State of Play

How many state parks does California have? 279! How many have you explored? Start counting! To celebrate California State Park Foundation’s upcoming Park Advocacy Day, we selected three State Historic Parks well worth a visit.

Week: 04.28.2015
Regions: Northern CA

Best Ghost Town in the West

Bodie State Historic Park Ghost Town

Located in the high desert of the Eastern Sierra, Bodie State Historic Park looks like a Hollywood set for a Western movie. But this isn't Hollywood magic—it's a gold-mining ghost town that's as pure Wild West as it gets! Named after William Bodey, who discovered gold in the hill
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Water You Waiting For?

OARS Whitewater Adventures on the American

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There are only a few rivers in California that will be whitewater ready throughout the summer. Rafting season is a go on the American River, and O.A.R.S. is the leader when it comes to fun, professionalism, and affordability—not to mention being #1 rated on TripAdvisor. Choose be
Visit our sponsor O.A.R.S.

Still Milling After All These Years

Bale Grist Mill and Bothe Napa State Park for History and Camping in the Redwoods

Combine two state parks in Napa to discover a time before grapes, and to enjoy campsites, yurts, and hiking trails where big and bold reds come in the form of the easternmost coastal redwoods in the state.
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To the Fort!

Fort Ross State Historic Park

It's found along one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world and surrounded by some of California's most iconic beauty—panoramic coves, redwoods, beach after glorious beach. Fort Ross State Historic Park, just north of Jenner, couldn't be in a better location—and that's li
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

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  2. Hiker in the forest at Mount Sutro in San Francisco

    San Francisco's Middle Earth

    No need to travel to New Zealand to visit Middle Earth. San Francisco’s Mount Sutro Open Space is practically Hobbiton—a hidden “shire” in the middle of the city. Okay, maybe not quite as magical, but still an incredible place to take a hike in city limits.

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  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

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  4. Hike top Angel Island Mount Livermore San Francisco Bay

    Good Heavens

    The 4-mile hike to the top of Angel Island offers Bay-mazing scenery. Some people claim you get a five-bridge view: Richmond-San Rafael, Bay, Golden Gate, San Mateo-Hayward, and Dumbarton bridges.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

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  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

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  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

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  4. Woman hiking down the stairs to Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

    Secluded Royale

    Panoramic coastal views and a killer leg workout combine on this 2.7-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike to secluded Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

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