Waterfalls Now!

When it rains, it waterfalls! Here are three short hikes to tucked away oases that are absolute power-falls after recent rains. Flow for it!    

Week: 01.07.2026
Regions: Northern CA

Buck Wild!

Hike to Buck Gulch Falls in Novato

woman hiking Buck Gulch Falls Novato
Tucked back beyond the residential ranch-style homes and golf courses of Novato in the North Bay is a wild and wondrous 30-foot waterfall that springs to life in the rainy season. Buck Gulch Falls in Novato’s Ignacio Valley Preserve is in peak flow right now, and it’s a short and Middle-earthy hike to reach it.
Read the full story

New Year, New Goal: IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California

IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding

Redding Ironman Whiskeytown lake
redding ironman whiskeytown lake
redding ironman whiskeytown lake
redding ironman swimmers
2026 is off and running! And swimming. And biking. Don't get left behind! Commit to one of the upcoming year’s most exciting endurance events—IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding.
Register Now for IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California

Sweet as Sugarloaf

Hike to a Waterfall in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Sonoma Valley

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park waterfall hike in Sonoma Valley
waterfall hike in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Waterfall hike in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Waterfall Hike in Sonoma Valley
Right in the heart of wine country there’s plenty more than wine flowing right now, with an oft unheralded waterfall that surges to an exuberant spectacle from all the recent rain.
Read the full story

Dewy at Dawn

Hike to Dawn Falls in Marin County

Dawn Falls in Baltimore Canyon
Redwoods, wooden bridges, a trailside stream, and lush greenery galore … Marin County’s Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve has lots of bragging rights, including a terrific 2.4-mile (round-trip) hike to a marquee grotto, Dawn Falls.
Read the full story

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Keough's Hot Springs

    Soaking Up History

    When you slide into the soothing water of Keough’s Hot Springs, you’re bathing in a piece of Owens Valley history.

    View

  2. Hike to New Lights

    For an enlightening late-day hike, catch the San Francisco skyline at sunset from high atop Ring Mountain in Tiburon. This 2-mile (round-trip) hike to Turtle Rock is a perfect late afternoon wander.

    View
  3. A woman looks out to the scenery while standing next to a bench on a high point on a hike in Orinda Oaks Park in the East Bay

    Orinda Original

    This 3.5-mile out-and-back through Orinda Oaks Park and Moraga offers scenic vistas right inside the city.

    View
  4. 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

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Redding Ironman Whiskeytown lake
    Sponsored

    New Year, New Goal: IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California

    2026 is off and running! And swimming. And biking. Don't get left behind! Commit to one of the upcoming year’s most exciting endurance events—IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding.

    View
  2. Hikers stand atop Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View

  3. O Enchanted Night!

    Prepare to be mesmerized! Holiday-season nights in Descanso Gardens are a magical interplay of lights and natural beauty that dazzle as you stroll through the Enchanted Forest of L

    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