Waterfalls Now!

When it rains, it waterfalls! Here are three short hikes to tucked away oases that are absolute power-falls after recent rains. Flow for it!    

Week: 01.07.2026
Regions: Northern CA

Buck Wild!

Hike to Buck Gulch Falls in Novato

North Bay
Dog Friendly, Hikes
woman hiking Buck Gulch Falls Novato
Tucked back beyond the residential ranch-style homes and golf courses of Novato in the North Bay is a wild and wondrous 30-foot waterfall that springs to life in the rainy season. Buck Gulch Falls in Novato’s Ignacio Valley Preserve is in peak flow right now, and it’s a short and Middle-earthy hike to reach it.
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New Year, New Goal: IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California

IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding

Greater California
Bike Rides, Water, Overnight Escapes
Sponsored
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redding ironman whiskeytown lake
redding ironman whiskeytown lake
redding ironman swimmers
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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Sweet as Sugarloaf

Hike to a Waterfall in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Sonoma Valley

North Bay
Hikes
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park waterfall hike in Sonoma Valley
waterfall hike in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Waterfall hike in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Waterfall Hike in Sonoma Valley
Right in the heart of wine country there’s plenty more than wine flowing right now, with an oft unheralded waterfall that surges to an exuberant spectacle from all the recent rain.
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Dewy at Dawn

Hike to Dawn Falls in Marin County

North Bay
Dog Friendly, Hikes
Dawn Falls in Baltimore Canyon
Redwoods, wooden bridges, a trailside stream, and lush greenery galore … Marin County’s Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve has lots of bragging rights, including a terrific 2.4-mile (round-trip) hike to a marquee grotto, Dawn Falls.
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A Hiker looking over a mountain range

Your Inbox to the Outdoors

Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.

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  1. Woman hiking the San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail to San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

    Bluffing Good!

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  2. Can We Get a Whoop Whoop!

    City, mountain, and ocean views all in one hike? Whoop whoop! It’s no surprise the the Kenter Fire Road and Whoop-de-Doos Trail (a combo of fire road and singletrack) is a favorite among local mountain bikers and hikers alike.

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  3. The Big Chill

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