All in Northern CA

Will You Go Out With Us?
Go out this summer and do any activity we've ever written about in Weekend Sherpa (seriously, there's 10 years' worth of outdoor activities!) and earn yourself some excellent gifts, including a Weekend Sherpa t-shirt and travel wine glasses from our "partner in wine," Line 39. Here are few ideas to get you going!
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Free and Wild in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park in spring is full of color, and visitors! But these three hikes in the heart of the park take you away from the crowds and into the park’s solitude, where signature trees grandstand, boulders are bountiful, and wildflowers paint the landscape like a rainbow. Bonus: Free admission this weekend for National Park Week!
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Waterfall Rager!
The more it rained, the harder they fell … and they're still falling … waterfalling. Hit the trails this spring on any of these Bay Area flows that are all the rage right now!
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Sponsored
2026-10-28
Extra-Celestial Central Oregon
Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.
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The Great Urban Outdoors!
Who said getting into the great outdoors meant getting out of the city? Get your nature fix in city limits by hiking a secret stairway in Oakland or exploring a couple of handsome parks in San Francisco.
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Hidden Forests
Can't see the forest for the trees? Sure you can! Take some time this weekend to walk through one of these hidden forests. It's like a cleanse for your mind!
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South Bay Spring Trailing!
Some hikes just know how to spring forward, especially after plentiful rains. From a hike to a hidden redwood grove to epic green hills and stunning panoramas, here are three South Bay ramblers to jump-start your spring trailing. Tip: Look for blooming wildflowers too!
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Hikes & Beer!
You know what's better than a beer on sunny spring day? A hike and a beer! Here are some local adventures with a refreshing reward.
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Tahoe's Snowy Spring Adventures
Tahoe is having more than a moment—it’s having a snow season for the ages, which will go well into spring! From gliding to secret beaches to reaching summits with wondrous Sierra views, here are three cross-country ski adventures in their spring prime.
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Marsh Mellow
Migratory birds got a little surprise this winter—water, water everywhere! Flock to one of these tranquil spots in the Bay Area and beyond to catch some feathery fun.
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Mount Tam Waterfalls!
Two of our favorite things: Mount Tam and waterfalls! If ever there’s a season to go on a waterfall hike, it’s right now. Here are three amazing excursions on the North Bay’s favorite mountain, where water is all the rage.
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Spring Hikes
With all of the winter rain, this spring is super-charged! Here's a roundup of close-to-home spring hiking classics!
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Long Weekend Wanders & Ponders
Ahh the long weekend—a chance to catch your breath, get a breath of fresh air, and enjoy breathtaking views! From stairway walks to hikes in electric green hills or to waterfalls and sunset views, here's how to make the most of the three-day weekend!
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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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Sponsored
2026-10-28
Extra-Celestial Central Oregon
Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

Visit Central Oregon