Outdoors Archives

Jun- 2023 -

6 June

How to Experience Being Surrounded by Millions of Butterflies on Lassen Peak

Lassen Peak is known to many as Northern California’s most active volcano, having erupted just over 100 years ago. The…

6 June

Cliff Jumpers Perform Acrobatics Off 1800’s Gold Mining Crane in Northern California

On the South Fork of the Yuba River in a remote area west of the Sierra Nevada mountains sits the…

5 June

Palisades Tahoe Unveils New Pay-for-Parking Reservation System

The largest ski resort in the Lake Tahoe region, Palisades Tahoe, has recently revealed plans to introduce parking reservations in…

5 June

Sleep Under the Stars on the Floating Campsites of Lake Oroville

Photo: TomOwen Camping in Norther California is a pretty straight-forward endeavor. You drive to your campsite, pop your tent, unload…

5 June

The World’s Greatest Houseboat Trip: Shasta Lake

The sun is shining and the heat is beginning to roll into NorCal which means it’s almost time to spend…

1 June

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…

1 June

Beauty Meets History – Hiking Tahoe’s Rubicon Trail

Tahoe’s Rubicon Trail might sound familiar to you as it’s become a very popular destination for hikers throughout Northern California,…

1 June

Northern California is Experiencing a Modern-Day Gold Rush. Here’s Where You Should Pan for Gold.

Northern California has recently been subjected to a harsh winter, with the Sierra Nevada bearing the brunt of severe storms.…

May- 2023 -

31 May

Yosemite’s Mist Trail is Currently Overflowing with Water. Here’s What it Looks Like.

The Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park is known to push water onto the steps ascending up to the top…

31 May

Thousands of Cyclists to Gather for Charity Event on Lake Tahoe Roadways this Weekend

This weekend, Lake Tahoe’s highways will teem with thousands of cyclists for the 30th edition of America’s Most Beautiful Bike…

30 May

5 State Parks Open for Day Use in the Tahoe Basin

Sugar Pine State Park The Sierra State Parks Foundation has recently announced that several state parks located in California’s Tahoe…

29 May

WATCH: Bear Gets Swept Downstream Trying to Swim Across the Raging Yuba River

View this post on Instagram A post shared by KCRA (@kcranews) Over the past weekend in Nevada County, a black…

28 May

How Scientists Are Using Lasers to Measure Northern California’s Giant Redwoods

The towering California redwoods, some of the planet’s most ancient and tallest trees, present a unique challenge when it comes…

28 May

Study: Natural Disasters Impact 18% of Camping Plans

Camping is one of the great past times in Northern California, but weather and wildfires have significantly impacted campsite availability…

25 May

Sempervirens Fund Expands Big Basin Redwoods State Park Conservation Area

The Sempervirens Fund announced the purchase of a 16.5-acre tract of forest, known as the Sterrenzee Ridgetop, which is situated…

25 May

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…

25 May

A Day Hike Up Castle Dome Trail in the Castle Crags Wilderness

Adventure is calling, and I’m answering with my hiking boots. On this day, I find myself in the stunning Castle…

25 May

Yosemite’s Most Popular Trail is Dangerous. A $5 Million Upgrade Hopes to Make it Safer.

Yosemite National Park’s Mist Trail, a seven-mile trek attracting up to 4,000 daily visitors during summer weekends, is renowned for…

23 May

How to Enjoy the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Safely this Memorial Day Weekend

As the United States prepares to commemorate Memorial Day, honoring the lives of military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice,…

23 May

Inaugural Summit of 50 Regional Leaders Hopes to Tackle Lake Tahoe’s Litter Problem

Photo: Clean Up the Lake The inaugural Lake Tahoe Litter Summit, organized by the non-profit Clean Up The Lake ,…

23 May

This Fascinating Northern California Lake Sits at 125 Degrees Year-Round

Boiling Springs Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Photo: National Park Service The outdoor destinations in Lassen Volcanic National Park…

22 May

Photos Show Yosemite National Park Flooded as Historic Snowpack Continues to Melt

Photo: Yosemite National Park Recent images from California’s Yosemite National Park reveal the dramatic extent of flooding caused by melting…

22 May

Spring Mushroom Season Comes Alive in the Shasta McCloud Area

The Shasta-Trinity National Forest, known for its spring wildflowers, hunting, and fishing, is also a popular destination for those on…

22 May

Historic Snowfall Will Keep Many Tahoe Campsites Closed for Memorial Day Weekend

As the summer season approaches, Lake Tahoe is gradually warming up, but the pace is not sufficient to eliminate the…

20 May

4 NorCal Beaches Make List of ‘Best Hidden Beaches’ in America

Wildcat Beach ranked #8 nationally for the “best hidden beaches,” likely because of the beautiful Alamere Falls. Photo by Matt Bennett.…

