All Stories from Northern CA
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Cross It Off Your Bucket List
Crosstown Trail San Francisco may be one of the most beautiful city walks in America, passing through less-visited nooks and crannies while also taking in greatest hits, including mosaic stairways.
View![Man standing at boardwalk overlooking the wetland at Ravenswood Preserve]()
Feather Fanfare
Feathery birds swing and swoop on the edge of the San Francisco Bay, surrounded by the Diablo Range and Santa Cruz Mountains. See it all from a levee in serene Ravenswood Preserve.
View![Woman sitting at a bench overlooking the fields and foothills at Helen Putnam Regional Park near Petaluma.]()
Pedal, Poppies, Picnic
Helen Putnam Regional Park punches above her weight. The compact yet bountiful park near Petaluma explodes with wildflowers every spring, in particular the state’s signature California poppy.
View![Two hikers laughing and taking photos at the sunset at the summit of Bald Mountain in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park]()
Summit Sunset
A sunset summit hike doesn’t get better than Bald Mountain in Sonoma's Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Set in the Mayacamas Mountains, full moon hikes at this park are beautiful too. There's also a chance to get a last minute campsite!
View![Two women at the entrance of the Lavender Labyrinth at Bees N Blooms in Santa Rosa]()
Lavender Labyrinth
Labyrinths are meditative meanders. Add fragrant organic lavender and you're at Bees N Blooms at the foot of Taylor Mountain near Santa Rosa, experiencing their “ancient pathway of peace” and more.
View![A hiker looking over wildflower fields]()
Soothing North Sonoma
Hike among wildflowers and soaring views at North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park, then wine taste at Matanzas Creek where the serene, laid-back outdoor setting is one of the best in wine country.
View![Woman walking her dog in a forest hiking at Bartholomew Park in Sonoma]()
Vineyard Bathing
We know forest bathing, but how about vineyard bathing? Combine forest and vineyard for blissful hiking at Bartholomew Park in Sonoma. The park has a good 3-mile trail and beautiful winery grounds.
View![Sonoma County Wellness Outdoors kayaking Spring Lake]()
SponsoredOutdoor Zen in Sonoma County
Sonoma County’s abundant natural beauty is good for your mind, body, and spirit. From redwoods and rhododendron walks, to yoga in a vineyard, here are five ways to soothe your soul in Sonoma County.
View![Hiker overlooking Bear Gulch Reservoir at Pinnacles National Park near Monterey]()
Pinnacles of Spring
Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.
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Quicksilver Confetti
There’s something extra wild about Almaden Quicksilver County Park these days: wildflowers! They’re exploding like confetti amid the grasslands, and you can see them on this 5.7-mile loop hike.
View![Woman standing on the trail of Valentine Vista Loop at Moore Creek Park in Napa with poppies blooming on the grass]()
Valentine Vista Loop
Hike the 4.3-mile Valentine Vista Trail at Moore Creek Park. It's spectacular for views and poppies blooming in spring.
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SponsoredWildflower Hiking Guide
California’s wildflowers will be lovely this spring! So how do you find the best in bloom? Check out POST’s complimentary Wildflower Guide to find the best hiking trails with wildflowers.
View![Woman hiking in the Ohlone Wilderness in the East Bay]()
Ohlone Time
The hills have gone green just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, and this 7.5-mile lollipop loop hike passes through some of Mount Tam’s lushest spots, with bridges, creeks, a waterfall, and big views.
View![Woman at overlook watching Cataract Falls on Mount Tam in Marin]()
Tam It All
The hills have gone green just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, and this 7.5-mile lollipop loop hike passes through some of Mount Tam’s lushest spots, with bridges, creeks, a waterfall, and big views.
View![Hiker at Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve in Woodside]()
Edgewood Sparklers
Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve in Woodside sparkles with wildflowers, and you can see them on this 4.2-mile loop with vistas of Mount Diablo and the San Francisco Bay.
View![Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge]()
Headlands Over Heels
People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.
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Briones Bountiful!
With over 6,000 acres teeming with trails, Briones Regional Park has plenty of room, big views, and a classic 7-mile circuit passing the two highest points in the park, Mott’s Peak and Briones Peak.
ViewHeart of the Matter
With very few tourists in town, San Francisco’s Presidio gets to bask mostly in local love. Do the classic Heart of the Park hike, which includes the historic and poignant National Cemetery Overlook.
ViewThornewood In Your Pocket
Hints of wildflowers, a ravine of redwoods, and vistas over the San Francisco Bay and Diablo Range. Thornewood Preserve in Woodside packs a lot into its tiny space. An early morning start has perks.
ViewShort Hike, Sweet View!
Steady as you go ... all the way up to a sweeping Bay vista at Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve. This 208-acre haven has a 4.3-mile loop to one of the best views in the East Bay.
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Live the SLO Life
This year, live the SLO life. San Luis Obispo charms with its friendly vibe, Mediterranean climate, and fun adventures both in town and along the Central Coast.
Plan Your Trip to SLO
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