Active NorCal

Active NorCal

Telling the Stories of Northern California
Eating

This Sacramento Taqueria Made Yelp’s Top 100 Tacos in America List

Yelp has unveiled its list of the Top 100 Taco Spots in the United States and Sacramento boasts one of…

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News

Search Suspended for Missing Swimmer Feared to Have Been Attacked by Shark on NorCal Coast

A swimmer remains missing following a reported shark attack off a popular beach in the Point Reyes National Seashore. On…

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Outdoors

Giveaway: Win a Whale & Wildlife Tour with Kayak Trinidad

It’s giveaway time! We’ve partnered with our friends at Kayak Trinidad to giveaway two whale watching and wildlife tours on…

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Outdoors

Fly Fishing for Steelhead on the World-Famous Trinity River

The lakes and rivers surrounding Redding, California make it one of the premiere fishing destinations in America. The Lower Sacramento…

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Destinations

5 Underground Adventures in Northern California’s Shasta Cascade

The Shasta Cascade region of Northern California is full of beautiful outdoor gems. From active volcanos to massive waterfalls, there’s…

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News

Reported Shark Attack Leads to Search and Rescue Operations in Point Reyes

A person was reportedly attacked by a shark at the Point Reyes National Seashore on Sunday, triggering a comprehensive multiagency…

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Cannabis

California Wildlife Officers Crack Down on Illegal Cannabis Operations

In a series of targeted enforcement actions, wildlife officers from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Marijuana Enforcement…

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Weather

Tahoe Mountains Receive First Snow of the Season

After last winter saw the most snow in 70 years, the incoming winter season is already trying to top it…

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North Coast

Redwood Sky Walk at Sequoia Park Zoo Receives Multiple National Awards

The Redwood Sky Walk at Sequoia Park Zoo has earned prestigious national recognition, receiving two awards from the Association of…

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Sports

Can You Hunt in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area? The Answer Might Surprise You.

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is a beautiful outdoor destination outside Redding that provides visitors with year-round waterfall hikes, on-water activities…

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Tahoe

Art Installation Made Out of Trash Cleaned Up in Lake Tahoe Unveiled

A remarkable art installation, “Surfaced,” has been unveiled, showcasing the creativity of artists and the environmental efforts to clean Lake…

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History

On this Day in History: President JFK Dedicates the Whiskeytown Dam

We know that our area holds significant landmarks for the state as well as the country, and no event signifies…

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Tahoe

Recently-Listed Lake Tahoe Mansion Could Sell For a Record-Shattering $76 Million

A remarkable property on Incline Village’s prestigious Lakeshore Boulevard is capturing the attention of luxury real estate enthusiasts and could…

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Eating

Here Are All the Northern California Breweries that Won Awards at the Great American Beer Festival

Shred Brewing Co. in Rocklin received the prestigious title of “Brewery of the Year” in the 0–250 Barrels category. Photo:…

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Weather

This Year’s El Nino Could Be One of the Most Intense Ever Observed. Here’s What it Could Mean for NorCal.

An experimental forecast has raised concerns about the potential emergence of a powerful El Niño climate pattern this winter, possibly…

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Tahoe

Palisades Tahoe Launches Reservation-Based Parking System for the 2023-24 Winter Season

Palisades Tahoe is set to launch a reservation-based parking initiative for the upcoming 2023-24 winter season. The move aims to…

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Video

Alarming Video Shows Woman Bringing Child Past Guardrail to Steep Cliff at Sequoia National Park

In a recent Instagram video that highlights the risky behavior of some visitors in national parks, concerns are raised about…

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News

Hikers Struck by Lightning on Yosemite’s Half Dome

Two hikers were struck by lightning on Yosemite’s iconic Half Dome last week, managing to survive and recount their harrowing…

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Tahoe

Tahoe’s Kokanee Salmon Festival Cancelled Due to Bear Danger

The popular Kokanee salmon Fall Fish Fest, originally scheduled for October 14th, has been canceled by the U.S. Forest Service…