20 May

New Agreement Hopes to Bring Salmon and Sturgeon Back to the Yuba River

In an ambitious effort to restore watershed and boost native fish species in California, a collaboration between state, federal, and…

20 May

Statistics Reveal this Year’s Intense Winter Over Donner Summit

In a report released by the Kingvale Communications Center, it was revealed just how extraordinary the 2022/2023 winter season was…

20 May

California Imposes Full Closure on Salmon Fishing in Select Waterways

In a bid to save dwindling Chinook salmon populations, the California Fish and Game Commission has voted unanimously to impose…

19 May

Proposed American River Reservoir Could Bring Significant Water Storage to Northern California

Folsom Lake In response to ongoing calls for greater water storage capacity, a study of the American River Basin has…

19 May

Long-Awaited Trail Will Connect Arcata and Eureka Along Humboldt Bay

Humboldt Bay Trail The long-awaited Humboldt Bay Trail, linking the cities of Eureka and Arcata, had its official groundbreaking ceremony…

19 May

Sierra Nevada Conservancy Considers $22.5 Million in Wilderness Projects Throughout Northern California

The Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC), a state agency based in California, is set to convene for a critical board meeting…

17 May

Two NorCal Campsites Named on List of Best Places to Camp in the Pacific Region

The Dyrt has recently unveiled its 2023 Best Places To Camp: Top 10 in the Pacific Region, largely based on…

17 May

Installation of Half Dome Cables Delayed Due to Historic Snowfall in Yosemite

Heavy snowfall has delayed the installation of posts and cables that facilitate hikers’ climb to the summit of Half Dome.…

16 May

The Daunting Snow Removal Operation on Yosemite’s Tioga Road is Underway

After an exceptional winter, Yosemite’s high country is still deeply covered in snow, making the spring clearance of Tioga Road…

16 May

Surging Water Flows Could Bring Danger on the McCloud River

McCloud Dam spilling over. Photo: PG&E Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (PG&E) has issued a warning regarding the potential surge…

15 May

This Mountain is the Last Ski Resort Still Open in Tahoe. It’s Not Closing Anytime Soon.

In the wake of an extraordinary winter season that brought a staggering 723 inches of snow to its slopes (with…

15 May

Yosemite Announces Partial Closure with Flooding Anticipated this Week

Yosemite National Park has announced the closure of specific campgrounds, prompting travelers heading there this week to reconsider their plans.…

14 May

Giant Yosemite Avalanche Caught on Camera

A substantial avalanche occurred earlier this month in Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite National Park, as witnessed by Jeremy Evans from the…

14 May

Kayaker Performs Death-Defying Drop Off Middle McCloud Falls

During the winter or springtime at McCloud Falls, the flows become heavy enough for death defying kayak stunts. Although the…

14 May

Overhead Video Shows a Closed Feather Falls Bursting with Water

After the North Complex Fire burned through the Feather River Canyon, a complete closure of the area was issued, with…

14 May

This Jaw-Dropping Eastern Sierra Lake was Named After a Group of Escaped Convicts

In the Eastern Sierra, a natural wonder known as Convict Lake captures the awe of photographers and anglers alike. This…

13 May

The 8 Most Beautiful Lakes in Northern California

Northern California, synonymous with unparalleled natural beauty, is renowned for its diverse and mesmerizing landscapes. The region encompasses the majestic…

12 May

How the Lake Almanor Earthquakes are Related to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Peak looks over Lake Almanor. Photo by Ryan C. Two magnitude 5 earthquakes hit the Lake Almanor area over a…

10 May

This Northern California Mountain Biking Trail is One of the Longest Descents in North America

Photo: Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship There are plenty of great places to mountain bike in Northern California, but for our…

10 May

What’s Going on at Trinity Lake?

As of May 9, most reservoirs in California are over or near their historical average capacity. But there’s a glaring…

10 May

Shasta Lake Reaches its Highest Water Levels in Nearly 4 Years

Following substantial rain and snowfall in Northern California this winter, the water level of Lake Shasta is now at its…

10 May

2 Dead Whales Wash Ashore on Point Reyes Beaches

Two gray whales were discovered dead this past weekend on beaches at Point Reyes National Seashore in Marin County, authorities…

8 May

Groundbreaking Partnership Promises to Return Salmon to Waterways Above Shasta Dam

According to legend, when white settlers arrived in Northern Californian in the 1800’s, there were so many salmon in the…

8 May

Hiking into the Abandoned Donner Summit Train Tunnels in Truckee, California

Photo by Stephen Leonardi It’s one of the most rare adventures in Northern California. Nestled in Northern California, Lake Tahoe offers…

