All Stories from Northern CA

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  Pines and Panoramas

  Ponderosa pines sighing with mountain breezes set the stage for this 3-mile out-and-back hike that serves up outstanding views of the Santa Ana River Valley. Start at Barton Flats

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  High Low There!

  A happy hiker's checklist for a good fall hike: crisp fresh air, a forest mix of hardwood and fragrant conifer, flowing trail with scattered boulders, ridgelines, mountain views, a

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  Bohemian Laguna

  The cheeky logo for Bohemian Creamery kinda says it all: goats driving an old VW Beetle, with a surfboard in the back. Don't you want to try that cheese! Bohemian Creamery is as li

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  Joie de Vella

  We've got you covered on three of wine country's most important ingredients for an amazing day: wine, cheese, and a hike. Not in that order though. Start with the cheese. Sonoma's 

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  Naturally Nicasio

  Driving through rural West Marin County is one thing. But cycling it ... well, that's where you get that "isn’t it great to live in the Bay Area" feeling. This 40-mile road ride ta

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  Coastal Walks of Monterey

  Taking a walk has proven health benefits. And taking a walk along the coast of Monterey County—well, that will add years to your life … and life to your years! Here are a few to ke

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  Dunes of Death Valley

  You won't find a body of water here, but you will find big waves … of sand! Bring snacks and a beverage to enjoy at one of the world's premier picnic spots—the Mesquite Flat Sand D

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  Yosemite Sands

  Dip your toes in the refreshing waters of the Merced River at one of the best picnic spots in Yosemite Valley, Cathedral Beach. This day-use area on the western end of the valley d

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  Channel Island Smuggler

  One of the best hikes in Channel Islands National Park traverses Santa Cruz Island, offering panoramic vistas and leading to a secluded cove. The 7.5-mile (round-trip) hike to Smug

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  Your Guide to New Zealand

  Okay, let's cut to the chase: New Zealand has been at the top of your travel list, and you've just been waiting for the right opportunity to make it happen. Well, here's your oppor

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  Strolling Stornetta

  Big Sur has some competition. Located along the rugged Mendocino County coastline, the 1,665-acre Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands is a spectacular place to meander for miles along bluffs overlooking small coves, sea caves, dunes, and clusters of offshore islands.

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  Sundowner Plan

  Getting a little coastal R&R means several good things when you stay at Mendocino's Brewery Gulch Inn. Reclaimed redwoods, for starters. That's the material that was used to constr

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  Sponsored

  Fall Up to Mendocino

  We're lucky to call California home—it's one of the most geographically diverse states in the country. And one of its most diverse counties? Mendocino! Just a few hours from San Fr

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  June in September

  Fall may be June's best season. At least, when it comes to lakeside lounging. Set beneath the spiky mountain backdrop of the Ansel Adams Wilderness and looming Carson Mountain, Jun

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  Drama-ramic Hike

  It's not just the granite peaks—including famous Mount Morrison—encircling Convict Lake that make it such a dramatic place. Carved by glaciers from the Ice Age, this giant canyon f

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  Mammothly Epic Hike

  You're going to need your hiking game-face for this adventure. Trekking in the Sierra high country at any time of year requires common sense and a check of the weather; doing it du

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  Waterfall Way to Spend the Day

  Three waterfalls, two swimming holes, and a beautiful hike to boot: That's some H2-Oh! And September's a good time to visit McCloud River falls for a 3.8-mile (round-trip) hike. Lo

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  Ferry Trail Bike Ride

  You don't need a car for this three-part Tiburon adventure to a hidden beach. But you will need a boat, a bike, and picnic provisions! Starting from San Francisco's Pier 41, hop ab

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  Beach Access Sorta Granted

  There's a secluded and scenic beach on the San Mateo Coast that's been kept under wraps for years. The reason? A homeowner has kept this beach to himself, and the Surfrider Foundat

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  Your Guide to Islands of Adventure

  Okay, let's cut to the chase: New Zealand has been at the top of your travel list, and you've just been waiting for the right opportunity to make it happen. Well, here's your oppor

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