Autumn Blend

Happy first day of fall! The days may be getting a little shorter but that won’t slow down your weekend of adventures in the Bay Area. From the north to the south, here are three ways to greet the season on a a hike, a bike ride, or a sunset wander.

Week: 09.21.2017
Regions: Northern CA

Go See Grandmother

Hike to the Grandmother Oak in Hood Mountain Regional Park

Grandmother Tree Hike Hood Mountain Sugarloaf park Sonoma
Grandmother’s calling, so you must go. The Grandmother Tree is the largest known coast live oak in Sonoma County, and she resides in quite the beautiful setting. Visit her via a 5-mile (round-trip) hike high in Hood Mountain Regional Park.
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Your Trip to Patagonia!

Take a Guided Trip to Patagonia

Patagonia's been on your bucket list forever? Make it the trip of a lifetime by going with the experts in small group adventure travel: Active Adventures! Explore classics and hidden gems by day, sleep in a cozy wilderness lodge or charming town inn at night. Two of Active Advent
Visit our sponsor Active Adventures

Keep on Rollin'

Easygoing Road Bike Ride on the East Bay's Alameda Creek Regional Trail

There are those who love to test their mettle with the pedal on road bike rides. Then there's the rest of us, looking for something more easygoing, yet still respectable in mileage! Great scenery helps, too! A mellow road bike ride along the Alameda Creek Regional Trail in Fremon
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Sunset Gone Wilder

Bluff hike at Wilder Ranch State Park in Santa Cruz

So you’re sort of snobby about your sunsets? You like a brilliant technicolor all across the sky as the sun sets on the horizon? Great! Go Wilder! Wilder Ranch State Park’s Old Cove Landing Trail is an easy 3-mile (round-trip) coastal hike in Santa Cruz. And a hike here at sunset
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Two people walking along the bluff trail at Sea Ranch on the Sonoma Coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean

    Sweet as the Sea

    Rough-and-tumble coastline, twisting Highway 1, open grasslands, hidden beaches, bluff trails, and a rustic lodge for storm watching from indoors—we’re not talking about Big Sur. We’re talking Sea Ranch and its namesake lodge on the Sonoma Coast. Walk its famous bluff-top trail, a cliff-hugging sensation with soaring Pacific scenery.

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  2. Sponsored

    The 2025 Hiking Calendar Is Here!

    Ready to make hiking part of your New Year’s wellness plan? Get the all-new 2025 Hiking Calendar courtesy of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).

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  3. Most Peaceful Hike of All

    Is this the most peaceful one-hour hike in the Bay Area? It's got our vote! Lake Lagunitas is the smallest lake in a series of five found on the north side of Mount Tam, so it’s got that tiny but mighty charm. Do a 1.5-mile loop around the lake's shore-hugging trail.

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  4. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Animal Encounters

    Located where Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of gardens, a museum and playground, aquarium, and unforgettable up-close animal encounters!

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  2. Weekend Sherpa Podcast
    Sponsored

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

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  3. Enchanted in Chantry

    Chantry Flat is one of the most popular hiking areas in LA, but the 5.3-mile (round-trip) Hoegees Campground via Upper and Lower Winter Creek Loop Trail proves you can find peace and quiet anywhere, even in busy Los Angeles.

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  4. Locals' Feature: Max Smith of Moment Skis

    Meet Max Smith, VP of Moment Skis in Reno, Nevada. Moment is the largest ski manufacturer in the US and you can see how their innovative and artistic skis are made by visiting Moment Skis headquarters in Reno. The Factory is where the magic happens, so drop in for a visit and say hi to the team, including employee dogs who are on quality control.

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