All Stories from "Northern CA"

All "Hikes" Stories in Northern CA

Go See Grandmother
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.
View
Magical McClures
McClures Beach is a seductive little spot: small, beautiful, and quiet. It’s easy to while away an afternoon-turned-sunset at this pocket cove in Point Reyes.
View
Freedom of Beach
Nearly a mile of slate and black sand, expansive views of San Francisco, and just minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin's Black Sands Beach is the size of Baker Beach—without the crowds.
View
Sponsored
Gateway to Glacier National Park
It’s known as the Soul of Montana: Kalispell is one of the West’s ultimate mountain towns—only a 30-minute scenic drive to the west side of Glacier National Park. Make the friendly mountain town your home base to these top adventures.
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. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.
View
Good Heavens
The 4-mile hike to the top of Angel Island offers Bay-mazing scenery. Some people claim you get a five-bridge view: Richmond-San Rafael, Bay, Golden Gate, San Mateo-Hayward, and Dumbarton bridges.
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
Exclamation Point!
Maybe it’s the constant ocean breeze, or the burly tule elk, or the chance to see spouting gray whales: There’s something about Tomales Point Trail. It’s a simple 4.5-mile hike to a promontory overlooking the Pacific. But what you encounter along the way … well that’s pure Point Reyes.
View
Bull Yeah!
Hit the bull’s eye of wide open space at Bull Point Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore. This 3.8-mile out-and-back hike along Drakes Estero’s Creamery Bay is easygoing and packs a visual punch.
View
Tam 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
Views Fit for a King
This 6-miler has it all: interesting sandstone formations, wide blue views of the Pacific, and a glistening waterfall. Castle Rock State Park is a popular treasure of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
View
Nice 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
Crushin' on Russian Ridge
We can't always guarantee timing, but wildflowers love Russian Ridge. In spring this park can be a tapestry of colors, but even if the flower power isn't full on, the views sure are!
View
Three National Parks ... Re-opened!
A lot of national parks are closed because of Covid-19, but it doesn't hurt to be optimistic in planning for the future. Here 3 we can't wait to get back to, along with some top hikes to do.
View
New Rules of the Trail
As some parks around California begin to re-open, we came up with tips for being responsible on your outdoor adventures. Let’s do our part so we can all keep enjoying the parks.
View
The Occidental Tourist
The Grove of Old Trees is 33 hidden acres of towering redwoods and the only privately owned preserve in Sonoma County that's free to the public.
View
Mellow Mavericks
It’s a site famous for the Mavericks surfing competition, but even without the massive swells, Pillar Point still has plenty to get excited about. Including a short hike with beautiful coastal views and striking sunset scenery.
View
Peak a Boo-Yeah!
Laurel Canyon Trailhead in the East Bay’s Tilden Regional Park is like finding the entrance to Narnia and getting whisked away to a magical landscape.
View
Mellow in the Marsh
Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their fully reopened and well-signed Sequoia Audubon Trail.
View