Mt Lola Trail

Near: Truckee
Trip Type: Hike
Distance: 10 miles (low estimate)
Elevation: 6,600 - 9,100 feet
Vegetation: Pine Forest
Surface: Dirt (and snow)
Last Visit: October 2016

It's October and the summer hiking season is coming to a close.  We headed out to Tahoe National Forest just after the first snows of the season hit the region.  We hiked Mt. Lola, an unassuming peak, just off the PCT north of the Donner Pass area.  At a bit over 9,100 feet, Mt. Lola is the highest peak between I-80 and Mt. Lassen, yet it's usually overshadowed by all the more dramatic peaks around Lake Tahoe just to the southeast.  The usual ascent from the north is a steady climb up a pleasant, but unremarkable creek drainage.  The real payoff comes at the peak with fantastic views of the spires of Castle Peak to the south, and Sierra Buttes to the north.

Big Rock Ridge (Marin)

Near: Lucas Valley
Trip Type: Hike
Distance: 7 miles
Elevation: 600 - 1,900 feet
Vegetation: Pasture
Last Trip: October 2016

Big Rock Ridge is one of the higher ridges north of Mt. Tam in the Marin county open space. This very exposed hike is mostly nothing special, and communications towers at the summit mar the climax a bit, but the views south to Mt. Tam and San Fransisco, as well as east over the San Fransisco Bay are worth the climb if you've already seen the more unique trails and vistas on Mt. Tam and around the Marin Headlands.  The climb is very steady and well graded, so this would be an excellent option for a trail run.  Mountain bikes are common too, but all dogs must be on a leash, so that would make a ride plus dog a bit awkward.