All Stories from Northern CA

• 

  Storied Trail

  If ever there was a fairy trail, this 6.8-mile lollipop loop on Sun Valley’s Proctor Mountain is it. The Proctor Mountain Trail is a storied route in more ways than one, starting with its tranquil oasis memorial for a famous writer, Ernest Hemingway.

  View
• 

  Bald Statement

  If you’re going to have a rite of passage hiking in Sun Valley, the hike to the summit of Bald Mountain is one to check off your list. This 5-mile (one-way) trek requires some stamina, yet richly rewards with a variety of views and vantages, abundant wildflowers, and the chance to combine a free chairlift and gondola ride back down.

  View
• 

  Two Wheels to Zen

  The family-friendly Wood River Trail goes over an historic bridge, past art sculptures and ranch-roaming horses, all amid sprawling green valley and a mountainous backdrop. Roll out from the Farmers Market at River Run Lodge and pedal the 8-mile (round-trip) ride to Sun Valley’s Sawtooth Botanical Garden.

  View
• 

  Sunsets and Starry Nights in Sun Valley

  Sun Valley has the distinction of being part of Central Idaho’s Dark Sky Reserve—the first of its kind in the country. The sky here has a signature clarity thanks to dedicated efforts at limiting light pollution. Here are some top spots for viewing and photography.

  View
• 

  Sun Valley Salutations

  Sun Valley’s popular Yoga at River Run is located outdoors at the base of beautiful Bald Mountain, amid pine-scented air, the sound of a flowing river, and mountain-to-valley scenery.

  View
• 

  Baytiful!

  Bike the San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail for the sheer multitude of Silicon Valley attractions—from an amusement park to protected wetlands and the 49ers’ stadium. This 10-mile out-and-back ride takes cyclists through some of the best spots in the South Bay.

  View
• 
  Sponsored

  The Art & Soul of Sun Valley

  By its very nature Sun Valley is like a fine work of art ... from the mountainous landscape and alpine lakes, to starry nights. But Sun Valley isn’t just a premier destination for beautiful outdoors. It also has a thriving arts and culture scene.

  View
• 
  Sponsored

  Stay Sunny!

  Minimize the screen time, maximize the great outdoors, and get the family on a trip to Sun Valley, Idaho! From pedaling the rails-to-trails bike path the locals love, to taking your pick of parks.

  View
• 

  Float This Boat!

  What makes paddling Mendocino’s beautiful Big River even more enjoyable? Exploring it on an artisan canoe! These handcrafted outriggers are fashioned from reclaimed virgin redwood. (Bonus: even the dog can come along!)

  View
• 
  Sponsored

  Simply Sun Valley, Idaho

  A change of scenery is like a breath of fresh air, and you benefit from both when you experience the Sun Valley, Idaho, very few people know. Nature nurtures here in the original mountain town.

  View
• 

  Seal the Bluffing Deal

  We love aquariums, but there’s something special about viewing adorable, blubbery harbor seals in their natural habitat—namely Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve. An easy 1-mile (r

  View
• 
  Sponsored

  Now You Sea It

  The Monterey Bay Aquarium's newest exhibition, Into the Deep, is a fully integrated ocean experience taking you from mesmerizing shoreline kelp forests all the way to the bottom of the sea.

  View
• 

  Santa Teresa Serenity

  Santa Teresa County Park offers wooded trails, stunning views, and an up-close look at ranch life, all without ever leaving San Jose. This 3.7-mile loop is a breath of fresh air.

  View
• 
  Sponsored

  Glow Deeper!

  The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s new exhibition is getting glowing reviews. Into the Deep: Exploring Our Undiscovered Ocean is an unparalleled living exhibition that includes an immersive deep-sea bioluminescence experience.

  View
• 

  Bay Biking

  Cesar Chavez Park is a well-loved East Bay Regional Park with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay, and the newly opened Brickyard Cove at McLaughlin Eastshore State Park makes a terrific connection for a glorious bay-side trail pedal.

  View
• 

  Carr Ranch

  Can’t decide between an epic hike or a relaxing nature walk? The 8.3-mile Carr Ranch Trail loop in the East Bay’s Contra Costa County is the perfect hike for rugged adventurers with a soft side.

  View
• 
  Sponsored

  Go "Into the Deep"

  The Monterey Bay Aquarium introduces Into the Deep: Exploring Our Undiscovered Ocean, a first-of-its-kind living exhibition. Be among the first to witness the crown jewel creatures of the deep sea!

  View
• 
  Sponsored

  North Lake Tahoe, Naturally

  Where do you go to make this spring twice as fun? North Lake Tahoe, naturally! Just 45 minutes from Reno-Tahoe International Airport, North Lake Tahoe’s spring season lets you double up your days with diverse outdoor experiences.

  View
• 

  Hidden Wilds of Healdsburg

  When you arrive at Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve, you may wonder what could possibly be tucked behind a subdivision. But within minutes of hiking in this 155-acre preserve, the beauty reveals itself: majestic oak trees, wetland, spring wildflowers, and wowing views of the Mayacama Mountains and Russian River.

  View
• 
  Sponsored

  Guide to the Best Wildflower Walks

  Where will you wildflower this season? Check out POST’s 2022 digital guide to Wildflower Walks and find the best in bloom around the Peninsula and South Bay.

  View