Waterfall Rager!

The more it rained, the harder they fell … and they're still falling … waterfalling. Hit the trails this spring on any of these Bay Area flows that are all the rage right now!

Week: 04.13.2017
Regions: Northern CA

The Carson Show

Hiking to Carson Falls on Mount Tam

Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.
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Four-Legged Falls

Waterfall Hike in Novatos Indian Valley Open Space

waterfall at Indian Valley Open Space in Marin
Love your dog? Love waterfalls? Get the best of both on this easygoing hike hidden in Novato. Indian Valley Open Space Preserve is tucked behind the College of Marin campus, and those who discover it are in for a treat.
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Wicked Waterworks

Mount Diablo Winter Waterfall

Despite its devilish hot name, Mount Diablo has a cooler, splashier side. Heavy winter rains create a collection of six scenic waterfalls encircling the mountain's rugged northern canyons. Take the grand tour on this 5-mile loop with a gentle climb up Donner Canyon Road to the ju
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Get Lost Among Giants

See the Tallest Redwoods in the World in Humboldt

Humboldt County defies hyperbole. Here, you’ll encounter the tallest living trees, the biggest ferns, and stretches of the most dramatic coastline on earth. Venture to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, a sanctuary of old-growth redwoods, golden beaches, and vibrant green canyons
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Maple in the Redwoods

Hike to Maple Falls in Nisene State Park in Santa Cruz Mountains

Over the creek and through the redwoods you’ll go, on this 9-mile (round-trip) partial loop hike in the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. This hike is loaded with charms, but the big riches come from viewing Maple Falls, a 30-foot stunner framed by, well, maple trees! Start at G
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What a Rush!

Hiking to Cataract Falls on Mount Tam

Mount Tam’s Cataract Falls is the bobsled course of waterfalls: over a mile of twisting, turning, tumbling water—gushing, rushing, and making a splash! The real joy is hiking right beside Cataract Creek as it’s chugging on all cylinders, where the exclamations are 20- and 30-foot
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From Town to Falls

Hiking to Cascade Falls in Mill Valley

Mount Tam’s Cascade Falls is a bit under the radar, tucked back off a residential area in Mill Valley. Some people drive up to the tiny parking lot nearest to the falls. Do an easy 3-mile (round-trip) hike right from downtown Mill Valley, weaving through quiet streets and secret trails.
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Castle of Wonders

Hiking at Castle Rock State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains

A demure waterfall best after fresh rains, sandstone formations pockmarked by time, epic ridge vistas, and currently flowing seasonal streams … it all comes together at Castle Rock State Park on a rugged 5-mile loop hike. Get an early start on Saratoga Gap and Ridge Trails loop.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. 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.

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  2. 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.

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  3. 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."

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  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.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields. DECEMBER BONUS: Enjoy a holiday market, see The Nutcracker, and visit Santa at Sensorio.

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  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!

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  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

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  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.

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