Active NorCal

Active NorCal

Telling the Stories of Northern California
News

Park Fire Explodes to 45,000 Acres in Chico’s Bidwell Park

The Park Fire, which ignited in the Upper Bidwell Park area near Chico, has expanded to 45,549 acres and prompted…

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Destinations

This California National Park Urges Visitors to Tarp Their Parked Vehicles. Here’s Why.

In the southern section of Sequoia National Park, the National Park Service (NPS) is advising visitors to follow an unusual…

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Outdoors

Popular Outdoor Destination in NorCal Closes Due to Dangerous Behavior by Visitors

Upper Lake Clementine in Auburn State Recreation Area will remain closed due to ongoing dangerous behavior by visitors, California State…

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News

The Best Meteor Shower of the Year is Back. Here Are the Best Places to See it in NorCal.

On the nights of August 12th and 13th, the Swift-Tuttle comet will treat us to an extraordinary celestial show. As…

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News

Massive Sewage Spill Closes Popular Lake Tahoe Beach

Placer County officials have issued a health advisory for the Carnelian Bay area of Lake Tahoe following a significant sewage…

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Lassen

Popular Destinations in Lassen Volcanic National Park to Stay Closed Until 2025

The aftermath of the Dixie Fire continues to impact Lassen Volcanic National Park, keeping the Drakesbad Guest Lodge and Warner…

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Outdoors

5 Survival Lessons From the Northern California Man Lost in Yosemite For Nearly a Week

Photo by Jason Strull When Alan Chow solo-hiked into the Yosemite National Park wilderness in the spring of 2018, he had…

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Wildlife

Speeding Kills Wildlife: 5 Bears Have Been Hit by Cars in Yosemite this Year

Yosemite National Park officials are urging visitors to drive cautiously following the deaths of five black bears hit by cars…

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Events

Mount Shasta Fish Hatchery Hosts Kids Fishing Day on July 20

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is hosting its second Kids Fishing Day of the year at the…

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News

Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Marijuana Cultivation in Shasta-Trinity National Forest

On July 16, 2024, Custodio Ibarra Nunez, 42, of Merced, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to…

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News

Water Tests at South Lake Tahoe Beaches Find No Harmful Algae Blooms

Recent water tests at two South Lake Tahoe beaches did not detect harmful algae blooms (HABs) in the lake itself,…

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Stories

The Naked Truth: Stories of Skinny-Dippers and Fly Fishing in Northern California

I have nothing against naked people, and particularly respect their ability to garner interest at the beginning of a story.…

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Outdoors

Yosemite Park Ranger Teaches Important Lesson About Baby Deer in the Wild

Recently at Yosemite National Park, a visitor came across a seemingly abandoned fawn in the wild. Hoping to help, the…

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Destinations

Discover a Wildlife Utopia at Lassen’s Manzanita Lake

Sitting right outside Redding, California is one of the most underrated National Parks in the United States – Lassen Volcanic National Park.…

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Destinations

9 Can’t-Miss Summer Adventures in Lake Tahoe

Photo by Clayton Cardinalli It’s summertime in Northern California, meaning the pristine outdoor destinations of the region are primed for an…

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Shasta Cascade

Shasta-Trinity National Forest Implements Fire Restrictions Amid Heightened Fire Activity

Due to intense heat and dry conditions leading to increased fire activity, the Shasta-Trinity National Forest has implemented fire restrictions…

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Tahoe

Viral Video Claims Dog Died Due to Algal Bloom in Lake Tahoe

Government officials are currently investigating potential toxic algae blooms at Lake Tahoe beaches. Warning signs were posted on Monday at…

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Weather

Redding Smashes All-Time Heat Record with Scorching Temperatures

Redding experienced its hottest day ever recorded on July 6, reaching a scorching 119 degrees. This set a new record…

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News

13 Missing Young Hikers Found Near Wildfire in the Tahoe National Forest

A group of young hikers who went missing in the area affected by the Placer County wildfire has been found,…

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News

Record Volunteer Turnout Discovers Surprisingly Clean Lake Tahoe Beaches on July 5th

