All "Hikes" Stories in Northern CA

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  What the Bluff!

  Peanut butter and jelly, wine and cheese, Mendocino and bluff-side strolls… yep, it’s pretty much mandatory to pair your visit with a hike along Mendo’s marquee bluffs.

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  Hike A Fall Classic

  Reno hit the jackpot with its well-planned urban trail system, including the Tom Cooke Trail adjacent to the Truckee River, and brilliant in fall.

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  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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  Yes, Seattle!

  Ready to try something new this winter? Seattle’s ready for you! Beautiful by nature with its Puget Sound setting, surrounding mountains, and nearby national parks, winter in Seattle can be a magical and festive time. Ever been in a hot tub boat?...

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  From Beach to Summit

  No need to decide between a beach and a mountaintop—this hike includes both! Explore the stunning coastal scenery on this 6-mile out-and-back up Montara Mountain and into Rancho Corral de Tierra.

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  Snow Much Fun

  When you know … you Reno! Over the past several years, Reno Tahoe has set itself apart from other mountain destinations with its creative verve, ascendant dining scene, walkability, and of course—amazing outdoors.

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  Tarantulas at Twilight

  Embrace the best of the season with big sunset views, up-close tarantula sightings, and a 5-mile (round-trip) hike in Sierra Vista Open Space.

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  Devilishly Hairy

  Mount Diablo is a devilish name but it’s home to some hairy spiders that don’t need to send a chill down your spine. Tarantulas come out and about in fall, as the males leave their burrows in search of mates. One of the best places to see them is on the northern slopes of Mount Diablo.

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  Redding for You

  You may think you’ve checked off all the marquee adventure destinations in the Golden State, but have you been to the outdoors mecca that’s the second sunniest city in the country?

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  America's Lake Como (Without the Crowds)

  If Italy’s famed Lake Como has an American doppelganger, it’s Washington State’s Lake Chelan. This charming town, surrounded by good earth for growing standout apples and grapes, is named for its marquee oasis. The lake, fed by glacial activity dating thousands of years, is the deepest (1,486 feet) in Washington State.

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  Little Valley, Big Apple

  During the fall season, your road trip route between Seattle and the high desert destinations of Lake Chelan, Twisp, and Winthrop likely involves passing through Wenatchee—also known as “the apple capital of the world.” But it’s not just apples that are booming here. Wenatchee has a distinct verve of agricultural ingenuity and art inspired by historic roots and contemporary influence.

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  What's Up, Winthrop!

  It’s not just its location close to Washington State’s spectacular and less visited national park (North Cascades) that makes Winthrop such a winsome mountain town. This lively enclave in the Methow Valley bristles with a whimsical blend of Wild West charms, contemporary culture, and a mosaic of outdoor adventures—from river to lake to waterfalls, and beyond.

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  Fall Is Made for Coasting

  Ready to coast? For extra autumn magic, head to the Olympic Peninsula and Washington State’s Pacific Coast for historic lodges, marquee waterfalls, lighthouses, beautiful beaches, and rainforests.

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  Into the Great Wild Open

  Wide open spaces can be hard to come by these days, unless you know where to go. So go to Reno Tahoe! Here there are no limits to finding your true nature in the great wilds—from desert to lake.

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  Nature & Nurture in Reno Tahoe

  Reno Tahoe doesn’t want you to step outside of your comfort zone this fall. It wants you to leap outside of it! Find your true nature in a place where there are no limits on how you adventure, and how you relax.

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  Lands Zen

  Find a little peace in San Francisco on an urban walk featuring a beautiful stairway, panoramic views, a labyrinth, and plentiful coastal drama.

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  SUPERBLOOMS in the Presidio

  Over the summer, the Presidio unveiled SUPERBLOOMS at its crowning urban glory, Tunnel Tops Park. The colorful installation is by Tosha Stimage and features colorful ground murals of three Presidio native plants: checkerbloom, the Chilean strawberry, and the state flower, the California poppy.

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  The Beauty of Bellingham

  Located in northwest Washington State, the seaside city of Bellingham feels remote, yet it’s just 90 minutes north of Seattle. Outdoorsy, creative, and laid back, with a distinct farm-to-table culture, craft drinks, and outstanding art and shopping, Bellingham ticks all the boxes for your next getaway.

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  Light Action

  Perched high upon windswept bluffs, the Point San Luis Lighthouse is the only remaining Victorian-style lighthouse on the West Coast. And you can’t simply drive up to it in your car. But you can book a van tour or do a guided hike to see the lighthouse, learn about its history, and enjoy beautiful coastal views and fun events.

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  Hecata, Yeah!

  You’ll have to travel further afield for this lighthouse gem on the magnificent Oregon Coast, but some things are worth the enlightenment! Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint is worth an overnight stay if you’ve always wanted to spend the night at a historic beacon.

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