All in Northern CA

Fall for These Beaches
Summer may be over, but in California beach season never really ends, with plenty to enjoy year-round for walking, wildlife watching, and wowing sunsets.
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You're on a Boat!
Now is a nice time of year to get out on the lake, and these three oases let you rent a boat and paddle—or pedal—amid tranquil surroundings and the spontaneous delights of nature. Bonus: they all offer some nice on-shore adventures, too. Whatever floats your boat.
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Five Fabulous Adventures for Labor Day
As the long weekend arrives it’s a reminder that our summer Adventure Challenge is soon coming to a close: there’s just a few weeks left to submit your outdoor adventure pics to us in exchange for a custom WS t-shirt, a mountain accessory bag from Topo Designs, and a chance to win a trip for 2 to Reno Tahoe. Need some ideas for this weekend? Check out these five fabulous options.
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Sponsored
2025-09-17
Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe
The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.
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Best of Summer
It's hard to say goodbye...summer days may be coming to a close, but there's still time to get out on some of the season's most popular adventures in Weekend Sherpa. Here's a roundup of some of what you all liked best.
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Reno Tahoe Great Eight
We’re halfway through our 2025 Adventure Challenge, and if you haven’t done so yet, you can still get our custom t-shirt, a Topo Designs mountain accessory bag, and be entered to win a trip for 2 to beautiful Reno Tahoe! Speaking of Reno Tahoe—from peak hikes and waterfalls to bike rides by the lake and craft brew patio pit stops, here are 8 great ways to raise your getaway game.
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Lakeside Hike-ins and Campsites
Hiking, lakeside lounging, starry night campsites: that’s some California dreamy. From hike-ins to lakes in El Dorado National Forest and Tahoe, to a first-come, first-served campground in the Sierra Nevada's Lakes Basin, here are three ways to enjoy overnight oasis escapes.
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Newly Opened at CA National Parks
What’s new at CA national parks? How about Sequoia’s newly re-opened cave tours; a sulfur spectacle that just opened for the season (and rivals Yellowstone); an overnight escape to “reset” in Joshua Tree; and a new San Francisco picnic space in the Presidio. That’s some good new!
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Less-Traveled National Park Peak Hikes
During the peak of summer, tackle some national park peaks that are less-traveled and utterly spectacular. From the largest dome volcano in the world (right here in California!) to the only national park peak in Nevada, plus a Yosemite gem that’s marvelous near sunset, here are three summits to sum up the height of summer.
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How Do You Lake It?
Reservoirs and lakes feel like the very definition of summer. Whether you're hiking, biking, camping or finding a perfect place for a picnic, here are three great places for a fantastic lake escape.
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Throwing Shade
When summer heats hits, these hikes and bike rides throw some shade (the cool kind) thanks to sections of trail with towering firs, redwoods, and eucalyptus trees.
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Go Outside and Get This Custom T-shirt
Do our 2025 Adventure Challenge! This summer, do ANY 3 activities you find on our website and get our custom t-shirt, a Topo Designs Mountain Accessory Bag and more, as your reward! Want a few quick ideas to get you going? We've got you covered.
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Summer Summits
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to reach a summit, any summit; but these three are really great ones (some easy, some more challenging, all banner beautiful). Have a pinnacle summer experience!
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The Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge Is On!
It's back! The 2025 Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge is on. Get outside and get a complimentary Adventure Challenge t-shirt and Topo Designs mountain accessory bag.
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Sponsored
2025-09-17
Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe
The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.
View
Bay-Yeah!
At 400 miles long (and growing!) the Bay Area Ridge Trail will ultimately connect all 9 counties on one continuous trail. Here are three ways to hike sections of this expansive gem, from a new segment, to an urban classic, and a Peninsula refresher.. Bay-yeah!
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Road Trip Ready
Now is a good time to start planning a road trip with cabin or camping treasures and a variety of outdoor experiences in California and the West. Here are six ideas to get you inspired and planning.
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Hiking, Camping, and a Redwoods Train Ride
Time for some field trip fun for everyone. We’ve got three adventures from redwood hikes and train rides to cool state park connections (with a camping bonus), plus one national urban treasure that gets to the heart of nature.
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Long Weekend Adventures and Relaxation
As the unofficial start of summer approaches, here's a round-up of some of your favorite stories over the past weeks, reminders of where to go to spend time outside, get fresh perspectives, and combine adventure and relaxation.
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The Greatest Outdoors of Reno Tahoe
It's the Reno Tahoe you might not know: fly fishing adventures and nature walks along the Truckee River, mountain biking in a hidden gem canyon, a sunset hike to a sprawling vista, and a sacred and serene lake with hidden beaches. Add in a fun and creative art and cuisine scene, and, well, it's time to rise and Reno Tahoe!
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Water-ful Hikes and Picnics
Water we talking about this week? How about some great East Bay hikes featuring plentiful picnic spots, beautiful oases, and big views. From a swimmable lagoon beach, to a bird’s–eye vantage of a big reservoir, and a spring gem with a lovely pond, here are three great ways to spend a day hiking, picnicking, and enjoying some H2-ohhhs.
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Road Trip to Real California
Smack between San Francisco and Los Angeles is a part of California that flies a bit under the radar—for now. It’s where an immersive and magical light show comes to life when the sun sets over the rolling hills. It's where a guided horseback ride through wildflowers meets unpretentious wine tasting. It's where after an afternoon e-biking adventure you can kick back in a walkable downtown that's a true foodie haven. It’s authentically California. It’s Paso Robles.
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