Southern California hikes: With pate picnic, hit the trails

Hey, hungry hikers, in case you missed it, see Los Angeles Times staff writer Susan LaTempa’s article “Take a hike — and bring a picnic basket.” Forget the PB&J –- she sets you up with a gourmand’s arsenal a la fig pate and tarragon lemonade.

So now that you’ve got your lunch packed, where to go? Wonderful L.A. area hikes abound (including trails off the beaten path in Rustic Canyon), but if you want to really get out of Dodge, here are a few ideas for day hikes a little farther afield:

Seven Falls/Inspiration Point Trail, Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara: Among this popular trail’s highlights are waterfalls and swimming holes. GORP tells you how to find it.

Mt. Waterman, Angeles National Forest, La Canada-Flintridge, California: In her blog post about the hike, L.A. Times staff writer Leslie Carlson tells us why she couldn’t stop at the top for lunch, but maybe you’ll have better luck.

Vetter Mountain Lookout, Angeles National Forest, La Canada-Flintridge, California: You’ll find tree shade aplenty on your way to a lookout offering vast views, via this trail originating at Charlton Flat.

San Gorgonio Wilderness Trails, Big Bear Lake, California: There are many trails to consider, from easy to strenuous, in this San Bernardino Mountain wilderness area. San Gorgonio is the area’s highest peak, at 11,502-feet elevation.

What’s your favorite SoCal day hike?

— Susan Derby, Special to the Los Angeles Times

[Photo: Vetter Mountain Lookout; Scott Doggett / For the Los Angeles Times]

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This entry was posted on Friday, June 13, 2008 at 4:54 pm by Susan Derby and is filed under Family & Kids, Los Angeles, Outdoors & Adventure. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.