In an impressive display of community spirit, 774 volunteers gathered across more than a half dozen beaches around Lake Tahoe…

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Video

Watch: Man Spots Rattlesnake Swimming Across the American River

It’s summertime in NorCal, which means when we’re out in the wild, it’s important to pay close attention to the…

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Cannabis

Take a Tour Through the Cannabis Farms of Northern California’s Emerald Triangle

Photo: The Mendocino Experience You’ve undoubtedly heard of the world-class wine tours held in Napa Valley, highlighting the famed vineyards…

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Wildlife

California Sturgeon Now a Candidate for the Endangered Species List

The California Fish and Game Commission has approved the white sturgeon as a candidate species for listing under the California…

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News

Following Forest Closure, Rainbow Family Gathering Has Relocated in NorCal Forest

The U.S. National Forest Service (USFS) announced that the large hippie gathering, known as the Rainbow Family Gathering, has relocated…

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Outdoors

Popular Lake Tahoe Trail Set for 2-Mile Expansion Thanks to $24 Million Boost

A significant funding boost of $24 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be used to extend the popular Tahoe…

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News

PG&E Warns of Potential Power Shut-Offs During Hot Fourth of July Week in Northern California

As California faces a heat wave this week, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) has warned of potential power shut-offs…

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Tahoe

Alcohol Banned at These Lake Tahoe Hotspots During Fourth of July Weekend

Planning to celebrate the Fourth of July with a beer on the beach at Lake Tahoe? Be prepared for some…

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Video

This Video of Bear Cubs Climbing the Snow in Lassen Volcanic National Park Will Melt Your Heart

We just love to see videos of the bears roaming around Northern California, and this video taken in Lassen Volcanic…

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Outdoors

Skier’s Summer Delight: A Backpacking Adventure to Find the Sierra’s Fountain of Youth

Skiers and snowboarders hit a bit of a stage of depression in the late weeks of June. Although some ski…

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News

‘Zero Tolerance’: Law Enforcement Crack Down on Rainbow Family Gathering in Northern California

Nearly three dozen federal law enforcement officers have been assigned to monitor the Rainbow Family Gathering in Plumas National Forest.…

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News

This Donkey Went Viral for Joining an Elk Herd in Northern California. We Now Know His Origin Story.

Earlier this year, we shared the story of the donkey that joined a Tule elk herd in Northern California. As…

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Outdoors

Funding for Popular California State Parks Library Pass Restored

The California State Parks Foundation has announced the restoration of funding for the California State Library Parks Pass program. A…

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Tahoe

More Than 12,000 Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Released Into Lake Tahoe

The Lahontan National Fish Hatchery has successfully stocked 12,144 Pilot Peak strain Lahontan cutthroat trout into Lake Tahoe over the…

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News

Increased Mountain Lion Activity Forces New Protocols in Northern California County

El Dorado County has experienced a significant increase in mountain lion sightings, prompting local law enforcement to establish an official…

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Wildlife

Yosemite Releases 250 California Red-Legged Frogs in Reintroduction Effort

Yosemite National Park officials have recently released 250 California red-legged frogs (CRLF) across various sites in Yosemite Valley as part…

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Tahoe

How You Can Help Keep Tahoe Blue During Fourth-of-July Celebrations

Lake Tahoe is a summer paradise, offering clear skies, warm sand, and pristine blue waters. However, maintaining its beauty requires…

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News

Two Dead, One Rescued After Being Swept Downstream on North Fork American River

Tragedy struck at the North Fork American River on Monday when a man and a teenage boy died after being…

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News

An Unauthorized Hippie Gathering is Expected to Reach 10,000 People in Northern California this Week

An unauthorized noncommercial group event, known as the Rainbow Family Gathering, is taking place in the Plumas National Forest, approximately…

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News

Missing Hiker Found After 10 Days Lost in Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Photo via SVL Steve A California man spent ten days stranded in the Santa Cruz Mountains after getting lost during…

