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!
Emerald in the Woods
Camping and Paddling at Green Valley Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains
Discounted Stay at California Landmark
Discounted Stay at the Claremont Hotel
Ojai’s Wet Side
Camping, Fishing, and Paddling at Lake Casitas Near Ojai
Clearly Castaic
Escaping Summer Heat at Castaic Lake
Your Inbox to the Outdoors
Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.
Trending Stories SoCal
View all StoriesBouquet of Waterfalls
Like a good love letter, some of the best hiking trails are short and sweet. Cue the hike to Bouquet Falls in Santa Clarita Valley’s Bouquet Canyon.
ViewEasiest Best Hike in the World
Choose the easiest and most view-rewarding hike in Yosemite. Okay, we’ll go first: the combination of hiking to Sentinel Dome and Taft Point. Both of these lookouts are within a couple miles of each other on Glacier Point Road
View- Sponsored
All Roads Lead to Rogue
Idea for your next road trip: Go Rogue! The Rogue Valley in beautiful Southern Oregon has some of the state’s best hiking, swim holes, and wineries, and the charming historic towns of Ashland, Medford, and Jacksonville.
View
Trending Stories Northern CA
View all StoriesTam Slam!
This 8-mile (round-trip) hike is a pure classic, with redwoods, water-flows, and soaring views of the coastline. Oh yeah, and that ladder!
View- Sponsored
Road Trip Ahead: Oregon Outback
Remote open spaces, camping under true Dark Skies, hiking and biking trails galore, wildlife refuges, and hot springs! Plan your road trip to the Oregon Outback this summer.
View Secret Beach
A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. This pocket cove is worth the 1.5-mile trek to get there.
ViewNice Ring to It
This tiny but mighty open space preserve on the Tiburon Peninsula can often exhibit a wide range of wildflowers late into the season, not to mention one of the most jaw-dropping views of the bay.
View