The Lake Effect

There’s something special about a freshwater lake—something that conjures memories while at the same time creating wonderful new ones. We can paddle, swim, hike, bike, explore, pitch a tent, and basically feel like we’re back in summer camp (minus certain hijinks). Best of all, we can cool off as the hottest days of summer approach. Here are three favorites, each tucked into a nearby mountain range within a couple of hours of the big city!

Week: 08.17.2017
Regions: Southern CA

Emerald in the Woods

Camping and Paddling at Green Valley Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains

Psst. Can you keep a secret? Green Valley Lake, nestled at 7,000 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains right between Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead, has all the watery charm of those popular bodies of water, just on a smaller scale, and decidedly without crowds—or motorized boats.
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Discounted Stay at California Landmark

Discounted Stay at the Claremont Hotel

Your next getaway … is not far away! We know a place just 12 miles from San Francisco that’s surrounded by hiking trails, has four amazing dining options, and offers killer views of the bay, especially at sunset. Oh, and you get 15% off when you book using the Promo Code PSHR. Cl
Visit our sponsor Claremont Club and Spa

Ojai’s Wet Side

Camping, Fishing, and Paddling at Lake Casitas Near Ojai

Just a few miles west of the serene, artsy community of Ojai is the very different world of Lake Casitas—fabled among bass fishers, and delightful for anyone who enjoys playing on or near the water. While you can explore the Lake Casitas Recreation Area by bike or on foot (a 1.5-
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Clearly Castaic

Escaping Summer Heat at Castaic Lake

Dip out of the heat and into the water at Castaic Lake, aquatic heart of the Santa Clarita Valley. It’s hard to beat it for a cool day trip or a getaway weekend campout—a reservoir tucked into the Sierra Pelona, surrounded by trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback ridi
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    Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.

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    Heads Up, Headlands!

    There’s one thing that’s pretty much mandatory when you visit Mendocino and that’s a hike along the famous bluffs. The trail system at Mendocino Headlands State Park is vast, surrounding the village and meandering for miles, with sweeping sea panoramas.

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  1. Caves in Mojave

    No one expects to see caves when they visit the desert, and that’s part of what makes Mitchell Caverns in the Mojave Desert such an interesting place. Go on a two-hour guided adventure tour through Mitchell Caverns in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

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    Spring Up to These Amazing Events

    Shake it up, shake it all the way up to this sunniest city in the state for the most unique and fun-fueled events. Redding is true Northern California, surrounded by famous mountains, nearby national parks and recreation areas, and the sparkling Sacramento River.

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  3. Hikers by the reservoir at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks

    Triumphant in Triunfo

    Go on a hike with a peaceful reservoir, charming meadows, and beautiful spring blooms at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks.

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  4. Hiker on a trail at George F Canyon Preserve in Ranchos Palos Verdes

    Secret Blooms

    See wildflowers on the Palos Verdes Peninsula via a 2-mile hike through the hidden 51-acre oasis of George F. Canyon Preserve, and a 1.25-mile hike in neighboring Linden H. Chandler Preserve. 

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