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News

Shasta Indian Nation to Reclaim 2,800 Acres of Ancestral Land in Northern California

The Shasta Indian Nation is set to regain over 2,800 acres of ancestral land in Northern California, as recently announced…

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Destinations

Popular Lake Tahoe Beach to Release ‘Late-Summer’ Reservations on July 1

Starting July 1, Sand Harbor State Park in Lake Tahoe will implement a new day-use reservation system aimed at enhancing…

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Tahoe

Spend a Day Relaxing in Tahoe on the Lazy Float Down the Truckee River

There are many summer activities in the Tahoe area for adventurers, but if you’re looking for a relaxing adventure, look…

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News

Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway Opens for the Summer Season

The 30-mile highway through Lassen Volcanic National Park is now open for the season. Thanks to the diligent efforts of…

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News

This Week’s Strawberry Full Moon Will Be Bigger and Brighter Than Usual

Skywatchers in Northern California are in for a treat this week as the Strawberry Full Moon graces the evening skies.…

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Wildlife

Bear Cubs Emerge in Tahoe: Here Are Some Guidelines for Safe Encounters

As temperatures rise, bear cubs and yearling bears are emerging from their winter dens in the Tahoe region. The Tahoe…

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Video

VIDEO: Tourist Hops Barrier for Dangerous Pose at Yosemite’s Vernal Fall

A visit to Yosemite National Park usually promises awe-inspiring views and natural beauty, but one recent visitor showed exactly what…

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Yosemite-Mammoth

Climbers Hang ‘Stop the Genocide’ Sign on Yosemite’s El Capitan to Protest War in Palestine

Photo by Dakota Snider On Monday, a group of rock climbers unfurled a large “Stop the Genocide” flag on El…

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Outdoors

Rafter Identified After Tragic Drowning Incident in American River

Photo: Metro Fire of Sacramento A rafting trip on the American River ended in tragedy on Saturday when a man…

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Destinations

Entrance to National Parks is Free on Juneteenth. Here’s Where to Go in Northern California.

Grab your backpacks and hiking boots because it’s time to celebrate Juneteenth with a fantastic opportunity to explore some of…

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Wildlife

Autopsy Reveals the First Confirmed Fatal Black Bear Attack in California’s History

An unprecedented event occurred last fall when 71-year-old Patrice Miller became the first person in recorded California history to be…

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Outdoors

Lassen Park Highway Now Open to Bikers and Hikers

If you’re looking for a unique and serene outdoor experience, now is the perfect time to bike or hike a…

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Events

Popular Concert Series Returns to the Shores of Lake Tahoe

Get ready to groove to the sounds of summer as the North Tahoe Business Association (NTBA) has brought back the…

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Destinations

A Complete Guide to Camping in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Camping is a time-honored summer tradition in Northern California, and more than that – it’s a blast. Whether you’re hiking…

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Yosemite-Mammoth

WATCH: Hikers Complete the Dangerous Ascent Up Half Dome Without the Cables

The thrilling hike to the top of Half Dome is a world-famous adventure that became so popular, you now need…

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Destinations

Tioga Road Set to Reopen for the Summer Season in Yosemite National Park

Tioga Road, the continuation of Highway 120 through Yosemite National Park, will reopen to the public on Monday, June 10…

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Destinations

A Complete Guide to the Outdoor Destinations of California’s Eastern Sierra

Photo by Zongnan Bao U.S. Highway 395 runs from the Canadian border all the way down to Southern California, and approaching…

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Tahoe

Lake Tahoe Crowned the Most Picturesque Lake in the U.S.

Lake Tahoe, known for its stunning beauty and year-round recreational opportunities, has been recognized as the most picturesque lake in…

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Destinations

NorCal is Home to the Smallest Mountain Range in the World. Here’s Why You Can’t Visit It.

