All Stories from "Northern CA"

All "Dog Friendly" Stories in Northern CA

Bald Statement
If you’re going to have a rite of passage hiking in Sun Valley, the hike to the summit of Bald Mountain is one to check off your list. This 5-mile (one-way) trek requires some stamina, yet richly rewards with a variety of views and vantages, abundant wildflowers, and the chance to combine a free chairlift and gondola ride back down.
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Two Wheels to Zen
The family-friendly Wood River Trail goes over an historic bridge, past art sculptures and ranch-roaming horses, all amid sprawling green valley and a mountainous backdrop. Roll out from the Farmers Market at River Run Lodge and pedal the 8-mile (round-trip) ride to Sun Valley’s Sawtooth Botanical Garden.
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Sunsets and Starry Nights in Sun Valley
Sun Valley has the distinction of being part of Central Idaho’s Dark Sky Reserve—the first of its kind in the country. The sky here has a signature clarity thanks to dedicated efforts at limiting light pollution. Here are some top spots for viewing and photography.
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Baytiful!
Bike the San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail for the sheer multitude of Silicon Valley attractions—from an amusement park to protected wetlands and the 49ers’ stadium. This 10-mile out-and-back ride takes cyclists through some of the best spots in the South Bay.
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Float This Boat!
What makes paddling Mendocino’s beautiful Big River even more enjoyable? Exploring it on an artisan canoe! These handcrafted outriggers are fashioned from reclaimed virgin redwood. (Bonus: even the dog can come along!)
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Simply Sun Valley, Idaho
A change of scenery is like a breath of fresh air, and you benefit from both when you experience the Sun Valley, Idaho, very few people know. Nature nurtures here in the original mountain town.
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North Lake Tahoe, Naturally
Where do you go to make this spring twice as fun? North Lake Tahoe, naturally! Just 45 minutes from Reno-Tahoe International Airport, North Lake Tahoe’s spring season lets you double up your days with diverse outdoor experiences.
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Hidden Wilds of Healdsburg
When you arrive at Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve, you may wonder what could possibly be tucked behind a subdivision. But within minutes of hiking in this 155-acre preserve, the beauty reveals itself: majestic oak trees, wetland, spring wildflowers, and wowing views of the Mayacama Mountains and Russian River.
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Disc-go!
Big views and one of the most scenic disc golf courses in Northern California: Crane Creek Regional Park in Sonoma County packs a lot into its 128 acres!
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Flashy Fernandez
Green rolling hills studded in oak trees, wildflowers like poppies, lupine, and the Mount Diablo sunflower—exclusive to Contra Costa County: the landscape at Fernandez Ranch in Martinez is a highlight reel of wildlife, wildflowers, and wowing panoramas. Try this 6-mile hike or bike ride.
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Muiraculous Beauty
Ready to make your non-California friends jealous? Have a bonfire at Muir Beach while watching the sunset. This is Northern California living at its most braggadocious.
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BBQ by the Bay
Picnic spots don't get more "on the Bay" than at China Camp State Park. This sprawling state park in Marin has several panoramic picnic spots (with BBQ grills) right on the shores of San Pablo Bay.
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Samuel's Place
Samuel P. Taylor State Park has all the fixings for a beautiful picnic combined with a hike or bike ride: redwood forest, babbling Lagunitas Creek, barbecue grills, and beautiful trails.
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Ride the Ridge
Galloping green hills, grazing cattle, great vantages … Bolinas Ridge Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore is a challenging yet visually rewarding intermediate-level mountain bike ride (or hike). Winter and spring are ideal for an adventure here, and seasonal features like wildflowers can pop early.
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The Mission is Mission
Thousands of hikers and bikers come to test their mettle against Mission Peak and pose with the famous “Mission Peeker” summit pole. This 6-mile out-and-back route happens to be one of the best sunset hikes in the Bay Area.
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Loop Less Traveled
The East Bay has some of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, and Monument Peak shares the gorgeous views with fewer people on the trail. Hike this 8.7-mile loop to the summit and it might just be you, and the cows!
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A New Work of Heart
Ready for a heartfelt hike? This urban walk in San Francisco features a beautiful mosaic stairway, panoramic views, a new work of "heart," and plentiful coastal drama.
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Hood's New Trail
Tucked just on the edge of Sonoma Valley near Santa Rosa, Hood Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve has a trail leading up to a brilliant picnic spot with a panorama of Sonoma Valley all the way out to the ocean.
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2022 Hiking Calendar
Ready for a New Year’s hike? How about 12 of them! Spread out the hiking joy with the 2022 POST Hiking Calendar (complimentary).
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The Coast with the Most Adventures
The Oregon Coast isn't your average coast. Take a road trip through charming towns, see numerous historic lighthouses, explore shipwreck beaches, wander bustling promenades, or go “sandboarding” at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
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