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Lassen

Significant Road Closures Occurring in Lassen Volcanic NP this Week

Lassen Volcanic National Park has issued a travel warning for people intending to visit the park this week. A scheduled…

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Wildlife

Rare Sighting: Bobcat Seen on Trail Camera in Shasta-Trinity National Forest

A recent sighting of a bobcat captured on one of Shasta-Trinity National Forest’s game cameras has sparked local intrigue. Bobcats,…

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Outdoors

What a Federal Government Shutdown Would Mean for Northern California’s National Parks

A potential federal government shutdown looms, with government funding scheduled to halt on October 1 if Congress isn’t able to…

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Tahoe

Prescribed Burns Begin in the Lake Tahoe Region

The Angora Fire burns next to Lake Tahoe in 2007 In an effort to mitigate wildfire risks and restore fire-adapted…

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Destinations

5 Awesome Adventures in the Lava Beds National Monument

Sitting in the the tippy-top of Northern California is one of the most beautiful, historical parks in all of California.…

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News

Iconic Northern California Castle is Up For Sale and It’s Not As Expensive as You Think

Photo: Zillow The iconic Valley Springs Castle is officially up for grabs! Nestled in the serene landscapes of Valley Springs,…

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History

Remembering President JFK’s Trip to Northern California Just Weeks Before His Assassination

On November 22, 1963, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated as his motorcade drove through Dallas, Texas. Less than two…

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Uncategorized

Joaquin Miller: ‘Poet of the Sierras’ or ‘Greatest Liar This Country Ever Produced’

My rickety old horse was slowly approaching a broken-down building with a crooked SALOON sign swaying in the breeze. She…

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Weather

First Atmospheric River of the Season Takes Aim at Northern California

Photo: Sacramento State/Andrea Price Northern California is gearing up for its first significant storm of the season as a moisture-rich…

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Video

WATCH: CHP Helicopter Rescues Hiker at 12,500 Feet on Mount Shasta

In a daring mountain rescue operation, California Highway Patrol (CHP) helicopter H-14 responded swiftly to the call for help on…

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News

The Active NorCal Magazine is Back!

Many of you know Active NorCal from our robust online coverage of outdoor culture in Northern California – including our…

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Tahoe

A Brand-New Invasive Species Has Been Discovered in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe faces a new threat as invasive New Zealand mudsnails have been discovered in its iconic waters. This alarming…

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Outdoors

Mammoth Lakes Tourism and Clean Up The Lake Join Forces for Eastern Sierra Lakes Restoration

Mammoth Lakes Tourism (MLT) is embarking on an ambitious fundraising campaign in collaboration with Clean Up The Lake (CUTL) to…

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Destinations

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with Free Entrance to National Parks this Weekend

Prepare your backpacks and hiking boots because it’s time to celebrate National Public Lands Day with a fantastic opportunity to…

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Tahoe

Tahoe’s East Shore Trail is Set to Undergo 8-Mile Expansion and Parking Development

In 2019, the Tahoe East Shore Trail opened with much fanfare, offering a spectacular three-mile, universally accessible pathway providing breathtaking…

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Wildlife

Chinook Salmon Return to Feather River as Hatchery Fish Ladder Opens

As the natural cycle of life unfolds, Chinook salmon are making their triumphant return to the Feather River. Commencing on…

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Butte

Lake Oroville Water Levels Hold Strong at 78 Percent, 138 Percent of Historical Average

Lake Oroville’s water level stands at 845 feet elevation as of Friday, with the levels continuing to be closely monitored…

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Sports

Water Shortages Will Continue to Impact Waterfowl Hunting at Shasta Valley Wildlife Area

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced the reopening of the Shasta Valley Wildlife Area in Siskiyou…

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News

Famed Off-the-Grid Village Destroyed in the Smith River Complex Fire

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Sustainable EcoVillage, a dream project led by Dan Schultz up Little Jones Creek…

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Shasta Cascade

GoPro Found in the Mud on Shasta Lake Returned to Owner 7 Years After it Was Lost

The power of social media is strong, especially in small communities. On Monday, a post was shared to the Shasta…

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Bay Area

What the Heck Is It? Weird Creature Found on Point Reyes Beach.

