All Stories from Northern CA

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  Big Sky, Lodi

  In winter millions of birds in winter travel the Pacific Flyway, a major north-south migration route that includes a stop at the Cosumnes River Preserve just north of Lodi.

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  Big Love!

  Every year in winter elephant seals converge on one of their favorite breeding grounds, 13 miles south of Pescadero on the San Mateo coast: Año Nuevo State Park.

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  Trio of Trails

  Get into Joshua Tree National Park Park early and hit the classic circuit of short trails before the crowds arrive. We also have some food and overnight recos.

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  The Ryan King

  At 5,456 feet, the summit of Ryan Mountain has the best view in the park. Its brilliant panoramic expanse, spanning desert to mountains, and—bonus—late afternoons can feature a sky tinged with lavender thanks to the low-sitting sun.

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  Split Decision

  Joshua Tree is famous for its namesake trees but it's also got some big-ass boulders! We're talking size-of-a-building boulders. See them on an off-the-beaten-path hike along the Split Rock Trail.

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  Drive-In Whale Watching

  Just north of Point Reyes, Bodega Head sits high on the tip of a curving, thumb-like peninsula and offers excellent whale watching in winter.

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  That's the Point!

  Mori Point, an exposed promontory in Pacifica with stunning ocean views, is fantastic for winter whale watching.

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  Star This!

  Twelve miles north of Fort Bragg on the Mendocino Coast, Pacific Star Winery has interesting wines and a picnic area ideal for whale watching.

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  North Lake Tahoe's 18 Winter Wows

  See North Lake Tahoe's 18 Winter Wows

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  Welcome Back Bartholomew

  A few miles east of Sonoma’s historic plaza, Bartholomew Park has a winery and hiking trails with fabulous views.

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  Opt for Oljon

  There's a new hiking trail among the redwoods at El Corte Madera Creek Preserve in the South Bay.

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  Follow @WeekendSherpa

  Follow @weekendsherpa

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  Sunsational Mount Tam

  The East Peak of Mount Tam is easily reached via a short hike, and gives visitors one of the best views in the Bay Area, and sensational sunsets.

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  Go North!

  Mount Diablo's little-visited North Peak is the real summit to scale. Unlike the main mount, which you can get to by car (or bike), the North Peak can only be reached via a 1.8-mile (one-way) moderate hike.

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  Sponsored

  2020 Hiking Calendar

  New Year’s Resolution: More hikes on the calendar! And just in time for the New Year, Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) has their 2020 hiking calendar ready for download (no cost).

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  Sponsored

  2020 Hiking Calendar

  Just in time for the New Year, Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) has their 2020 hiking calendar ready for download (no cost). The brand-new calendar gives you the top hikes to do each month in the Peninsula and South Bay.

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  Bright Point of View

  Head to Point Reyes’s historic lighthouse. Originally constructed in 1870 to help warn mariners of the navigational hazard that we now call Point Reyes, the lighthouse was handed over to the National Park Service.

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  Cave Culture

  Cave Landing, a craggy headland between Avila Beach and Pismo Beach, is a storied stretch of the Central Coast that stirs potent reveries in the beholder.

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  Small Craft Morning

  San Luis Obispo Bay is a lovely place to kayak. The highlands backing the bay and a jetty at its western end protect the harbor from tough paddling.

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  Old SLO Hills

  Hike Johnson Ranch, a sprawling 242-acre open space south of San Luis Obispo and north of Avila Beach where vistas seem to ever unfold in new directions. 

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