All in Northern CA

Washington State of Mind
It’s one of the West's most nature-nurtured getaways. Washington State shines in spring, and this easy, short-distances road trip explores the region's majestic Kitsap Peninsula and Tacoma. Experience electric green forests, gorgeous gardens, sublime waterfront harbors, iconic mountains, “Little Norway,” and one of the most outstanding urban parks in America.
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Spring Hikes and Bike Rides
While spring’s in session, be sure to see the goods it brings from the East Bay to the North Bay, even to the farther reaches of Northern California. On these bike rides, hikes, or walks, relish poppies and other florals bursting, birds and other wildlife, and a dazzling riverside route to a famous dam.
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Five Natural Bridges to See this Spring
Natural bridges are wondrous on their own, but when the coast is clear and the supporting scenery includes things such as sea stars, wildflowers, and dramatic nearby formations, well, spring it on! From Mendocino and the Sonoma Coast, to Santa Cruz, the desert, and a stellar point beyond, here are five of nature's best bridge and rock formations.
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Sponsored
2026-02-02
Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe
2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G
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Rock These Spring Hikes
There spring hikes simply rock! There’s a surprising rock garden on the sea, a hike to a rock perfect for spilling the tea, and a pinnacle adventure for seeing rock spires amid seasonal blossoms.
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Spring Refresh
On the bright side of lingering rains, spring colors should be more vibrant than an Easter basket when the skies clear. Here are a few ideas worth hopping to when things spring up!
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Spring for These Summits!
It's officially spring! When clearer skies set in (ahem), step up to the season with these outstanding summit hikes for fresh perspectives.
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Swing Into These Spring Hikes
Spring, is that you? We’ll take whatever we can get right now, and post-rain these amazing Bay Area ridge hikes are prime with fresh views, early blooms, and a hidden swing in Half Moon Bay…
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Hit the Refresh Outdoors
It's been a wet and wild few months, but don't let that dampen your outdoors spirit. Here's a refresh of outdoor fun for post-rain greenery, scenery, starry skies, waterfalls, and wondrous wanders in the Bay Area.
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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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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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Sponsored
2026-02-02
Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe
2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G
View
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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