Wetland and Wild

Hard work and commitment pays off when it comes to local initiatives to rehabilitate nature, including wetland envrionments once neglected. Celebrate restoration initiatives on these three hike, bike, and paddle adventures, among rejuvinated wetlands in the Bay Area.

Week: 10.19.2022
Regions: Northern CA

Wetland Reawakening

Bike or hike the Hamilton Wetlands in Novato

Woman riding her bike at Hamilton Wetlands in Novato
Walkers on the wide open dirt trail at Hamilton Wetlands in Novato North Bay
Woman stopped on her bike looking at information signs and the San Pablo Bay at Hamilton Wetlands in Novato
Once an army airfield and now a thriving wetland, Novato’s Hamilton Wetlands is a glimpse into both the past and the future. Take a mellow bike ride or walk on the flat Bay Trail to take in the sights.
Read the full story

Unexpected Hiking Vacation

Discover Beautiful Hikes in San Ramon

Discover San Ramon
San Ramon hills
San Ramon creek
San Ramon green hills and trees
Ready for a local hiking vacation—one that’s unexpected, hassle-free, and comes with bonuses like spas and delicious nearby dining?
Discover San Ramon

Feather Fanfare

Birdwatch at Ravenswood Preserve in the South Bay

Man standing at boardwalk overlooking the wetland at Ravenswood Preserve
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.
Read the full story

Napa's Wild Side

Explore the gentle Napa River with Napa Valley Paddle

Napa Valley Paddle kayaker and paddle boarder on the Napa Valley river
Kayaker paddling the Napa River with Napa Valley Paddle
Kayaker paddling under a bridge on the Napa Valley River with Napa Valley Paddle
Paddler on the Napa River passing by downtown Napa and Stone Brewing
It’s wine country’s Amazon. The gentle Napa River is an ecological—and recreational—delight. And Napa Valley Paddle sets you up for maximum enjoyment of this experience, including an optional mobile podcast tour for your do-it-yourself adventure.
Read the full story

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

    View

  2. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

    View

  3. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

    {NOTE: Due to atmospheric rivers that can come this time of year, always be sure to check ahead for trail closures and hazards. And of course, wait for better weather and drier con

    View

  4. 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.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

    View

  2. Dune It Right

    Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Monterey's Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. And it often glows golden toward sunset.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View