All in Northern CA

Just Dune It
With Dune 2 coming out in theaters, now is a good time to explore some surreal sandscapes. We’ve rounded up some national preserves, parks, and refuges—including the epic landscape that inspired the novel. Dune it right!
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Sunrise, Sunset, Starry Desert Hikes
March in Death Valley is (dare we say) full of life! There’s a dark sky festival to kick off the month, and the temporary Manly Lake at Badwater Basin—the lowest point in North America—is still going strong (for now). Here’s your guide to a sunrise, sunset, and starry night hiking trifecta for winter and early spring in Death Valley National Park.
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Big Greenery and Scenery
Some of the Bay Area's most impressive landscapes are bound to beam an iridescent green after giant rains (and a little patience waiting for the skies to clear). From brand-new trails to golden (er, green) oldies, here's where to see bright and beautiful scenery ... wait for it ... it's worth it!
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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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Tidepooling & Good Migrations
The stars of the sea and wetlands show up big during winter, just like the 49ers! From tidepooling and whale watching, to seeing birds of many feathers, these places from Santa Cruz to Marin are simply super. Go Niners!
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Where to Waterfall
Looking on the bright side, when water falls: waterfalls! It'll take some patience waiting for all the storms to pass, but when we hit a dry spell, here are three waterfalls that should be in gushingly good form.
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Down by the Shoreline
Some nature strolls shine a little brighter after rains. Whether it's from the sky being scrubbed for cleaner and greener scenery, the birds coming together to fluff their feathers, or the beams of sunlight patching through the clouds to add a touch of golden light, these three short and beautiful strolls are sublime and worthy of your time.
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Weather or Not
Rainy forecasts call for some options to keep outdoor excursions short but still sweet. Whether it's an easy waterfall hike, drive-in whale watching (with a hike option if the weather's good), or a multi-use path that's out-and-back with epic ocean views, here are some ideas for weathering the weather.
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Wildlife Among the Redwoods
The winter season brings forth some of nature's miraculous, beloved, and quirky attractions. These three Bay Area hikes bring more than redwood big tree bling: they've got the stars of the season, from coho salmon spawning to a bonanza of banana slugs. Mind your step!
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Bright on Time for 2024
Happy New Year! Start 2024 off in the right light, with these lighthouse hikes that include upcoming bonus tours and events like Moongazing. Plus, make it a hike a month with the help of POST's new 2024 hiking calendar.
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Top 10 Outdoor Adventures of 2023
Coastal cabins, unique beaches, beautiful views, classic California, and some points beyond: Here are the Top 10 adventures of the year. See you in 2024!...
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The Most Waterfall Time of the Year
If the weather outside has been frightful, it's waterfall hikes that can be delightful. Here are three to do when heavy rains subside. Happy holidays.
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Peaceful Hikes for the Holidays
Nature can be a perfect place for a little peace and quiet time. Here are three tranquil hikes to escape the hype of the holiday season and make everyone merry. Joy to the wilds.
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Wide Open for the Holidays
Getting some space this season is easy when you step outside into some of the Bay Area’s great wide open. Here are three grand ways to find room to roam and huge views for some holiday spirit.
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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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Cinematic Coast
Mendocino County has been the location for more than 50 movies, including classics like James Dean’s “East of Eden.” It’s not hard to see why, with its small-town charms, redwood forests, blue-green bays, rocky headlands, and sublime beaches (with hidden stairways!). Here are some easy ways to make Mendocino the backdrop of your next great escape.
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Happy Trailsgiving
Happy holidays! However you spend this time, the outdoors is always a good place to be. Here are some ideas on where to hike, bike, picnic, beach, beer (that's a verb), eat, and enjoy a delicious apple cinnamon donut!
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Happy Holiday Adventures
However you do your holidays, the outdoors is always in season. So whether you're seeking solo time, or time with that special someone, want to bring the dog, or plan to go full Griswold, here are five good options.
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Reopened and Ready
After Tropical Storm Hilary, some of our national parks in desert locations were closed due to intense damage. The good news is they've recently re-opened, and fall brings cooler temps. From less-known canyons to perfect peaks for sunset, here are three unique desert hiking experiences open to you! --
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Hikes for Autumn's Best Light
Fret not about shorter days ahead. Instead, see things in autumn’s new light, where landscapes are illuminated in the brilliance of fall colors and the low sitting sun. Here are three places that glow golden.
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Bootiful Fall Hikes
Get into the Halloween spirit ... make that spirits .... this weekend. These classic outdoor adventures are boo-tiful this time of year.
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Falling for Paso
Take a trip to real California this fall … the California you might not know but truly should! Paso Robles's wine country, beautiful backroads, and unfussy outdoors is an absolute revelation. Relish the bucolic landscapes, rolling vineyards, pristine lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, and spirited small town brimming with cuisine, art, and culture. Just a few hours from San Francisco or Los Angeles, here’s a road trip itinerary to see this hidden gem.
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