Josh CurrieExplorer

Lake Shasta sits at the foot of infamous Mt Shasta, past the major Northern California city of Redding. From the Bay Area you can count on at least a 3.5 hour drive to get to waters edge, but the drive goes by quickly just cruising on HWY 5. There are multiple Marinas on Shasta but the largest is at Bridge Bay, ironically located right where HWY 5 crosses over Lake Shasta. There are multiple di...

Less than a mile South from the small town center, Malibu Pier stretches out into the Pacific. The Pier has been in Malibu since 1905 and though much of Malibu has been built up around it, it has remained quite similar to when it was first constructed. You can either pay for parking right at the entrance to the pier or find free parking along PCH.Malibu as a whole is a very photogenic beach tow...

Chateau D'oex sits at 3,100 feet above sea level in the French-speaking Canton of Vaud, Switzerland. The easiest way to get to this picturesque place is by train, unless you happen to be staying nearby with a car. The small mountain town of about 3,500 people is riddled with history, beautiful landscapes, snow activities, and lest we forget, the International Balloon Festival, which has been an...

The Journey to your final destination can get a little tricky once you get on the dirt roads. From the Bay Area it will take you about 3 hours to get into Oakhurst, then another hour to get to the Wilderness Area simply because of the windy and not maintained roads. On that note I would suggest taking a car with a decent amount of clearance. You won't necessarily need a 4x4 but I would suggest ...

Honeymoon Beach is a private little beach located in Deadman's Bay across from the Peter Island resort. It's intimate size makes you feel like you're the only person (or people) on the island. There is a well maintained cabana, hammock, and 2 lounge chairs to relax and enjoy the scenery. Of course it was called Honeymoon Beach for a reason, mostly because it's outrageously romantic, but of cour...

Peter Island has a number of attractions on it but the abandoned mansion and factory in Little Harbour is one that not many people go exploring. Apparently the cigar factory was operated by the owners who lived on the hill nearby. It was built in the 1920's and was abandoned when none of the heirs to the factory and home wanted to live there because of the expense so they just left it. Now not ...

The famed and picturesque Bridgeport Covered Bridge, spanning the width of the Yuba River, was originally built in 1862. It was an integral passage for a freight hauling route from San Fransisco to Nevada. This historic site is now protected and is no longer able to be walked or driven through as of 2011 due to structural problems, but there is scheduled to be a restoration of the bridge in 201...

Desolation Wilderness is just west of Lake Tahoe, a part of Eldorado National Forest. It's a very popular backpacking destination as the PCT and Tahoe Rim Trail both run through the area. There are what seems to be endless amounts of mountain lakes, creeks, and rivers that run through this area which make it one of the more beautiful regions in California. Camping at Ice House Reservoir is a pe...

Warner Valley Campground is at the end of Warner Valley Road. It's 16 dollars a night at a first come first serve basis. As far as the campground it self, there are a few bathrooms and each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. There are 17 sites which isn't a ton but since it's a fairly unused area so you should have no problem getting a spot.There are so many things to do and see in the ar...

Your trek begins at the Chilnualna Falls trailhead in Wawona near the South Gate in Yosemite. The first suggestion I have is to check the weather in the area to make sure you won't be slowed down by rain or snow. It's about 12 miles from the trailhead to the lake and if you are a swift hiker and take few breaks, it should take you anywhere from 7-8 hours to make it to the lake.  The trail from...

The hike starts at the Warner Valley Trailhead and winds up the mountain until you reach the lake. The first 2 miles or so are very pleasant walk through the woods until you reach the last portion which is essentially straight up the mountain side.  This portion of the trail can be very slippery because of the steep nature of the trail and the loose rock. Though this part of the hike is pretty...

The hike to Boiling Springs Lake starts at the Warner Valley Trailhead and is only a 3 mile roundtrip hike. It's a fairly easy hike that starts through the valley and then winds up through the forest and eventually opens up to the lake.  First thing you'll notice as you approach the lake is the sulfur smell followed by the turquoise, green/brown water. The lake itself is more of a pond but the...

Situated in the hills above Palo Alto; Foothills Park is the perfect spot to spend the day outdoors. With hiking, fishing, picnic areas, wide open fields, and expansive views of the Bay Area, this hidden gem is a must visit. Foothills Park is 2.7 miles west of 280 after exiting Page Mill. After exiting you take a short scenic drive up the hill and come to the park entrance on your right. Like ...

Nicasio is a quaint town just inland of the more popular coastal town of Point Reyes. It's most known for it's wine country, rolling hills, and the home of Skywalker Ranch, George Lucas's getaway home. Most visitors of this area either pass right on through for Point Reyes or use it's scenic roads for cycling. The land has a lot to offer, especially with hikes, streams, and small lakes for fish...

This spot is less than four hours from the Bay Area and offers everything you would ever want to do in the outdoors. The interesting thing about Hume Lake is that it is actually a Middle School and High School camp in the Summer and Winter. That being said, it is not the place to go if you are looking to get some alone time in the woods. But because it's operated by the camp, you are able to us...