All Stories from Northern CA

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  Historically Serene

  Olompali State Historic Park is a small park that packs big California history. Go on a mostly easy 3-mile loop hike where oak trees, big-leaf maples, and madrones are stunning in autumn.

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  Muir Woods Through the Backdoor

  A backdoor entrance into Muir Woods? Hike a tranquil trail that starts in Mount Tamalpais State Park and quietly leads into Muir Woods, letting you avoid the busyness of the main parking area.

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  Refreshingly Different

  Reno Tahoe is where America’s largest alpine lake meets the Biggest Little City in the World. Easily access the best ski resorts (and hot springs!) and have urban adventures at your fingertips.

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  Forest Bathe Under the Redwoods

  Giant Douglas firs and a peaceful madrone- and tanoak-studded forest make the hiking at Sanborn County Park sublime, but there’s an added majesty here thanks to the Todd Creek Redwoods Grove.

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  Sutro Noir

  San Francisco’s Sutro Baths take on a novel mystique under a full moon, especially if the fog rolls in. Hike among these famous ruins, said to be one of San Francisco’s most ghostly places.

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  Hike and Seek

  This 2.1-mile hike in McClellan Ranch Preserve near downtown Cupertino has quiet nature, historic ranch buildings, wildlife-watching, fall color, and Stevens Creek.

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  Opt for Oursan

  Hike the trail less traveled in the East Bay's Briones Regional Park. The Oursan Trail is pure serenity on a wide hiking path skirting the northern shores of Briones Reservoir.

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  Who's Chicken?

  Chicken Ranch Beach isn’t just for the birds. It’s for folks who want to spend a mellow afternoon at a totally swimmable beach on the shore of Tomales Bay in Point Reyes.

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  GOAT Coastal Hike + Sunset

  GOAT (greatest of all time) Sonoma Coast experience? Hike the Kortum Trail, wine taste on a patio overlooking the Russian River, and catch a sensational sunset at, yep, Goat Rock Beach.

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  Wolf House in the Woods

  Take a short, forested walk to Jack London State Park's mysterious ruins of the famous adventure author’s dream home, Wolf House. Then try wine-based organic vodka, paired with woodfired pizza.

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  Boontime!

  Glamp in a tent cabin or stay in private patio room among redwoods in the heart of Russian River. And do some wine tasting at these two beautiful vineyards with airy cabanas and gorgeous views.

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  Redwoods, Blue Coast

  Redwoods, river, coastline, and sandy pocket beaches: See Sonoma Coast's best features on this 6-mile (round-trip) hike from Shell Beach to Pomo Canyon's sublime redwoods.

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  Bodega's Hidden Hike-in Beach

  Bodega Head has a mystical hike-in beach trail through secret sand dunes. Hike in, then enjoy the West's tastiest BBQ brisket on a patio overlooking Bodega Bay Harbor.

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  Two Wheels to Wine in Healdsburg

  Bike and wine taste among the vineyards of Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley in Healdsburg. The mostly flat backroads make for easygoing riding, with food and wine explorations too.

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  Get Outdoors In Sonoma County This Fall

  Sonoma County's great outdoors includes hike-in beaches, hidden redwoods, and a new zipline-to-treehouse stay. Here are 5 of the best ways to explore outdoors in Sonoma County.

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  Simply Wunderful

  Hike the mixed evergreen woodland and coast redwoods in the South Bay's Wunderlich Park. Sunlight filters naturally through the trees on this lovely 3.4-mile lollipop loop.

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  Redwoods, Beach, Banner View!

  Explore among the redwoods in Henry Cowell State Park on this magical 5-mile hike featuring the big trees, a beach, and a beautiful view from an observation deck.

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  Fall for the Treasures of North Lake Tahoe

  North Lake Tahoe in fall is an amazing time. It’s less crowded, many hiking and biking trails are open, sunsets and starry nights are spectacular, and fields of aspens are a splendor across the region.

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  Help Communities, Help Animals, Help Nature

  Wildfires around the Bay Area and Northern California have devastated communities, lands, and wildlife. If you are able to make a donation to help, here are five organizations to consider.

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  Bernal Desire

  It's one of the best views in San Francisco. Bernal Heights Park is an underrated hilltop park that simply beams at sunset, with views of downtown SF, the Golden Gate, and the Bay Bridge.

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