
Days 2 & 3 of HikingOC Repeating Summer Trip to: NorCal and Oregon: American River Rafting, Lake Tahoe, Waterfalls, Lassen Volcanic and Crater Lake National Parks, Portland, Salem, Mt Hood, Coast Landmarks, Redwoods State Parks/National Parks, etc.
https://www.meetup.com/hikingoc/events/306561839/July 20 & 21 are the days in Lake Tahoe: hiking, etc.
RSVP is NOT SECURED a space. Please contact the host via message, email or in person on a local hike to discuss more about the trip!GENERAL RATING/DIFFICULTY: Levels 2 to 3: Moderate to Strenuous for distance, elevation and pace. Click to see RATING TABLE for more info about hiking levels https://tinyurl.com/HikeRating
Itinerary:
Day 2: Hikes/Sightseeing in the South Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Lake, Waterfalls, Cave Rocks, etc.
>>4 miles 1800ft gain: Maggie's Peak and Granite Lake https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/granite-lake-maggies-peaks
>>7 miles 2155ft gain: Maggie's Peak and Granite Lake/Eagle Lake Loop
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/maggie-s-peak-eagle-lake-granite-lake-loop
>>4.9 miles 1187ft gain: Floating Island and Cathedral Lakes
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/floating-island-cathedral-lakes-trail
>>2.5 miles: Lower Eagle Falls and VikingsHolm Castle https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/eagle-falls
More info
https://tahoesouth.com/explore/hiking/waterfall-guide/
https://postcardstoseattle.com/lake-tahoe-hikes/Day 3:
>>Lower King's Canyon
https://www.alltrails.com/poi/us/nevada/lower-kings-canyon-waterfall
>>Sand Harbor State Park
https://parks.nv.gov/parks/lake-tahoe-nevada-state-parkPhotos from 2023 trip: https://www.meetup.com/hikingoc/events/294586589/
>>>WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR: water, snacks, food for breakfasts and lunches on the trails. Wear layers clothes, clothes don't get wet easy, hiking shoes, extra socks and clothes to change after the hike, a sleeping bag/warm blanket, hiking poles and 10 Hiking Essentials (https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/messages/boards/thread/9535234)
>>>REMINDER:
By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings
***Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike***
>>>YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
>>>YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETYNot open - Newport Back Bay Interpretive Center to Vista Point - Level 22301 University Dr, Newport Beach, CA
Please join us for an easier hike at Newport Back Bay. This walk is suitable for strong beginners. See details below.
This hike is for humans. Kindly leave your canine friends at home.
This is not the beach walk.
## Key Info:
## Meet and Greet at Muth Interpretive Center at 9:45 AM.
## Hike Briefing at 9:55 AM.
## The hike departs promptly at 10:00 AM.
## If you arrive late or otherwise choose to do this walk on your own, just follow the directions detailed below. And bring a friend!Length: This hike/walk is about 4 miles.
Terrain: Paved multi-use path, with a few dirt trails.
Difficulty: This walk is very flat. If you can walk 3 miles in about an hour, this hike should be fine for you.
Pace: Relaxed/Easy (22 - 25 minutes/mile).Description: From the Muth Interpretive Center, we will walk the bike/pedestrian trail over the bridge and then walk by the vineyard. Then we walk through the equestrian neighborhood and back to the bike/pedestrian trail and continue around the bay to Vista Point, where we turn around and head back to the Interpretive Center. There are nice views of Newport Back Bay and maybe good bird watching.
Sometimes we may see some wildlife: quail, hawks, roadrunners, coyotes, bunny wabbits, and if we are very lucky, maybe a snake or a tarantula.
Rating: Level 2 - Click here for hike RATING TABLE
Parking: There is plenty of free parking at the Muth Interpretive Center. See the Photos section for the location of the Parking lot and meeting spot. Park in the lot, or on the street. GPS Address: 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA.
NOTE: You can't actually see the Interpretive Center from the parking lot. You have to walk down a small hill. Please follow the signs at the end of the parking lot, pictured in the main Feature photo at the top of this hike posting. We meet on the lower deck behind the Center, NOT the rooftop observation deck.
Facilities: There are restrooms available at the Muth Interpretive Center.
What to bring: Water and snacks, sunglasses, comfortable walking/hiking shoes, maybe a hat or umbrella for sun protection, a happy attitude and a big smile!
REMINDER:
By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings
> YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
> YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETYHiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, mountain lions, coyotes, snake bites or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike.
- NO HOST: Weekly Turtle Rock Hills hike at Sunset/Levels 2 to 3Turtle Rock, Irvine, CA
NO HOST HIKE
Per your request, we post this hike at sunset for you to join others hiking as a group. Sunset is around 8ish PM**This hike is rated level 2 or faster for pace, distance and elevation. Please see the RATING TABLE for more info about difficulty levels https://tinyurl.com/HikeRating
Meeting time: 6:30 PM
Distance: ~4 miles (we can go a shorter loop for about an hour)
Elevation: ~1100ft
Duration: 2 hoursESSENTIALS: Bring water, running/hiking shoes, a headlamp or flash light on the way back after sunset.
DIRECTIONS: Address: 1 Concordia, Irvine
ABOUT THIS HIKE:
This is a workout conditioning hike composed of a looped route with a mix of trails and sidewalk/bike paths, along with some not too long but fairly steep hills. The two popular hills: French Hill and Suicide Hill at Turtle Rock. This loop, which uses city streets, single-track trails and a little bit of climbing, is one of several possible routes that visit the two summits. This hike requires regular hikers or those who have exercise experience (stair stepper or treadmill on 5-7 degree incline). The trail is dog friendly.
Route:
The hike begins with a steep climb up French Hill, gaining 200 feet in about 0.3 miles. At the top, you get a nice view of the Santa Ana Mountains and you can also see the other destination, Turtle Rock, to the left.
At the top, bear right, pass by a small summit marker, and begin heading downhill, toward a residential neighborhood. The trail swings around the back side of the houses and begins to curve south, making a moderate ascent to a ridge. Here, you get nice views of the Laguna Canyon area and the San Joaquin Hills.
At 1.2 miles, you begin a sharp descent toward Ridgeline Drive. Head right and follow a trail that’s been beaten on the side of the road. Soon you cross Hillsborough, where you can follow a proper sidewalk up to the intersection with Turtle Rock Drive.
Cross the street and continue following Ridgeline, looking for a paved walkway heading downhill (1.9 miles.) At the bottom of a hill, where the walkway makes a hairpin turn, continue straight on a dirt trail. Never getting too far from the residential area on the right, you climb to another ridge. Head right at a junction, where you’ll see Turtle Rock ahead of you, with its geological outcrops that resemble turtles. You descend into a pleasant wooded area, reaching a paved walkway at about 2.6 miles.
Head left, and almost immediately take a hard right and begin climbing a staircase. At the top, head right and continue your ascent. A little bit of scrambling, though nothing too difficult, is required to reach the top of Turtle Rock (2.9 miles), a nice view of almost all of Orange County, and on clear days, beyond.
Continuing north, you descend steeply from Turtle Rock. Turn left at the next junction and head through a meadow, toward the intersection of San Rufino and Via Novella (3.4 miles.) Follow Via Novella to Amalfi Drive, head right and turn right again on Turtle Rock Drive. Heading slightly uphill, follow Turtle Rock 0.4 miles back to the starting point.
REMINDER:
By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings
>>>YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
>>>YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY
***Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike***