Photos of a mysterious creature are circulating online after it was photographed on a Point Reyes beach earlier this week.…

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Stories

Is the Next Big Earthquake Destined for Northern California?

Fires erupt all over San Francisco in the earthquake of 1906 On January 27, 1700, a six-hundred-mile-long wave struck the…

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Tahoe

Tahoe Ski Resorts Announce Opening Dates for the 2023-24 Winter Season

Winter is just around the corner in Northern California, with our first snow of the season possibly coming to the…

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Outdoors

National Park Etiquette: What Not to Do When Visiting Northern California’s Treasures

As the summer travel season in our glorious National Parks winds down, the enchanting fall season invites visitors with its…

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News

What Was It? Unusual String of Lights Seen in the Night Sky Over Northern California

On Saturday night, residents across Northern California were treated to an extraordinary celestial display as they gazed up at an…

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Lassen

Dixie Fire Restoration Project Closes 3-Mile Section of the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail

In a significant step towards forest management and safety improvement, the Lassen National Forest has initiated the next phase of…

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Tahoe

A Sad Update on Legendary Tahoe Skier’s Battle with Cancer

The Lake Tahoe skiing community and admirers of Dr. Robb Gaffney’s work have been closely following his journey since his…

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History

Mark Twain’s Hilarious Account of the Naming of Yreka, California

The small town of Yreka, California, sitting just to the north of the mighty Mount Shasta, has a prominent history…

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News

Court Rules on Yosemite’s Vegetation Thinning Practices in Response to Environmental Lawsuit

A federal court of appeals has ruled in favor of the National Park Service’s ability to continue tree thinning and…

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Uncategorized

Watch as an Osprey Steals a Fish from Fishing Guides on the Lower Sacramento River

As the crew of the Kennedy Brothers fly fishing guide service was fishing from a boat on the Lower Sacramento…

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Bay Area

CDFW Offering No-Fee Waterfowl Hunts At East Bay Ecological Reserve

Hunters in Northern California will soon have the opportunity to participate in no-fee waterfowl hunts in the restored salt ponds…

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Yosemite-Mammoth

A Complete Guide to Visiting Yosemite’s Glacier Point

Nestled deep within the heart of California’s Yosemite National Park lies a outdoor gem known as Glacier Point. Offering an…

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Shasta Cascade

U.S. House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Shasta-Trinity National Forest

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan bill, H.R. 3324, aimed at extending the Shasta-Trinity National Forest’s authority…

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News

Amsterdam-Style Cannabis Cafes Could be Coming to California. Here’s What to Know.

California may soon see the legalization of cannabis cafes, a potential game-changer for the state’s budding cannabis industry, pending approval…

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News

Increased Water Flows to Bring Intense Rapids on the North Fork Feather River

Photo: Plumas County Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is issuing a vital safety advisory to thrill-seeking outdoor enthusiasts who…

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Events

Adventure Van Expo Returns to North Lake Tahoe

Van enthusiasts, get ready to hit the road and explore the world of custom vans at the upcoming Adventure Van…

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Stories

Meet the Mount Shasta Lizard: The Largest Known Marine Reptile to Ever Live on Earth

Illustration of what the Shastasaurus could look like In 1893, Stanford University’s James Perrin Smith went of a fossil-collecting expedition…

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Shasta Cascade

Mount Shasta Campground Wins BIG in the 2023 Campspot Awards

Campspot has released its annual awards and it holds one Mount Shasta campground in very high regard. The Campspot Awards,…

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Tahoe

Divers Have Been Dispatched to Eradicate Invasive Plants from Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay

Divers have embarked on a mission to eradicate invasive plant species from the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe, announced the…

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News

Lightning Strikes Lead to Fires in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park has identified two fires in remote and isolated areas of the park following a series of lightning…

