All Stories from Southern CA
Surreal Sandscape
It’s a stunning landscape that inspired the sci-fi classic Dune (and hence its recent blockbuster adaptation), but no special effects are needed to enhance the scenery of Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. This 42 miles of sand, forest, rivers, and lakes is both ethereal and surreal.
ViewHill Yeah
Monrovia’s Hillside Wilderness Preserve may be far less popular than the iconic neighboring Monrovia Canyon, but it’s just as worthy of a hike, and you’ll see fewer people!
ViewLittle Loop and Lightscape
Hike a slice of Arcadia Wilderness Park and visit the holiday lightshow at Los Angeles County Arboretum
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Gorge-ous Escape
Oregon’s tallest mountain? That’s Mt. Hood—surrounded by six ski areas, surprise waterfall hikes, and plenty of rivers, lakes, and streams to play in. Just east of Portland, the region of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge brings a range of outdoor adventures for every season.
View Noah's Art
Noah Purifoy Desert Museum of Assemblage Sculpture is an outdoor museum near Joshua Tree National Park, with a mosaic of items transformed into works of art. Go on a self-guided tour to view over 30 assemblage sculptures.
ViewRed Rock On
With its vivid volcanic reds, folded sandstone whites, and mudstone browns, it’s hard to believe that Red Rock Canyon State Park is within the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. For highlights, wander the nearly 1-mile loop trail.
ViewThe Holey Spirit
Hole-in-the-Wall Rings Loop Trail serves up the best parts of the Mojave Desert, all in a 1.3-mile loop: vista views, rare geological features, and even a climb through a slot canyon.
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Gem of a Vacation
Backed by the Coachella Valley’s Santa Rosa Mountains, La Quinta’s vast wild spaces are steeped in history, with plenty of important historical sites amid its beautiful nature. Add in boutique hotels, spas, and great dining, and you’ve got one gem of a vacation.
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Adventure Plan Portland
With the Willamette River running through it and Mt. Hood rising crisply on the horizon, Portland is well-known for its exceptional food, coffee, culture, and beer scene. But it’s also an ideal basecamp for branching out into nature and a bevy of outdoor adventures within city limits and just beyond.
View Holiday at the Rancho
Visit the beautifully restored 27-acre Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, a cultural gem in Carlsbad that can be explored as part of a serene 2-mile loop and has an upcoming holiday tree-lighting and festivities event.
ViewBuena Vista Lagoon
Take an easygoing wander at Buena Vista Lagoon in Carlsbad, then visit neighboring Carlsbad City Beach for a 1.25-mile out-and-back beach stroll that includes the lagoon’s connecting point with the Pacific Ocean.
ViewHosp Grove Forest Bathing
Forest bathe as you wander among one of the densest displays of eucalyptus trees via an accessible 3-mile adventure at Hosp Grove Park in Carlsbad.
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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.
View Hidden Trio
A trio of hidden canyons is often found in more remote places, but they're also on this urban walk in the serene hills of eastside’s Mount Washington. Head here for a beautiful 7-mile (round-trip) neighborhood tour of historic homes, ample greenspace, and, yes, three hidden canyons.
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Waterfalls, Wine, Wanderlust: Willamette Valley
Oregon’s lush and lovely Willamette Valley is home to the McKenzie River, an outdoor adventurer’s paradise with its crystalline waters and surrounding waterfall hikes. Oh, and the wine … it “reigns and pours” world-famous pinots here.
View Spidey Senses
Spin a hiking web on a 1-mile out-and-back up Tarantula Hill, followed by a 1-mile DIY loop through Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, then refresh with a local brew at Tarantula Brewing in Thousand Oaks.
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Central Oregon: Center of Adventure
It's good to be the center of it all—and that's especially true in Central Oregon, home to the craft beer capital of the nation, the Deschutes River, and more adventure trails than you can dream of.
View Shadow Lands
Shadow Hills near Burbank is home to a hidden hike with magnificent views of the Verdugo Mountains. Follow it up with craft brews at Lincoln Beer Compay.
ViewBewitching Buzzard
A quiet hike in the San Jose Hills provides the setting for a fantastic 4.25-mile out-and-back adventure to 1,345-foot Buzzard Peak, where 360-degree views await.
ViewHidden Horsethief + Highpoint Brewing
Hike a 2.5-mile loop at hidden Horesethief Canyon Park in San Dimas, then head for some beers at nearby Highpoint Brewing.
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The 2025 Hiking Calendar Is Here!
Ready to make hiking part of your New Year’s wellness plan? Get the all-new 2025 Hiking Calendar courtesy of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).
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