Hawk Hill, California

The Madrone Sone Wildlife Preserve offers visitors a serene 1.0-mile loop trail through a diverse ecosystem of wetlands, oak woodlands, and native grasslands. Located in western Sebastopol, this hidden gem provides an accessible nature experience and important wildlife habitat in the heart of Son...

We started off in Big Sur and took as many pull-off viewpoints as possible between Big Sur and the final destination, Pigeon Point Lighthouse. The weather was foggy in some spots but would open up to reveal the vast Pacific Ocean and sun in others. The weather was mild for us but we're familiar w...

Pidgeon Point Lighthouse is conveniently located just 50 miles south of San Francisco. Constructed in 1872 and standing at 115 feet, it is among the tallest lighthouse in America. Part of the state park system, it is surprisingly secluded. Numerous parking space were available in the lot with ha...

Doran Beach is nestled within the picturesque landscape of Doran Regional Park near Bodega Bay, California. Offering pristine shores and captivating vistas, this is a coastal gem that allows visitors a more protected coastal landscape than nearby Salmon Creek State Beach. Explore sandy beaches ...

Doran Regional Park is located along the coast just south of the town of Bodega Bay, California. There are 5 campgrounds at Doran and Miwok is the tent-only campground with 13 campsites. There is a parking lot at the campground and bathrooms with coin-operated showers.  FEES: If camping, your e...

Sitting west of the San Andrea fault, the Bodega Head is a massive chunk of granite from the Salinian Block, a geological terrane that contains Point Reyes and the Farallon Islands, and shares its origins with the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Head itself having been carried hundreds of miles to t...

Begin your ride in Vacaville, California out of Alamo Creek Park (street parking is available and free). Head north on Alamo Drive and veer left onto Foothill Drive, then left (South) onto Pleasants Valley Road. After two miles, veer left onto Cherry Glen Road. Stay to the right when you reach th...

Hike to Gunsight Rock through Hood Mountain Regional Park to get a view overlooking Sonoma and Napa Valley. In order to get to the trailhead take Highway 12 to Los Alamos Rd, the road will then turn into Timberline Dr, this will take you to the trailhead. There is a parking fee of $8. From the p...

The Santa Rosa Creek Trail segment from Willowside Road to Fulton Road offers a delightful 2.3-mile journey through one of Santa Rosa's most accessible urban nature corridors. This well-maintained paved trail provides cyclists, walkers, and runners with a scenic route that perfectly balances natu...

Looking for a quick summer escape filled with stand up paddling, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and picnics? Look no further than Del Valle Regional Park. Consistently considered one of the best campgrounds in the Bay Area, the centerpiece of Del Valle is a 5-mile long lake that allows swimming, fish...

Want to experience one of the bay area's most memorable backpacking trips? We've got the details to get you out on the trail. To start the trek, drop your car at the Castle Rock State Park Parking Lot, which is located ~2.5 miles south of the junctions of Highways 35 and 9 off of Highway 35. Not...

Castle Rock Trail Camp has a different policy than other backcountry camps in the area (i.e. campsites along Skyline to the Sea). This campground is open all year and requires reservations for 15 of the 20 campsites. If you can, grab a spot a Frog Flat Camp. To get to the camp, park your car at t...

The Saratoga Gap Trail is relatively lightly trafficked trail that is good year round, although waterfalls peak in late winter and spring. Overall, this 4.7 mile partial loop hike is moderate, with about 1000 feet in elevation change. Trailhead elevation is about 3090 feet. The featured hike desc...

These kind of getaways shouldn't be planned many weeks before the trip. So we didn't booked a campground. And from this experience we learn that you don't have to reserve a campground. Just go there - don't panic when you see campground is full sign in the entrance. There are always available spo...

Looking for a quick escape from the city, but sleeping on the ground isn’t really your thing? Look no further than Costanoa Lodge in Pescadero, an upscale "glamping" experience just an hour south of San Francisco with tons of hiking options. This is a really fun option for anyone who enjoys being...

Lake Del Valle is a reservoir located in Livermore, California. The lake has boat motor boats, pedal boats, patio boats, canoes, and row boats available for rent. There is a dock and rental  house in the marina.The lake is also a popular destination for picnics, barbecues, and camping. Parking fi...