Rising dramatically from the flatlands of Sutte County in Northern California, the Sutter Buttes are a striking geological formation that…

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News

San Francisco’s Anchor Brewing Set for Revival by Yogurt Billionaire

Anchor Brewing Co., America’s oldest craft brewery, closed its doors last summer after more than 127 years in business. Now,…

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Stories

The Zodiac Signs as Northern California Destinations

Just like human beings around the world, the destinations of Northern California have distinct characteristics that can bring out thoughts…

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Stories

This Northern California Town is Responsible for America’s First Bike Lane

The ever-popular bike lanes you see all around the country are a pretty new phenomenon. San Francisco received its first…

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News

The Aurora Borealis Could Return to the Northern California Sky this Week

Missed the recent dazzling display of the aurora borealis? Don’t worry, Northern California might be in for another spectacular show…

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News

California’s Oldest Lake Has So Much Algae that You Can See it From Space

California’s Clear Lake is experiencing a significant algae bloom, so severe that it is visible from space, according to recent…

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News

CDFW Releases Over 2 Million Juvenile Salmon into Klamath River

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) recently completed the release of more than 2 million fall-run Chinook salmon…

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Shasta Cascade

College Students Could Face Disciplinary Action After Trashing Shasta Lake

Photo via the U.S. Forest Service Some students from the University of California, Davis could face disciplinary action after leaving…

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Wildlife

Fatal Shooting of Juvenile Bear in South Lake Tahoe Sparks Outrage

A South Lake Tahoe homeowner’s fatal shooting of a juvenile bear on Memorial Day has sparked a heated debate between…

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Destinations

Reservations to Hike to Fern Canyon Now Available for the 2024 Season

Great news for nature enthusiasts and hikers: reservations to visit the stunning Fern Canyon at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park…

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Shasta Cascade

NASA Images Show a Complete Water Transformation on Shasta Lake

Shasta Lake has filled up for the second consecutive year, just in time for summer 2024. This marks a significant…

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Destinations

The Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Outdoor Adventurers in Northern California

Photo by John Gibbons It’s time to prepare for summer in Northern California, meaning we put away our rain coats and…

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Shasta Cascade

Celebrate Memorial Day at the Living Memorial Sculpture Garden Near Mount Shasta

Photo: Discover Siskiyou Each year, Memorial Day stands as a poignant reminder to all Americans of the sacrifices made by…

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News

California Bans Salmon Fishing on Rivers for the Second Consecutive Year

The California Fish and Game Commission has voted unanimously to close in-river salmon sport fishing in the Klamath River Basin…

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Bay Area

Big Basin Redwoods Launches Free Summer Shuttle Service for Weekends and Holidays

As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks have announced a series…

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News

Officials Issue Warning to California Hikers Following Three Tragic Deaths

The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office has issued a stark warning about the perils of hiking in early spring conditions following…

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Photography

NorCal Photographer Explains What It Was Like to Witness the Northern Lights With the Naked Eye

Seeing the Northern Lights in Northern California was a rare and mesmerizing experience. The photos circulating online are certainly magical,…

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News

College Students Leave Unexpected Surprise on Shasta Lake After Party Weekend

The annual college party weekend on Shasta Lake began as it usually does, with more than a thousand students, mostly…

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Wildlife

Endangered Species Breeds in Yosemite for First Time in 25 Years

Yosemite National Park has witnessed the successful breeding of the state-endangered Willow Flycatchers for the first time in over two…

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Outdoors

This Beautiful California Lake Doesn’t Have Any Fish

Mono Lake, located in California’s Eastern Sierra region, is a unique and fascinating body of water that has been attracting…

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Stories

Two Bridges with the Same Name Tell a Fascinating Story of Northern California’s History

In July 1848, John Bidwell discovered gold in a canyon of the Feather River, leading to the establishment of Bidwell’s…

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Yosemite-Mammoth

Northern Lights Bring Beautiful Pink Glow to Yosemite National Park

On Friday night, visitors and residents near Yosemite National Park were treated to an extraordinary display of nature’s beauty: the…

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Weather

Satellite Images Show Sierra Snowpack Transformation After Historic May Snowfall

In a surprising twist to the spring season, California’s Sierra Nevada presented a winter-like spectacle in early May 2024. On…

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News

Northern California Photographers Rewarded with Brief Northern Lights Show Saturday Night