8 May

Remembering the Serial Killer Who Terrorized Northern California Hikers in the 1980’s

A trail in Point Reyes National Seashore. Photo by Alexis Marts. In the wake of the arrest of the notorious Trailside…

8 May

Prepare to Get Wet on Yosemite’s Mist Trail

The waterfalls of Yosemite National Park are world famous for their size and veracity. There’s the popular waterfalls like Yosemite…

8 May

Trash to Treasure: Exploring Nature’s Art at Fort Bragg’s Glass Beach

Photo by Joshua Sortino It was common practice in the early 1900’s to just throw your trash in the ocean. Today,…

8 May

COVID-19 Virus Detected in Free-Ranging California Wildlife for the First Time

Photo: California Department of Fish and Wildlife SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, has been discovered for the first time…

8 May

New Book Highlights Kid-Friendly Hikes in Humboldt County

A new book aimed at encouraging kids and families to explore the natural wonders of Humboldt County has been launched.…

7 May

Before and After Photos Show a Complete Water Transformation at Lake Oroville

In the past few months, Northern California has experienced storms that have brought some relief to the severe drought afflicting…

7 May

Missed the Northern Lights? Here’s How to See Them in Northern California.

We’re often asked how people can see the Aurora Borealis in Northern California. It’s not easy to see, but there…

7 May

Missing Climber Found After 12-hour ‘Mega-Rescue’ on Mount Shasta

Photo: Mount Shasta Avalanche Center After a 12-hour-long rescue operation that started late Friday night, a climber who went missing…

7 May

This Is Northern California’s Biggest Rope Swing Ever Made

You’ve likely heard of the professional cliff jumping crew of Northern California. They’ve been featured across international media channels for…

3 May

WATCH: Skier Nearly Dies Attempting Insane Jump Over the Truckee River

A bucket-list jump for a Tahoe skier nearly had him plummet into a ravine with a gushing river. He barely…

3 May

Survey Reveals California Snowpack Sits at 254% of Average

Photo: California Department of Water Resources The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) recently conducted the fifth snow survey of…

3 May

Helicopter Footage Shows Yosemite’s Waterfalls Gushing During the Flooding Closure

Following a historic winter throughout California, Yosemite National Park was forced to close from April 28 through May 3 due…

1 May

These Volcanic Sand Dunes in Northern California are a Colorful Masterpiece of Nature

For anyone willing to make the tricky trek to the top of Lassen’s Cinder Cone, the view you find at…

1 May

Thousands of Blue Creatures Wash Ashore on California Beaches. What the Heck Are They?

Visitors to California beaches are seeing weird little creatures along the beach in the month of April. So what the…

Apr- 2023 -

30 April

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…

30 April

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…

30 April

Nearly 800 Camping Reservations Canceled in the Plumas National Forest Due to Snow

Photo via Tamara Schmidt/Plumas National Forest The transition from winter to spring and summer is causing some difficulties for the…

30 April

Expect to See Smoke from Controlled Burns Near Mount Shasta

Photo: U.S. Forest Service The Shasta Trinity National Forest has announced that it plans to begin the McBride Vegetation Project…

30 April

Yosemite Now Plans to Reopen Sooner Than Expected After Small Rise in Merced River

After Yosemite National Park announced it would be closed through May 3, the park now plans to partially reopen early…

29 April

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…

29 April

June Lake Loop Opens for the Spring Season in the Eastern Sierra

The June Lake Loop, which takes vehicles to four lakes in Mono County, is now open following a snowy winter…

28 April

Lake Shasta Approaches Full Pool for the First Time in Nearly Two Years

Shasta Lake is currently approaching full pool levels, a milestone that hasn’t been achieved in nearly two years. This news…

27 April

The Trout Season Opener is Happening this Weekend. Here’s Where to Fish in Northern California.

Photo by Robson Hatsukami Morgan Saturday, April 29th is truly a magnificent holiday. It’s the time of year when you get…

26 April

Most of Yosemite National Park to Close in Anticipation of Flooding

Flooding took over the Yosemite Valley in April of 2018 Yosemite National Park is set to close a large portion…

25 April

Stunning Views of the Aurora Borealis Seen Across Northern California

Photo by McKayla Crump Regions of Northern California were treated to a unique spectacle on Sunday evening extending into Monday morning,…

23 April

The Short and Spectacular History of the Lassen Peak Fire Lookout

The newly-built Lassen Peak fire lookout in 1913. Photo by Olan Hampton via NPS. In 1913, the Forest Service built…

22 April

Former Navy Seal Climbs and Skis Down Mt. Shasta in ‘Fastest Known Time’

Photo via @jkos220/IG Former Navy Seal Jack Kuenzle from Roxbury, Connecticut, achieved a brand-new Fastest Known Time (FKT) for skiing…

