For an unlikely extension of a story that flowers way down on the Central Coast, take a walk along the Ah-Di-Na Historic Trail (0.25 mile, easy). Follow the signs from Squaw Valley Creek Road at the Reservoir to this odd little resort area along the McCloud River. The William Randolph Hearst family created a retreat here and you’ll see photos of their property on the interpretive signs marking the short, flat trail.

It’s a bit of a drive out to Ah-Di-Na, and while you can take a passenger car, plan to traverse dirt roads and spend some time getting out there.

While the name of the Sims Flat Historic Trail (Sims Rd., south of the river, 1 mile, easy) refers to the name of the former logging town here, the trail itself is flat too. Sims Flat was once a bustling logging town, with the railroad running through it to carry products of the busy sawmill away to the big cities that needed fresh lumber. Nearly a century later, a few historic signs tell the story of this diverse ex-town.

Another great thing about this walk are the up-close views of Mount Shasta, which looms over Sims Flat, offering many photo opportunities.