Following a spectacular display on Friday night, photographers in Northern California were still able to capture the Northern Lights on…

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Outdoors

Here’s the Secret to Snagging Northern California’s Most Popular Campsites

Camping in Northern California can be a challenging task as the high demand for state park campsites often results in…

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Destinations

These 10 Campgrounds in California Are Nearly Impossible to Book

Fallen Leaf Lake has one of the most popular campgrounds in the state near Lake Tahoe California offers some of…

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Outdoors

Don’t Have a Camera? Here’s the Best Way to Photograph the Northern Lights with Your iPhone.

This weekend, Northern California is experiencing a rare opportunity to witness the Northern Lights, and you don’t need professional camera…

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News

Did You Miss the Northern Lights? There’s a Chance You Can See Them Again Tonight.

A rare celestial event lit up the night skies over Northern California Friday night, offering residents a stunning view of…

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Photography

See the Best Photos of the Northern Lights Over Northern California

It was a night for the ages in Northern California (and, quite frankly, the entire Northern Hemisphere) after a strong…

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Tahoe

Lake Tahoe Set to Reach Full Capacity for First Time in Nearly Five Years

For the first time in almost half a decade, Lake Tahoe is on track to reach full capacity this spring,…

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Tahoe

32nd Annual Cushing Crossing Pond Skim Competition Returning to Palisades Tahoe

Get ready for thrills, spills, and lots of laughter at Palisades Tahoe’s 32nd Annual Cushing Crossing! This highly anticipated event,…

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News

Northern Lights May Be Visible in Northern California Due to Rare Geomagnetic Storm

Northern California might witness the spectacular northern lights tomorrow night, thanks to a significant geomagnetic storm. The Space Weather Prediction…

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News

Lake Oroville Reaches 100 Percent Capacity for the Second Consecutive Year

Lake Oroville has reached full capacity for the second year in a row, signaling a boon for water supply in…

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Yosemite-Mammoth

It’s Officially ‘Moonbow’ Season in Yosemite. Here’s How to See the Coveted Natural Phenomenon.

Yosemite National Park, with its mesmerizing waterfalls, presents a unique natural phenomenon during the high country snowmelt season – the…

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Weather

It’s Official: Cinco De Mayo Was the Snowiest Day of the Season in the Sierra

Over the weekend, a rare spring storm swept through Northern California, bringing substantial snowfall to the Sierra Nevada and heavy…

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News

Is California’s Super Volcano About to Erupt? New Study Reveals the Probability.

California’s Long Valley Caldera, one of the state’s most monitored volcanoes, has been the subject of continuous study due to…

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Sports

Golf Course with Gorgeous Mount Shasta Views Hits the Market for $3.8 Million

Golf enthusiasts take note: the picturesque Lake Shastina Golf Resort in Siskiyou County is now on the market for $3.8…

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Video

Northern California Donkey Joins Elk Herd in Unlikely Friendship Captured on Video

In a heartwarming display of interspecies companionship, a donkey in Northern California has been “adopted” by a herd of elk,…

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Wildlife

Chronic Wasting Disease Detected in California Deer and Elk

For the first time, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been confirmed in California’s deer and elk populations, raising concerns about…

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News

Watch Helicopter Rescue Crew Hoist Climber Caught in Avalanche on Mount Shasta

A daring rescue unfolded at 11,000 feet on Mount Shasta when a mountain climber, injured by an avalanche, was saved…

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News

NorCal Fisherman Completes California’s 500th Heritage Trout Challenge

Scott Lyons, a retired educator and lifelong angler from El Dorado County, has achieved a significant milestone in California’s fishing…

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Tahoe

April Showers Bring May POWDER! Palisades Tahoe Receives 2 Feet of New Snowfall.

While most ski resorts in California have already closed for the season, one is still getting some epic powder days.…

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Magazine

A Look Inside Issue #14 of the Active NorCal Magazine

Spring has sprung in Northern California (even if the weather doesn’t seem that way), which means Issue #14 of the…

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