Stories Archives

Dec- 2023 -

5 December

What’s the Deal with the Perfectly Symmetrical Tree Plots in the Sierra Nevada?

Google Earth If you were to approach these select plot of trees from the ground, you may not know something…

5 December

NorCal Nerds: What Did Northern California Look Like Millions of Years Ago?

One of Active NorCal’s priorities is inspiring people to get out there and get active, to get off the couch…

Nov- 2023 -

10 November

Celebrate Veteran’s Day at Living Memorial Sculpture Garden Near Mount Shasta

Photo: Discover Siskiyou Every year, Veteran’s Day sits as a reminder to all Americans about the sacrifice made by the…

7 November

The Most Ridiculous Action Sequence from Indiana Jones was Filmed in Northern California

You’ll find no arguments against Indian Jones in this article. It’s truly one of the great film franchises ever. But…

5 November

A Guide to Cutting Down Your Own Christmas Tree in the Northern California Wilderness

It’s that time of year again. With the holiday season upon us in Northern California, it’s time to knock the…

2 November

Find America’s Oldest Juniper Tree in the Northern California Mountains

Photo: Save the Redwoods League Sitting about 160-miles southeast of Sacramento in the Sierra Nevada mountains is a tree so…

Oct- 2023 -

27 October

The Legend of Snowshoe Thompson: The Founder of California Skiing

In the 1800’s, traveling across the Sierra Nevada in the middle of winter was rarely accomplished. Native Americans were usually…

27 October

These Brothers Were Hanged in Redding in 1892. Their Hidden Treasure was Never Found.

On July 24th, 1892, a group of masked men stormed the Redding, California jail and dragged out two men accused…

22 October

20 Horror Movies That Take Place in Northern California

Laurie Strode had a Northern California family reunion with her psychopathic brother Michael Myers in Halloween H2O Northern California is…

12 October

50 Years Later, this Bigfoot Footage Filmed in Northern California Keeps the Legend Alive

Bigfoot remains one of the most popular legends and mysteries in the United States. Thousands of sightings and the never…

10 October

Take a Walk Through History in this Ghost Town just Outside Redding, California

Shasta State Historic Park. Photo: Visit Redding In the mid-1800’s, the town of Shasta sitting just 6 miles west of…

Sep- 2023 -

23 September

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…

18 September

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…

17 September

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…

13 September

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…

8 September

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…

6 September

How the Grizzly Bear Became the Symbol of California

The California Bear Flag (the official state flag of California) hardly gets any love despite flying over virtually every government…

6 September

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…

1 September

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

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

Aug- 2023 -

21 August

Wandering Off the Trail is Strictly Prohibited in These California National Parks

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks implement a seemingly peculiar rule – don’t take any shortcuts on the trails. It…

20 August

The Oldest Lake in North America Sits Right Here in Northern California

We have plenty of beautiful and unique lakes throughout Northern California. From man-made lakes like Shasta and Oroville, to natural…

15 August

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…

11 August

The Magical Candelabra Trees of Northern California’s Lost Coast

Photo by Stephen Leonardi One of the most beautiful places on the planet sits in Northern California and you’ve probably never…

11 August

Did the Real-Life Tarzan Dive Off Burney Falls?

The story was well known to me, but we at Active NorCal always check our sources. If you Google “Tarzan,…

10 August

What Will the Klamath River Look Like Without Dams? Here’s a Lesson from the Largest Dam Removal in U.S. History.

