Wild Weather Adventures

In winter, Mount Tam’s Cataract Falls transforms into a fast-charging flow, churning and tumbling with such spectacular force. The roar of the falls fills Cataract Canyon, an ideal place to hike, especially when it’s raining.

Get an amazing view of Lake Tahoe’s big blue beauty on a 3.6-mile (round-trip) snow-shoe adventure offering 360-degree views.

The multi-use Devil’s Slide section of the California Coastal Trail just south of Pacifica is usually much less crowded when gray skies and rain are around, and it’s a prime spot for viewing all that’s wild about the weather and the sea.

Heat things up at Sierra Hot Springs in Sierraville. Open 24 hours, the property sits on the edge of a golden meadow and 700 acres of National Forest land.

The 115-foot Lighthouse Tower at Point Arena Light Station in Mendocino County is one of the few lighthouses you can climb to the top of for a brilliant balcony panorama of the Pacific Coast (and possible gray whale sightings)!

When all else fails, wine-taste in a pretty place! Amador County’s Shenandoah Valley is fast becoming the go-to region, with a down-to-earth vibe and inexpensive tasting fees, even as the awards keep rolling in. The loping sun-drenched vineyards are absolutely stunning (and less crowded!) in winter.

Week: 03.10.2016
Regions: Northern CA

1) Go With the Flow

In winter, Mount Tam’s Cataract Falls transforms into a fast-charging flow, churning and tumbling with such spectacular force. The roar of the falls fills Cataract Canyon, an ideal place to hike, especially when it’s raining.

img_0049-image-jpeg

Make Tracks in Tahoe

Get an amazing view of Lake Tahoe’s big blue beauty on a 3.6-mile (round-trip) snow-shoe adventure offering 360-degree views.

Snowshoe Tahoe

Walk with the Devil

The multi-use Devil’s Slide section of the California Coastal Trail just south of Pacifica is usually much less crowded when gray skies and rain are around, and it’s a prime spot for viewing all that’s wild about the weather and the sea.

Devils Slide Trail

Sink Right In

Heat things up at Sierra Hot Springs in Sierraville. Open 24 hours, the property sits on the edge of a golden meadow and 700 acres of National Forest land.

sierra-hot-springs-winter2_54_990x660_201406010218-image-jpeg

Light Up Your Life

The 115-foot Lighthouse Tower at Point Arena Light Station in Mendocino County is one of the few lighthouses you can climb to the top of for a brilliant balcony panorama of the Pacific Coast (and possible gray whale sightings)!

pointarenalighthouse-image-jpeg

Wine About It

When all else fails, wine-taste in a pretty place! Amador County’s Shenandoah Valley is fast becoming the go-to region, with a down-to-earth vibe and inexpensive tasting fees, even as the awards keep rolling in. The loping sun-drenched vineyards are absolutely stunning (and less crowded!) in winter.

Story Winery

A Hiker looking over a mountain range

Your Inbox to the Outdoors

Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Hike Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve Mystery Walls

    Mystery Walls

    Crop circles, Stonehenge, California’s Mystery Walls … You don’t have to travel the world to see enigmas, including these stone walls within the South Bay's Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve.

    View
  2. Woman walking down the stairs overlooking the ocean on the Coastal Trail in San Francisco

    America's Best Urban Hike

    Long ago we dubbed it the “Grand Walk” and said it was one of the most scenic and stunning trails in the West. We were wrong. This is the most scenic urban hike in America!

    View
  3. Hike or Bike the Skyline

    A new section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail is open for biking, hiking, or horseback riding along the 12-mile (out-and-back) Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    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.

    View
  2. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View
  3. Tahoe's Trio of Lake Vistas

    They say good things come in threes, and it’s true when you embark on this 8-mile (round-trip) hike in Tahoe’s Desolation Wilderness. It gives you three excellent lake vistas: Eagl

    View