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Yosemite-Mammoth

Yosemite Resort Offering Free Spa Treatments for Cleanup Volunteers

Photo: Rush Creek Lodge Rush Creek Lodge & Spa, located near Yosemite National Park, has rolled out a unique proposition…

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Bay Area

Sailboat Stuck on Stinson Beach for Over a Month Sparks a Legal Battle and Local Controversy

A sailboat marooned off the shores of Stinson Beach has become a month-long saga, sparking controversy and a legal battle.…

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Shasta Cascade

Visit the Oldest Fish Hatchery West of the Mississippi in Northern California

A drive towards the picturesque Lake Siskiyou takes you past an age-old testament to California’s commitment to aquatic conservation –…

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Wildlife

Officials Plead with Public to Help Keep Bear Cubs Alive in Yosemite

Photo via Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park is issuing a heartfelt plea to drivers to play their part in…

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Tahoe

Throwback: Kings Beach Gas Station Employee Confronts Tahoe Bear Attempting to Break into Store

The recent weeks have seen a lot of videos of bears entering businesses for human food in the Lake Tahoe…

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Lassen

The Tricky Trek to the Summit of Lassen’s Cinder Cone

Lassen Volcanic National Park can be accurately described as both a geologist’s wonderland and an adventurer;s paradise. The hike to…

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Destinations

The World’s Largest Corn Maze is Reopening this Month in Northern California

In Dixon, California sits a 63-acre fall utopia with a pumpkin patch, hay rides and the largest corn maze in…

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Video

Watch a Mountain Lion in a Standoff with Coyotes in Yosemite

This video is old, but boy does it show the chaotic wildlife of Yosemite National Park in action. The below…

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Uncategorized

King Among Kings – The Legend of the 85-Pound Chinook Salmon Found on Battle Creek

You may have seen plenty of photos of massive Chinook salmon (also known as king salmon) caught on the Sacramento…

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Video

WATCH: Tahoe Bear Climbs Up an 80-Foot Tree in Search of Osprey Eggs

After we posted a couple videos on social media of a bear attempting to climb a large tree on Lake…

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History

The History Behind Northern California’s National Parks

Northern California is a treasure trove of natural wonders, boasting an array of national parks that stand as testament to…

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Video

Watch the World’s Largest Devil’s Toothpaste Explosion in Northern California

Mark Rober ia a former NASA engineer and popular content creator who has amassed over a billion views on YouTube…

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Destinations

7 Hidden Outdoor Gems in Siskiyou County

We all know about the top attractions in Siskiyou County. Places like McCloud Falls, Lake Siskiyou, Lava Beds National Monument…

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Shasta Cascade

Redding Named One of the Best Trout Fishing Towns in America by Field and Stream

There are plenty of spots to catch big fish throughout Northern California. From the streams of the North Coast to…

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Weather

El Nino is Heading for Northern California. Here’s What That Means for the Upcoming Winter.

Snow walls on Carson Pass in the Sierra As the summer heat gradually subsides and temperatures settle in the 70s…

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Shasta Cascade

Mount Shasta is Currently Covered in a Beautiful Layer of Snow

The iconic Mount Shasta finds itself draped in a layer of snow during the first week of September, a beautiful…

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Wildlife

Bear Biologists Offer Advice to Visitors on Late-Season Camping Trips in Tahoe Basin

As visitors flock to the Tahoe Basin for one last summer camping excursion, biologists have some valuable insights to share…

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News

Popular Destination in Yosemite National Park Closed Due to Rockslide Threat

A popular rock climbing spot within Yosemite National Park has been temporarily shuttered due to concerns of a potential rockslide.…

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News

Video Shows Terrifying Moment a Deadly Rockslide Fell on Yosemite’s El Capitan

For climbers, conquering the towering granite giant that is El Capitan in Yosemite National Park is a monumental achievement. Standing…

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Stories

Among Giants: The Story of the Activists Trying to Save Northern California’s Redwood Forest