22 April

Buried Cars in South Lake Tahoe are Beginning to Emerge from the Historic Snowfall

Lake Tahoe, California, has experienced unprecedented snowfall this season, causing ski resorts and homes to be submerged beneath thick layers…

22 April

Be Prepared for Dangerous Water Conditions Throughout NorCal this Spring

California is received record snowfall this winter, which has been the main contributor to the most significant snowpack in the…

22 April

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…

20 April

Meet the Man Who Built an Off-the-Grid Watertopia Along the Trinity River

There are plenty of people who have built great properties in Northern California. While some people may point to the…

20 April

This Mammoth Backcountry Cornice is the Things Nightmares Are Made Of

When snow falls on the mountains of Northern California, skiers and snowboarders delight in the backcountry adventures offered to them.…

20 April

This Man Gave Up His Japanese Citizenship to Become a Park Ranger at Muir Woods

Paul Myers / Parks Conservancy It’s not everyday someone gives up their citizenship to pursue a career, but that’s exactly…

20 April

Historic Video Footage Shows Scenes Around Tahoe in the Early 1900’s

Northern California was much different 100 years ago. The developed roads and landmarks we know so well today are just…

20 April

VIDEO: Roosevelt Elk Take Down ‘Wild Elk’ Sign in Redwood National Park

Photo: Terry Feuerborn Roosevelt Elk are known to call the Redwood National Park home. There are seven herds in the…

19 April

Entrance to National Parks is Free this Weekend. Here’s Where to Go in Northern California.

Photo by Javier Quesada The National Park Service allows free entrance into all National Parks for five days every year. The…

19 April

How the Historic Sierra Snowpack will Impact Yosemite National Park this Summer

Photo by Mick Haupt The immense snowpack in the Sierra Nevada this year has dramatically altered Yosemite National Park, and the…

19 April

Palisades Tahoe Shatters its Record for Most Snowfall in a Winter

Palisades Tahoe has enjoyed a remarkable year, marked by numerous achievements and an unforgettable ski season. The resort unveiled the…

17 April

Injured Hiker Airlifted Out of Table Mountain Near Phantom Falls

Photo: CalFire CalFire Butte County responded to a report of an injured hiker on Saturday afternoon, airlifting the person from…

13 April

Lake Oroville Flows Increased to Assist in Spring Salmon Releases

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has temporarily raised the release of water from Lake Oroville to the Feather…

13 April

7-Foot Alligator Discovered in the American River. How Did it Get There?

Photo: California Department of Fish and Wildlife In an unexpected turn of events, a 7-foot alligator was discovered in the…

13 April

Lake Tahoe Sees its Best Water Clarity in 40 Years

In 2022, Lake Tahoe’s waters were exceptionally blue, with the highest clarity recorded since the 1980s. According to a report…

13 April

Watch This Incredible 30-Year-Old Video Of A Fly Fishing Legend Rippin’ Lips On The Upper Sac

The Ted Fay Fly Shop in Dunsmuir has been known to produce some of the best anglers our area has…

13 April

Man Has Lived Off-the-Grid in the NorCal Redwoods for 50 Years. Now the Compound is Worth $6 Million.

In 1968, Charles Bello and his wife Vanna Rae bought 400 acres of redwood forested land in Mendocino County and…

13 April

Find Whale Watching, White Sand Beaches and Historic Landmarks at Mendocino Headlands State Park

Mendocino Headlands State Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Located adjacent to the village of Mendocino, the park surrounds the…

12 April

Here Are All of the Closing Dates for Ski Resorts in Northern California for the 2022/23 Season

Photo: Palisades Tahoe It was a legendary winter in Northern California. But with spring moving its way into the region,…

10 April

Is There a Brand-New Wolfpack in Northern California? Photos Show Unidentified Wolves in Sierra Foothills.

Trail cam photo of the new wolves spotted in Tehama County. Photo by Brian Baly State officials are working to…

10 April

5 Places to Find Blooming Wildflowers in Siskiyou County

Brought to you by Discover Siskiyou As the long winter of 2019 finally comes to a close, the wildflowers of…

5 April

The Snowiest Winters in Tahoe History: 812 Inches of Snow Buries the Railroad in 1952

The winter of 1952 in Tahoe is remembered for its record-breaking snowstorms, which caused avalanches, trapped trains, closed roads, and…

5 April

‘California Salmon are in Dire Straits’: State Officials Expected to Shut Down Salmon Fishing

Officials are expected to shut down all commercial and recreational salmon fishing in California and much of Oregon for 2023…

3 April

Despite Historic Rainfall, Trinity Lake Remains Dreadfully Low. Here’s Why.

As of April 1st, most reservoirs in California are at, over, or near their historical average capacity. But there’s a…