All Stories from Northern CA

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  Serene Las Gallinas

  A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

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  Paint Brushy

  This time of year you’ll have good reason to head for the hills—the electric-green rolling hills of Brushy Peak Regional Preserve in Livermore. This 4.5-mile loop hike is like stepping into a plein air painting.

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  Weekend in Reno Tahoe

  Weekend plans? Reno Tahoe! Just a few hours by car or a short flight away, Reno Tahoe springs to the moment with great ways to combine adventure and relaxation in its beautiful mountains-meets-desert setting.

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  2025 POST Wildflower Walks

  Get flower empowered! POST’s complimentary 2025 Wildflower Walks guide blooms with the best places to see a variety of florals across the Peninsula and South Bay this spring.

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  Hidden Gems of Reno Tahoe

  Step into a land where adventure meets relaxation. Reno Tahoe is where the spirit of the great outdoors and the energy of vibrant city life inspire you to live with no limits.

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  All right, Almaden!

  Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

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  Savor Spring in Paso Robles

  Take a classic California road trip this spring and find all the treasures of the season in Paso Robles. Located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, this laid-back slice of California country combines with the Central Coast for an absolutely spring-loaded getaway.

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  Sonoma for Film, Food, Wine, and Fun

  Food, wine, film, fun: Spring into Sonoma March 19 - 23 for the fabulous Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF). See everything from travel documentaries to feature films with stars like Lily Gladstone, Bowen Yang, and Gabriel Garcia Bernal. Journey with Meg Ray, founder of the Bay Area’s famed patisserie, Miette, to Sweden’s remote and magical island of Rödlöga, where you'll be immersed in a 'Sweet Störy' about love, letting go, and sourdough!

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  Up and Umunhum

  Early risers can experience one of the Bay Area’s best morning glory hikes on this 7.4-mile out-and-back up beautiful Mount Umunhum. In early spring if you arrive at the parking area right before sunrise, you’ll get a beautiful eastern view of the sun coming up between Bald Mountain and the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains. On days when fog settles into the valley, the colorful view is nothing short of magical.

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  From Alpine Wildflowers to Turquoise Coves

  North Lake Tahoe is where nature, culture, and authentic experiences let you connect to something deeper. Spring is an ode to the region’s harmonious dual nature, where you can mix

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  Locals' Feature: Jesse James Ziegler, Reno's Poet Laureate

  Meet Jesse James Ziegler, Reno's Poet Laureate. Jesse is also the Creative Director of Reno’s Monday Night Poetry (at Shim's Tavern) and True Colors Poetry.

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  This Coyote

  Combine a workout with rewarding vistas by hiking or biking Coyote Peak in San Jose’s Santa Teresa County Park. The 4.1-mile loop up Coyote Peak is spring green with rewarding vistas of both the Diablo Range and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

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  Mini Guide to Reno Tahoe’s Lodging and Dining

  So, you’re going to Reno Tahoe for some time in nature, and some time in nurture? Excellent choice. The fun and wonder of Reno Tahoe is the easy part.

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  Mile-Long Cataract Club

  In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

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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.

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  Majestic Paso Robles

  Midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles lies a lush landscape of emerald hills, fruitful vineyards, quiet country roads, and plenty of trails for hiking and biking.

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  Golden Mile

  Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax.

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  Napa's Art of the Matter

  Downtown Napa uncorks more than just excellent wine. Art has firmly established itself along the walkways and parkways in the area, punctuated by an annual ArtWalk (year-round) and a temporary Lighted Art Festival.

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  Golden Oldie Has New News

  If at any point in 2025 you find yourself wanting to head for the hills, make a break for Tiburon’s Old St. Hilary’s Open Space Preserve. Recently expanded with the newly announced protection of Tiburon Ridge, the trails here gift great views to re-inspire you!

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  Tamtastic Sunset

  Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

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