While the removal of four hydroelectric dams along the Klamath River is currently underway, the actual restoration of the river…

2 August

The Best Places to See the Perseid Meteor Shower in Northern California

On the nights of August 11th, 12th, and 13th, the Swift-Tuttle comet will put on an extraordinary show. When the…

2 August

Road Trippin’ Northern California’s Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway

Brought to you by Discover Siskiyou Mount Shasta overlooks much of the North State and provides a certain familiar presence.…

2 August

Remembering Babe Ruth’s 1924 Exhibition Game in Dunsmuir, California

Photo by Paul J. Standar The Babe. The Sultan of Swat. The Great Bambino. The legend of Babe Ruth has…

2 August

15 Times Calvin and Hobbes Reminded Us Why We Love the Outdoors

During my entire life, I’ve had a steady stream of outdoor adventures and Calvin and Hobbes. And as I become…

1 August

The History of the McCloud River and its World-Famous Fish

Photo: California Trout It’s the strangest feeling. I can be standing for hours in a rushing trout stream totally absorbed…

Jul- 2023 -

31 July

Reflecting on Past Wildfires to Predict the 2023 Fire Season in Northern California

It appears we’re finally moving beyond the honeymoon phase of the historic winter in NorCal (although people are still skiing)…

31 July

Experience the Magical Sunflower Fields of Northern California

During the summertime in Northern California, you may have found yourself lucky to drive through Woodland, Davis or Dixon, where…

30 July

Short Film Documents Off-The-Grid Oasis in the Northern California Redwoods

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

30 July

Remembering the Deadly 1996 Rockfall that Sent 90,000 Tons of Rock into Yosemite Valley

July 19, 2021 marked the 25th anniversary of the 1996 Happy Isles rockfall in Yosemite National Park. The deadly incident…

27 July

The Water Flowing Through the Sacramento River Fell on Mount Shasta More Than 50 Years Ago

Mount Shasta Mount Shasta holds a mesmerizing secret: the snow that blankets its slopes takes an astounding 50 years to…

27 July

Outside Magazine Lists the Best Hikes in Northern California National Parks. Here’s Our Take.

Photo by Saketh Garuda A list of the best hikes in every National Park in America was compiled by Outside Magazine,…

24 July

Lake Monsters: Here’s Why Sturgeon Grow to Be So Big in Shasta Lake

Massive sturgeon caught on Shasta Lake in 2018. Photo: Sou Saephan For anyone who’s been lucky enough to take a…

20 July

An Overnight Trip to Tangle Blue Lake in the Trinity Alps Wilderness

Photo: Elizabeth Strube/All Trails We had it in our mind that the hike to Tangle Blue Lake was going to…

20 July

I Spent a Day Snorkeling Down Clear Creek in Redding. Am I Weird?

When you combine a pithy streak of spontaneity with a penchant for living life on the edge, bad things might…

Jun- 2023 -

18 June

This Northern California River Inspired the Creedence Clearwater Revival Song ‘Green River’

In August of 1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival released its third album “Green River,” which consisted of two of their biggest…

11 June

Why Does Apple Name its iOS Systems After California Destinations?

A trip down memory lane of Apple’s iOS releases feels like a grand tour across California. From Yosemite to Catalina,…

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 -

29 May

Unveiled FBI Documents Reveal Plot to Kill Queen Elizabeth on Her Trip to Northern California

In 1983, Queen Elizabeth II undertook a tour of California, marking her only visit to the state during her lifetime.…

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…

20 May

The ‘Triathlon of the Art World’ Returns to Humboldt County

Photo: Kinetic Grand Championship The Kinetic Grand Championship, often referred to as the “Triathlon of the Art World,” is an…

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…

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…

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

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

The Unexplained Mysteries of Lake Tahoe

It’s said that French Explorer Jacques Cousteau did a deepwater dive into Lake Tahoe in the 1970’s, only to emerge…

8 May

Did You Know There’s More Than One Volcano in Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Photo by Austin Schmid Did you know that Lassen Peak is not the only volcano in Lassen Volcanic National Park? While…

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

This Waterfall Was Once the Hideout of NorCal’s Most Notorious Stagecoach Robber

Every bandit needs a hideout, and it just so happens that one of the most prominent waterfalls in Northern California…

4 May

How Star Wars Transformed the Northern California Redwoods into Endor for ‘Return of the Jedi’

In the early 1980’s, the third installment of the wildly popular Star Wars franchise was in production, and creator George…

1 May

Mysterious Disappearance of Young Boy at McCloud Falls Adds to the Aura of Mt. Shasta

Mount Shasta is known for its natural beauty, along with its spooky reputation of paranormal activity. Many visitors have shared…

1 May

Where is Northern California? The Answer Depends on Who You Ask.

