All Stories from Northern CA

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  Cull Canyon Cooldown

  Home to shaded trails, shallow creek crossings, ridge-top breezes, and a 1.5-acre white sand swimming lagoon, Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a local’s summer playground. T

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  Lighthouse at the end of the Tunnel

  Round up the best of the Marin Headlands on this 8-mile loop alongside dramatic coastline, jutting cliffs, and iconic Golden Gate vistas to 160-year-old Point Bonita Lighthouse. Be

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  Summer Lakes

  If you haven’t hit the lake yet this summer then you might be experiencing WWS (water-withdrawal syndrome). Symptoms include crankiness and complaints about hot weather. Luckily th

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  Best Time to Visit New Zealand

  Your vacation time is valuable. So don’t waste it! New Zealand is a glorious vacation destination, and the award-winning local guides at Active Adventures will make sure you see th

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  Gaviota Wind Caves

  Gaviota State Park is home to the 3-mile out-and-back Gaviota Wind Caves Trail, with over 600 feet in elevation gain, unique topography, seasonal wildflowers, and incredible ocean views.

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  Sea Life

  Hundreds of dolphins and whales have been sighted in Monterey Bay since mid-June, and with huge populations of California sea lions, southern sea otters, and harbor seals frequenti

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  Gaviota Hidden Hot Springs

  Whether you need to relax after summiting Gaviota Peak in Gaviota State Park, or just prefer a quick, scenic destination hike, Gaviota Hot Springs is well worth the $2 parking fee.

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  Gaviota Peak

  Some of the best coastal views in the Golden State don’t come easy, but the payoff makes up for the challenge! Head for Gaviota State Park’s headlining hike, Gaviota Peak. It’s a 6

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  Take a Ride on the Wilder Side

  For those who demand diverse scenery on their mountain bike ride—old-growth redwood groves, coast-side cliffs and sandy coves, rolling and terraced cliffs—one park has it all! Wild

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  Beerland

  Looking for true hoppiness? The Santa Cruz Beer Trail has microbrews popping up all over town, and makes a great thirst-quencher post outdoor adventure. (For the best savings and d

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  The Original Mountain Town

  Thinking of trying something new for a summer vacation? Ever been to Sun Valley? It’s the Original Mountain Town! Yeah, it’s pretty much got everything for the perfect summer vacat

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  On Cloud 9

  With a name like Clouds Rest you expect this hike to rise pretty darn high. And boy does it deliver! Yosemite's Clouds Rest sits at 9,926 feet, 1,000 feet higher than Half Dome’s t

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  Taftastic Perspective

  Not many hikes offer mile-high views in just a mile of hiking. But point your boots towards Yosemite's Taft Point: While the 1.1-mile hike from the trailhead is moderate, the views

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  Welcome to the Master Dome

  Those with a fear of heights need not apply for one of the coveted permits to summit Yosemite's iconic Half Dome, topping out at 8,836 feet with grand and uninhibited views across

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  Water You Up to this Summer?

  Ready to give summer a big, wet kiss? Pucker up! Redding is your summer sweetheart! It’s not just about going to the lake here: It’s about multiple lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, a

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  Easy Rolling on Angel Island

  Admit it, you’ve always wanted to try a Segway. And one of the most beautiful places to take a spin? Angel Island State Park! Smack in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Angel Island

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  A Taste of Hennessey

  Napa’s liquid refreshment comes in more ways than wine, thanks to the Napa County Regional Park & Open Space District. Moore Creek Park is located just 30 minutes east of Napa’s gr

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  Anza Bonanza

  A hike that begins and ends at one of the most swimmable lakes in the East Bay? Now that’s the way to hit “Refresh”! Tilden Regional Park is the crown jewel of the East Bay Regiona

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  Yosemite Calling

  It’s a big deal: 2016 marks the National Park Centennial. So before you head outdoors this summer, get geared up and looking good with limited-edition apparel and gift items commem

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  Surfwood's Up!

  MacKerricher State Park in Mendocino County delivers nine miles of diverse coastline and a seaside gem for spending the night: Surfwood Campground is a laid-back oasis with 45 lush coastal campsites—including 10 secluded walk-ins.

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