February is a fabulous month for hiking! More often than not, we get just enough warm, sunny days to kick-start the early blooming season. And yes, lots of rain, too—but that just keeps things going! Don’t let the rain keep you off the trails—you’ll miss so much, and it can be such a beautiful experience. Two of our February hikes were in the rain, and both were glorious!
Sloppy Joe & “T” Party Trails
February 1, 2026
On this first day of February, we could feel spring in the air as we checked out two trails in the Canyon Hollow Trail System in West Redding. Indian-warriors, Pacific hound’s-tongues, and checker lilies provided extra enjoyment. You can read about our hike on these trails here: Sloppy Joe & “T” Party Trails, February 1, 2026.
Igo & Ono Trails, Swasey Recreation Area
February 8, 2026
Super Bowl Sunday 2026 was the perfect day to check out a couple new trails on the west side of Mule Mountain: the “Dr. Jekyll” Igo Trail (do go!) and the “Mr. Hyde” Ono Trail (don’t go!). The rain and the Big Game kept these trails very quiet as we explored them for the first time. We found abundant blooming Henderson’s shooting-stars, Pacific hound’s-tongue, milkmaids, and manroot. Here’s our write-up on these two recently constructed trails: Igo & Ono Trails, Swasey Recreation Area, February 8, 2026.
Iron Canyon Loop Trail, Sacramento River Bend Recreation Area
February 15, 2026
Cleveland’s shooting-stars are blooming! And not just a few—there’s a bumper crop out on the thin volcanic soils of Hog Lake Plateau! Go counter-clockwise on Iron Canyon Loop Trail and you will encounter hundreds of these pretty little first heralds of spring by the time you get to Scout Trail. And while you’re out there, keep you eyes open for other beauties. Like checker lilies! There is an amazing number of them blooming under the shrubs at the hairpin turn on Scout Trail right now. We recorded almost five dozen species in bloom on this lovely, rainy day hike. You can get a feel for the area from our write-up Turtle Creek & Iron Canyon, March 22, 2025. Do note that, while the trails out there are generally flat, they are very rocky and, even days after rain, can be extremely muddy and running or ponded with water—footing can be challenging, but worth it! Iron Canyon Trailhead is on Highway 36, a few miles north of Antelope Blvd., in Red Bluff. Go check it out!
We hope you are inspired to check out one of these trails. If not, check out our index of hikes for more ideas. And don’t mind the rain, just get out!
~Laurie & Don Burk