There’s a long-standing question of where exactly Northern California is located. According to one study, it’s a matter of perception.…

Apr- 2023 -

30 April

The Snowiest Winters in Tahoe History: The Endless Winter of 1938 Remains the Snowiest on Record

With a historical winter currently blanketing the Lake Tahoe region, we decided to dive deep into the history of epic…

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…

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…

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 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…

14 April

The Story of Lassen’s Ishi – The Last ‘Wild’ Native American

It was August 19, 1911, when an unknown, “wild’ man emerged from the wilderness near Lassen Peak and into the…

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…

8 April

The Easter Lily Capital of the World Sits Right Here in Northern California

The Easter Lily make a great centerpiece to any Easter dinner surrounded by family and friends. And it’s very likely…

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…

4 April

Famous Film of Bigfoot Walking Through Northern California Has Been Enhanced by AI

Bigfoot continues to be a prominent legend and enigma in the United States. The countless sightings and ongoing stream of…

2 April

The Snowiest Winters in Tahoe History: The Great April Storm of 1880 Pushed Donner to the Brink

In 1879, a severe storm originating from the Gulf of Alaska hit the Northern Sierra just before Christmas Day. The…

Mar- 2023 -

31 March

Remembering the Massive Avalanche at Alpine Meadows that Killed 7 and Changed the Tahoe Community Forever

In the 70’s and 80’s, ski resorts were rated for their avalanche danger with a scale of A through F…

28 March

Lake Tahoe a National Park? How Years of Decisions Shaped California’s Most Famous Lake.

Photo by Gordon Mak In 1861, Mark Twain camped on the shores of Lake Tahoe, captivated by its beauty. Unfortunately, he…

28 March

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…

24 March

Rules of NorCal: Don’t Drive to Tahoe on Friday

When planning a trip to Lake Tahoe, traffic delays are almost guaranteed if traveling on either Interstate 80 or Highway…

21 March

‘Space Junk’ May Have Crashed in Yosemite After Streaking Across California’s Night Sky

Photo by Kevin Chen Streaks of bright lights spotted across the sky in California on St. Patrick’s Day left many people…

21 March

The Snowiest Winters in Tahoe History: The Great Snow Blockade of 1890

With a historical winter currently blanketing the Lake Tahoe region, we decided to dive deep into the history of epic…

20 March

This Popular Northern California Lake Was Once a National Park

Northern California is home to some of the most popular National Parks in America, with Yosemite National Park ranking high…

20 March

The Mysterious Wild Chickens that Roam Yuba City with Impunity

Photo via chickensofyubacity If you’ve ever driven through the town of Yuba City along Highway 99 in Northern California, you…

20 March

The Snowiest Winters in Tahoe History: The Two-Month Blizzard of 1895

With a historical winter currently blanketing the Lake Tahoe region, we decided to dive deep into the history of epic…

20 March

How Two Tahoe Skiers Invented the Term ‘Shred the Gnar’

The term “shred the gnar” is a heavily used saying in extreme sports. The terms’s popularity had grown so much…

15 March

Remembering the Great Flood that Put Northern California Under 30 Feet of Water

If you take a look at Northern California on a map, it will show a large valley right down the…

9 March

An Atmospheric River is Headed Towards Northern California. What Exactly Does That Mean?

