All in Northern CA

  1. Where to Watch a Winter Sunset

    Sunsets are like campfires—sometimes it’s good to just sit around and watch them. Here are three short hikes to sunset spots that’ll warm your spirit during the winter season.

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  2. Rain Or Snow: Let's Go!

    There’s rain, there’s snow, oh the places you’ll go! From waterfalls and cross-country skiing, to walking on sand dunes and spying gray whales, here are some fun adventures to weather the storms!

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  3. Partly Sunny with a Chance of Hiking!

    Wow, those rain dances really worked! Sneak in a hike this weekend to see winter's effect on our beautiful slice of Northern California. From hiking to a waterfall with your dog, to ridge walking in the East Bay, to wandering the hills in the Santa Cruz Mountains—weather or not, let's hit the trails!

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  4. Sponsored
    2024-12-18

    Sublime San Juan Islands

    Well, well, this wellness action plan takes you to the San Juan Islands! Easily reached by ferry yet worlds away in tranquility and unique adventures, this Washington State jewel of the Salish Sea nurtures through nature.

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  5. Waterfall Obscura

    Some waterfalls go under the radar. That is, until rain brings them to life. Here are three South Bay and Peninsula hikes with lesser-known waterfalls and beautiful scenery to boot!

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  6. Break for It

    2017 might be off to a wet and wild start, but don’t let rainy weather dampen your adventurous spirit. From giving meditation a try in a lush coastal setting, to bagging a less-known peak when the sun pokes through, here are three North Bay outings ready for you!

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  7. Adventure Around the Bend

    Bend, Oregon, is having more than a moment. It’s having a ball as the West’s best adventure land, less traveled! This friendly and hip Central Oregon destination is crafting up some of the best beers in the world, is super dog-friendly, and has an awesome downtown. And with more snow than they’ve had since 1924, the winter adventures are absolutely glorious.

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  8. 2016's Best Adventures

    2016 has been a year of many ... surprises. And adventures! From going on a hike in the High Sierra to discovering waterfalls close to home, here's to what we loved about 2016. In 2017 let's log on, and get out!

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  9. Look on the Bright Side

    As the shortest day of the year approaches, look on the bright side! From a peak hike in the middle of the bay to an urban art walk and a lighthouse for spying gray whales, here are three ways to find some good light. Happy holidays, everyone!

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  10. Redwood Walks

    It can be hard to find peace on earth at the local mall during the holidays. But a walk in a cathedral of coastal redwoods … now that brings a little joy to the world! Here are three redwood walks in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Be merry!

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  11. Holiday Hikes

    Thanksgiving’s in the rearview mirror, but plenty of holidays are just ahead! Instead of the malls, put in some miles on these festive, fun, and easygoing hikes that’ll add a little spice to your outdoors life.

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  12. Feast on This

    Happy Thanksgiving! The turkey's eaten, the pumpkin pie is polished off, and now you're looking around going ... What next? How about a few adventures you can do with family and friends over the weekend. Outside is always in!

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  13. Hikes to Clear Your Head

    A walk in the woods is always good medicine. These three Bay Area hikes are just what the doctor ordered.

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  14. Winter Classics

    Winter brings all kinds of adventures to California: photogenic coastal rambles, snowy Sierra outings, dancing in the desert... Here are some winter classics!

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  15. Sponsored
    2024-12-18

    Sublime San Juan Islands

    Well, well, this wellness action plan takes you to the San Juan Islands! Easily reached by ferry yet worlds away in tranquility and unique adventures, this Washington State jewel of the Salish Sea nurtures through nature.

    View
  16. Coastal Cabins

    Feel like getting away? We know just the place. Unplug, unwind, and take a deep breath at any of these coastal cabins. Sweet dreams are made of these.

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  17. 7 Wonders of Fall

    There are 7 more weekends left in fall, what are you going to do with them all? Here are 7 autumn-magical adventures to keep you out there!

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  18. Ride On Time For Fall Color

    Ready to roll with the change of seasons? The fall colors are strutting their stuff in forests, by rivers, and in the valleys. Here are three easy car-free bike rides that make for a truly color-fall adventure.

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  19. Boo-tiful Views

    This Halloween, trade in the haunted houses for a visit to some of the Bay Area’s most famous abandoned battery structures, where interesting new things are found in the shadows and grand views are guaranteed. Boo goes there?!

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  20. Autumn Waterfalls

    Big waterfalls and fall colors? These three waterfalls outside of Redding are amazing anytime of year, but during autumn you get an extra color-fall adventure!

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  21. Fleet Feat

    In case you haven’t (over)heard: Fleet Week is here! The Blue Angels’ weekend air show features amazing aerial acrobatics over San Francisco Bay, but you might feel like you have to perform some major stunts of your own just to get a good view. Instead, head to any of these places for a little adventure that can also get you some fantastic views of the Blue Angels in action. Sky’s the limit!

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  22. The Other Sierra

    One of California’s best kept secrets is at its best for the next few weeks. The Owens Valley and adjacent Eastern Escarpment are otherworldly: ancient, remote, and rugged. Formed by volcanic and glacial events, this is a land where you’ll adventure among the oldest trees in the world, the highest peak in California, and scenery so stunning it’s been used as cinematic backdrop time and again. Go before the snow and you can enjoy some secluded camping, too!

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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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