All Stories from Northern CA

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  Finding Fall in the Redwoods

  Hundred-foot-redwoods, flowing creeks, yellow-tinged sycamores, big views of the Pacific—all these are on the Thanksgiving menu at Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, just

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  You Walk, Miwok

  So close, yet far enough to get swept up in iconic coastal scenery ... that pretty much defines this classic hike in the Marin Headlands. Just over the north side of the Golden Gat

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  Crown Jewel

  Long walks on the beach, in the East Bay? Indeed. Alameda is your island in the bay with beaches meant for strolling. Crown Memorial Beach is a relaxing stretch of sand that's an i

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  SLO County. SLO Much Fun!

  Beaches, wine country, hiking, bike riding, kayaking …. California has it all. Discover the best of it, without the crowds! Located smack between San Francisco and Los Angeles, San

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  Seal the Deal

  Contrary to popular belief, San Francisco's Pier 39 is not the best place to visit seals and sea lions. Upgrade your mammal encounter with a visit to the Marine Mammal Center (entr

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  Meet Lupe

  Even Indiana Jones can't top this mammoth discovery. And we literally mean mammoth! In 2005 while walking along San Jose's popular Guadalupe River Trail, local resident Roger Casti

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  Sunny Days Are Here Again

  By a show of hands, how many people like a hassle? Traffic jams. Long lines. Crowds. Anybody? It's time to take the hassle out of your winter vacation. It is a vacation, after all!

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  Three Bears and Lots of Lakes

  Your chances of seeing a bear on the Bear Lakes Trail aren't all that high; but your chances of seeing spectacular High Sierra scenery on this 3-mile hike? Guaranteed! Located in t

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  Lookout!

  The hardest part about spending the night in Sierraville's historic Calpine fire lookout? Deciding what time of year to go! Set at 5,970 feet, this private and cozy overnight escap

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  Hot Springs Delight

  What to do when the temperature drops? Heat things up! Sierra Hot Springs in Sierraville is just the place. Open 24 hours, the property sits on the edge of a golden meadow and 700

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  Ski Free with Alaska Airlines

  The weather's cooler, the holiday season is coming right up—what are your plans? Take flight and enjoy the gift of travel experiences and exploring new places, with a little help f

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  All Wrightwood!

  Fall is a beautiful time to be in the mountains, and one of the best places to go that's still close to home? Wrightwood. Called the "best kept secret in Southern California," Wrig

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  Grave Expectations

  San Francisco's Buena Vista Park has big views and a mosaic of trails, including some with marble detailing along the path's edge: those are unclaimed Gold Rush–era tombstones recycled from cemeteries.

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  Howl of a Good Night Hike

  One of the many reasons people love the Bay Area is that great hikes in the great outdoors are accessed close to home. Take hiking the spectacular coastal Marin Headlands, just 30

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  Spooky Spelunking

  Not all of nature's stunning views come from bagging a peak. Sometimes it's what lies beneath that's more intriguing. Venture below Sequoia National Park's soil and discover an ext

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  Adventure Challenge Wrap Up

  This past summer we hosted the 4th annual Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge, sponsored by Alaska Airlines. Your mission: Get outdoors! Do any three adventures from Weekend Sherpa,

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  Diablo Double Down

  Fall colors, big views, and a chance to see tarantulas? Sounds like a howl of a good hike for Halloween season! Mount Diablo State Park’s Sycamore Canyon loop trail is a 4-mile hike where you can relish the colors of fall.

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  Crystal Caving

  Not all stunning vantage points are above the tree line. Sometimes it’s what lies beneath that’s really interesting! Venture below Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park’s soil and

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  Mulholland Magic

  To find a hidden slice of open space with great views and autumn hues, head to Mulholland Ridge Open Space Preserve, a little-known 250-acre open space area along Donald Drive on t

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  Big Baldy

  Giant sequoias are the main attraction in Kings Canyon National Park, but the granite peaks around here aren’t too shabby either. In fact, they’re epic. Venture down Generals Highw

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