This week is expected to see a massive atmospheric river enter Northern California (and probably more behind it), bringing with…

3 March

The Legend of Captain Dick – The Hermit of Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay

Emerald Bay’s Fannette Island was once the home of Captain Dick. Photo by Patrick Minero. In the mid-1800’s, there weren’t many…

Feb- 2023 -

28 February

This Northern California Town Has Its Own Language

I’ll never forget the first I visited Boonville, California, located 12.5 miles southwest of Ukiah in Mendocino County. We entered…

24 February

Remembering the Alien Sunrise Lenticular Cloud Over Mount Shasta that Went Massively Viral

It was a beautiful morning in Mount Shasta on February 12, 2020, when a rare lenticular cloud appeared over the…

23 February

This Truck Dangling From a Humboldt Tree is a Mysterious Piece of Art

It’s been said that some people in Humboldt are weird. Heck, it’s the charm of the place. Known for it’s…

20 February

Northern California is Home to the ‘World’s Smallest Mountain Range’

In Northern California, we have a lot going for us. We have multiple active volcanos, pristine National Parks, a beautiful…

20 February

Take this Hike to See Ancient Petroglyphs in Northern California

In the Lava Beds National Monument sits a wall of stone with petroglyphs that are dated as far back as…

16 February

72 Bars on One Road? The Legend of Mount Shasta’s Whiskey Row

The stories of Siskiyou County during the Gold Rush are like something out of a Wild West movie. The town…

14 February

Remembering the Historic Valentine Avalanche that Created a 30-Foot Wall of Snow on Mt. Shasta

On February 13, 2019, a giant avalanche slammed Mount Shasta, which has been come to be known as the Valentine…

14 February

Geologists Reveal the Age of Yosemite Valley and It’s Much Younger Than Previously Thought

Yosemite Valley’s origin story has been a subject of debate for decades. Now, geologists from the University of California, Berkeley,…

13 February

Why Mt. Shasta Remains Mysterious – Dissecting 4 ‘Facts’ About the Mountain

Photo by Stephen Leonardi One day I was up in Oregon and pulled into the “Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint”…

13 February

How a Tech Billionaire Lost $58 Million Buying a Lake Tahoe Vacation Home

Lake Tahoe has become a refuge for tech billionaires to vacation away from the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley.…

13 February

Massive Mothership Lenticular Cloud Appears Over Mount Shasta

There are plenty of legends surrounding the mighty Mount Shasta, including the theory that aliens use it as an underground port…

7 February

Yaks on the 5 – Delicious Burgers at a Top 100 Restaurant in America

We visited Dunsmuir’s favorite local eater Yaks on the 5 to find out why they were named a “Top 100…

7 February

Despite its Chilly Surroundings, Lake Tahoe Never Freezes. Here’s Why.

Photo by Manny Alvarez Lake Tahoe is known for its icy winter temperatures and snow-covered shores, but despite its freezing conditions,…

Jan- 2023 -

29 January

Exploring the Point Reyes Shipwreck of Tomales Bay

Photo by Stephen Leonardi It’s rare to see an accident with such size and historical significance sit in its original location.…

29 January

The Story of the Donner Party: Deadly Mistakes Over the Snowy Sierra

Photo of James F. and Margaret Reed, who were members of the Donner Party I could have died so many…

20 January

Chico Hiker Completes Coveted 7,500-Mile Triple Crown in One Calendar Year

For avid hikers, the Triple Crown holds a special significance. The Pacific Crest, Continental Divide, and Appalachian trails are the…

20 January

When Will Klamath Dam Removal Take Place? A Complete Timeline for the Largest Dam Removal Project Ever.

The largest ever dam removal project in the United States will completely change the makeup of multiple Northern California communities.…

12 January

Remembering the Deadly Flood of 1955 that Put a NorCal Town Under 20 Feet of Water

It was just minutes past midnight of Christmas Eve 1955 when the Gum Tree Levee on the Feather River in…

1 January

The Top 10 Active NorCal Stories from 2022

Another great year here at Active NorCal! The New Year brings new vitality to the Active NorCal office as we…