Long Weekend Wanders & Ponders

Ahh the long weekend—a chance to catch your breath, get a breath of fresh air, and enjoy breathtaking views! From stairway walks to hikes in electric green hills or to waterfalls and sunset views, here's how to make the most of the three-day weekend!

Week: 02.16.2017
Regions: Northern CA

Drake Awakening

Hiking Drakes Estero in Point Reyes National Seashore

Part salt water, part fresh water, Drake’s Estero is smack in the middle of Point Reyes, and one of only two marine wilderness areas in the entire nation. Yeah, it’s worth a look. Get the extended version by hiking right alongside it.
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Four-Legged Falls

Waterfall Hike in Novatos Indian Valley Open Space

waterfall at Indian Valley Open Space in Marin
Love your dog? Love waterfalls? Get the best of both on this easygoing hike hidden in Novato. Indian Valley Open Space Preserve is tucked behind the College of Marin campus, and those who discover it are in for a treat.
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Peak Pondering

Hiking Wildcat Peak Tilden Regional Park

Some magical hikes begin like a magic trick: The start is filled with lots of people, and then, within minutes, it's quiet. All you have to do is find the entrance to Narnia—or, in this case, Laurel Canyon Trailhead in the East Bay’s Tilden Regional Park.
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Bend In

Bend Oregon Winter Getaway in 2017

Have you heard? Bend is in. From carving powdery turns all the way down a volcano or snow-biking to a roaring waterfall, to snowshoeing with epic views and enjoying some craft brews ... talk about a Bendolution! Bend, Oregon was designed for wanderlusters, whether your trip is ad
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Viva Las Trampas

Hike Las Trampas Rocky Ridge

Hikers on a ridge trail at Las Trampas Regional Wilderness in the East Bay
A clear winter day calls for a long hike to savor some of the Bay Area’s most beautiful scenery, including some flowing cascades after rain. Hike this nearly 7-mile loop in Las Trampas Regional Wilderness.
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Sun Tam

Watching a sunset on Mount Tam in Marin County

If you’ve ever driven Mount Tam’s West Ridgecrest Boulevard, then you know how dramatic it is, with its sweeping coastal scenery, edged by rolling headlands and hulking cliffs, with sea stacks rising from the Pacific, thrashed or bathed by moody waves. So it’s no surprise that so
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Lands Zen

Hiking Lincoln Park Steps and Lands End in San Francisco

Find a little peace in San Francisco on an urban walk featuring a beautiful stairway, panoramic views, a labyrinth, and plentiful coastal drama.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Purely Purisima

    Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

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  2. Muir Woods Night Tour

    Thousands of people flock to Muir Woods every year, yet only a few see it at night, when this beloved park is experienced in a whole new light. The Muir Woods Night Tour happens on the last Friday of every month through October.

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  3. Slide Ranch Marin

    Slide On Over

    Marin's Slide Ranch has a popular neighbor in the Muir Beach Overlook. But don’t overlook Slide! This open-to-the-public nonprofit organization sits on 134 acres of coastline and is filled with animals, Pacific scenery, and an adjacent hiking trail.

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  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

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  1. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

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  2. Lookout Ahead!

    A 3.7-mile loop hike to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park reminds us just how stunningly beautiful are the mountains of this remote, lightly visited portion of northern San Diego County.

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  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

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  4. Strawberry Peak Lookout Hike

    Strawberry Sunday

    The 2.5-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop climb to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout near the town of Lake Arrowhead dishes up some delicious views.

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