How far would you go to stand up for what you believe in? For a group of activists in the…

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Shasta Cascade

How to Hike Like a Local in California’s Far North

Brought to you by Discover Siskiyou Photo by Stephen Leonardi If you ask any local in Siskiyou County, there’s no better…

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Wildlife

Environmentalists Call For the Suspension of Logging Operations to Protect California’s Newest Wolf Pack

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) uncovered an astonishing revelation earlier this month – the presence of a…

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News

Ultrarunner Smashes Pacific Crest Trail Speed Record by Five Days

Karel Sabbe on the Pacific Crest Trail in Northern California (via karelsabbe/Instagram) Karel Sabbe, a Belgian dentist and endurance athlete…

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Video

Throwback: Watch the Martin Mars Waterbomber on Shasta Lake

When wildfires become difficult to control in NorCal, sometimes firefighters need a little help from the air. Call in the…

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News

Teen Missing for Nearly 40 Years May Be Buried in Yosemite National Park

After almost four decades of investigation, a breakthrough may have emerged in the case of missing California teen Susan Robin…

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News

A Rare Super Blue Moon Will Light Up the Night Sky Over Northern California Tonight

Prepare to be dazzled by a rare celestial event tonight. A blue supermoon is set to grace the night sky…

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News

Critical Fire Weather Brings First Red Flag Warning of the Year to Northern California

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for portions of Northern California, signaling the advent of “critical…

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News

NPS Considers Proposal to Allow Tule Elk Herd to Roam Free in Tomales Bay Area of Point Reyes

The National Park Service has put forth a proposal to allow a tule elk herd to roam freely within the…

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News

Tough Mudder Participants in NorCal Contract Bacterial Infection

Sonoma County health authorities are actively investigating a bacterial infection that roughly two dozen individuals have reported contracting on their…

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Video

WATCH: Two Young Bears Wrestle on the Front Porch of a South Lake Tahoe Home

While many individuals install security cameras with the intention of safeguarding their property, an unexpected perk emerges in the form…

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News

PG&E Warns of Possible Power Shutdowns in 7 Northern California Counties this Week

PG&E has issued a warning to Northstate residents about a looming possibility of a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) on…

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Destinations

Report: National Monuments in Far NorCal Bring $7 Million to Local Economy

Lava Beds National Monument A recent report shows that the economic impact of far Northern California’s well-kept secrets, Lava Beds…

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History

A History Behind Shasta Dam’s Essential Role in California Water

In 1938, thousands of hardworking people arrived in rural Shasta County to build a dam and a dream. Shasta Dam…

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Waterfalls

When Will Feather Falls Reopen After Being Blazed By Wildfire?

In the summer of 2020, the North Complex Fire burned through Butte and Plumas counties on its way to becoming…

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Destinations

Outside Magazine Names this NorCal National Forest Hike as One of the Best in America

Granite Dome. Photo via Abby Swann/Flickr When it comes to ranking the best outdoor destinations in America, there’s probably no…

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News

Yurok Tribe Celebrates its Annual Salmon Festival – Without Any Salmon

Photo: Yurok Tribe In a departure from tradition, the Yurok Tribe’s annual salmon festival in Klamath, California, happened last weekend…

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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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Wildlife

Wild Turkey Survives for Months with Arrow Through Its Chest in Monterey County

In a bewildering yet inspiring tale, a wild turkey, dubbed Cupid, has been living with a 2½-foot arrow lodged through…

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News

Here’s a Map of All the Fires Are Burning in Northern California

After a series of lightning storms lit remote fires throughout Northern California, it’s been difficult to follow exactly whats going…

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Uncategorized

‘Mount Shasta is Closed’: Everitt Memorial Highway Inundated with Flash Flooding

While Hurricane Hillary is making waves for our neighbors to the south, it looks like remnants of the hurricane made…

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Outdoors

The 8 Best Places for a Kayaking Adventure Near Redding, California

Photo: Visit Redding In 2014, Time Magazine created a list of American cities and their weird obsession. While San Francisco…

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