Wetland and Wild

Hard work and commitment pays off when it comes to local initiatives to rehabilitate nature, including wetland envrionments once neglected. Celebrate restoration initiatives on these three hike, bike, and paddle adventures, among rejuvinated wetlands in the Bay Area.

Week: 10.19.2022
Regions: Northern CA

Wetland Reawakening

Bike or hike the Hamilton Wetlands in Novato

Woman riding her bike at Hamilton Wetlands in Novato
Walkers on the wide open dirt trail at Hamilton Wetlands in Novato North Bay
Woman stopped on her bike looking at information signs and the San Pablo Bay at Hamilton Wetlands in Novato
Once an army airfield and now a thriving wetland, Novato’s Hamilton Wetlands is a glimpse into both the past and the future. Take a mellow bike ride or walk on the flat Bay Trail to take in the sights.
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Unexpected Hiking Vacation

Discover Beautiful Hikes in San Ramon

Discover San Ramon
San Ramon hills
San Ramon creek
San Ramon green hills and trees
Ready for a local hiking vacation—one that’s unexpected, hassle-free, and comes with bonuses like spas and delicious nearby dining?
Discover San Ramon

Feather Fanfare

Birdwatch at Ravenswood Preserve in the South Bay

Man standing at boardwalk overlooking the wetland at Ravenswood Preserve
Feathery birds swing and swoop on the edge of the San Francisco Bay, surrounded by the Diablo Range and Santa Cruz Mountains. See it all from a levee in serene Ravenswood Preserve.
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Napa's Wild Side

Explore the gentle Napa River with Napa Valley Paddle

Napa Valley Paddle kayaker and paddle boarder on the Napa Valley river
Kayaker paddling the Napa River with Napa Valley Paddle
Kayaker paddling under a bridge on the Napa Valley River with Napa Valley Paddle
Paddler on the Napa River passing by downtown Napa and Stone Brewing
It’s wine country’s Amazon. The gentle Napa River is an ecological—and recreational—delight. And Napa Valley Paddle sets you up for maximum enjoyment of this experience, including an optional mobile podcast tour for your do-it-yourself adventure.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Keough's Hot Springs

    Soaking Up History

    When you slide into the soothing water of Keough’s Hot Springs, you’re bathing in a piece of Owens Valley history.

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  2. Hike to New Lights

    For an enlightening late-day hike, catch the San Francisco skyline at sunset from high atop Ring Mountain in Tiburon. This 2-mile (round-trip) hike to Turtle Rock is a perfect late afternoon wander.

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  3. A woman looks out to the scenery while standing next to a bench on a high point on a hike in Orinda Oaks Park in the East Bay

    Orinda Original

    This 3.5-mile out-and-back through Orinda Oaks Park and Moraga offers scenic vistas right inside the city.

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  4. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Redding Ironman Whiskeytown lake
    Sponsored

    New Year, New Goal: IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California

    2026 is off and running! And swimming. And biking. Don't get left behind! Commit to one of the upcoming year’s most exciting endurance events—IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding.

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  2. Hikers stand atop Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

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  3. O Enchanted Night!

    Prepare to be mesmerized! Holiday-season nights in Descanso Gardens are a magical interplay of lights and natural beauty that dazzle as you stroll through the Enchanted Forest of L

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  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

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