All in Northern CA

  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. Sponsored
    2026-09-02

    Reno Mountain High

    Take your vacation to new heights with some of the season’s most original events, and plenty of outdoors to explore. Fall for it all in Reno Tahoe.

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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. Woman biking on the El Dorado Trail in Placerville

    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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  11. 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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  12. Woman hiking in California desert

    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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  13. 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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  14. Hike Joaquin Miller Park in Oakland

    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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  15. Sponsored
    2026-09-02

    Reno Mountain High

    Take your vacation to new heights with some of the season’s most original events, and plenty of outdoors to explore. Fall for it all in Reno Tahoe.

    View
  16. 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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  17. Monterey's Many Hidden Gems

    Monterey is not only stunningly beautiful by nature, it's an historical and ecological cornerstone of California. Experience its less-known state parks, hidden gem hikes, a coastal trail to a lighthouse, marvelous food and culture, and the brilliance of Monterey Bay Aquarium's newest exhibit and special guided tours.

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  18. Go Small For Fall Fun

    It's the little things in life sometimes, even in the great big outdoors. These three parks in the Bay Area have everythign from short and scenic hiking trails to labyrinths, mini-golf fun, and BBQ delights. So go small for big fun.

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  19. Bike Rides to Fall Bounties

    Seasonal farmstands and wineries in the prime of harvest, beautiful fall colors along idyllic paths, park stops and a new brewpub ... get rolling (or strolling) on any of these three Bay Area bike trails leading to a bounty of scenery, seasonal delights, and stops for food and drinks.

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  20. Harvest Moon Hikes

    The full moon is this weekend. Here are some prime adventures to watch the sun set and the Harvest moon rise, even sticking around to sip wine and see the stars. Bring a headlamp for good measure and get glowing.

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  21. Woman hiking Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands at Sunset

    As the Sun Sets on Summer

    As the sun sets on summer, here are some sunset spots (and sails!) to savor before we leap into outdoor adventures worth falling for.

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  22. Let There Be Light(houses)

    As summer simmers down and days darken faster, we’ve got a few ways to keep the light going. Just add lighthouses! From overnight stays, to guided tours, here are three unique lighthouse adventures.

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Sponsored

    Reno Mountain High

    Take your vacation to new heights with some of the season’s most original events, and plenty of outdoors to explore. Fall for it all in Reno Tahoe.

    View
  2. Roaring Redwoods

    Tucked next to brilliant Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz, the folks at Roaring Camp Railroads had a bright idea: When the sun goes down, the rainbow lights come up. Sequoias at Night brings big magic to some of the tallest trees in the world.

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  3. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

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  4. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. The Big Chill

    In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.

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  2. Pretty View Campground

    Situated at 8,300 feet near the summit of Mount Pinos, Chula Vista is the best stargazing spot within two hours of the bright Los Angeles lights.

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  3. Shimmering Paddle

    Uniquely situated where the Russian River meets the rugged Pacific coast, Jenner is a shining star of kayaking destinations. It’s even better on a guided paddle at sunset, under a full moon, or during peak bioluminescent season.

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  4. Holcomb We Haven't Camped Here?

    Holcomb Valley Campground in the San Bernardino National Forest has 19 pine-shaded sites, all of them first-come, first-served.

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