Sarah Eichstedt
Lover of spontaneous adventures, photography, farm animals, and travel. Outdoor enthusiast by day, ICU nurse by night. Favorite adventures: sailing around the world, bicycling across the US, backpacking through South America and Africa.
Bass Lake via Palomarin Trailhead
Bolinas, California
4.2
6.11 mi
Follow the Coast Trail from Palomarin Trailhead to Bass Lake. It's a fairly easy ~2.5-3 miles to the Lake. As soon as you pass the lake, on the left you will see a narrow unmarked dirt trail. Take this trail and you'll get to a nice clearing with easy lake access (this will be a great spot for lunch in the sun after swimming). To continue to the rope swing (which is a MUST DO), follow any of th...
Camp at Mt. Tam's Pantoll Campground
Mill Valley, California
5.0
Need an escape from SF, but can't seem to find an available campground, then head to Pantoll Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park. If you get there early on friday (or even better Thursday afternoon), you should be able to lock down one of these first-come, first-serve campgrounds. Each of the 16 sites is equipped with a fire pit, and bbq grill. The campground provides easy access to the St...
Tilden Little Farm
Kensington, California
4.0
First make sure to stop at the store and stock up on fresh lettuce and celery for the animals. Your kids (or just the kid in you) will love to feed them! Note that they're only allowed to eat lettuce and celery, so don't try to feed them your own snacks or get creative. ;)
If you want to make it a full day adventure, bring a picnic lunch (there are grills and picnic tables), some outdoor games...
Hidden Waterfall in Codornices Park
Berkeley, California
4.0
0.5 mi
Park along the street in front of Codornices Park in Berkeley. Follow the stream to the left of the playground. Take the path up the hill to the right (don't head over the bridge on the left). Keep walking up multiple concrete stairs. After the first flight of stairs you'll see a path on the left that leads through a wooden gate. Take this path and keep heading up into the hills. Take any of th...
Panamint Dunes
Inyo County, California
5.0
7.23 mi
/ 935 ft gain
You can do this as a day trip and just wander the dunes, but I really enjoyed the overnight with great evening views, amazing stargazing, and a sunrise exploration of the sand dunes. For an overnight trip I recommend you start hiking later in the day, when the temperature is a bit cooler.
If you're going for an overnight adventure you will need to pick up a (free) permit from the visitor's cen...
Berkeley Rose Garden
Berkeley, California
4.0
I'm always surprised at how few people know of this beautiful garden. I'm often alone when I visit, which allows for perfect serenity. Visit in early spring for maximum blooms.
Park on Euclid Ave, which is where you'll find the entrance to the amphitheater (you can't miss the giant sign). Spend the evening wandering among the maze of blooms with your sweetheart. Did I mention it's oh so romant...
Flower Lake from Onion Valley
Independence, California
5.04 mi
/ 1352 ft gain
Make sure to obtain an overnight permit up to 6 months in advance. You will have to pick up your permit at one of the Inyo National Forest Visitor Centers (here) before you begin.
Once you have your permit in hand, drive to the Onion Valley Trailhead (see map), which is about 15 miles west of the town of Independence, CA and sits at an elevation of 9185 feet. Park in the lot, where you can fil...
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