Nestled at 5,400 feet in the Sierra Nevadas, Fuller Lake provides a peaceful alpine retreat just a short drive from Nevada City. This gem of a lake invites visitors to paddle its calm waters, cast a line for trout, explore forested hiking trails, and spot wildlife amongst tall pines. An inviting escape from the everyday, …
Mushroom foraging for morels is far from glamorous. After a day spent traipsing through the woods, my pockets may have been filled with mushrooms, but my bare feet held together a displeasing combination of bear scat and red dirt. The area around Mount Shasta had received plenty of rain during springtime and was primed for …
Discover the best breakfast in Sacramento, where every morning offers a culinary adventure suited for every palate. Whether you’re a local resident or a traveler eager to taste the best of the city, Sacramento’s vibrant breakfast scene is a delightful blend of locally sourced farm-to-fork dishes and classic greasy spoon comfort foods. These restaurants, often …
Badwater Basin, nestled in the heart of Death Valley National Park in Inyo County, California, holds the title as the lowest point in both North America and the United States, plunging 282 feet below sea level. Remarkably, it lies a mere 84.6 miles from Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, showcasing …
I spent a few days kayaking Death Valley National Park and lived to tell the tale. Whether you want to kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, this is a proper guide full of tips gleaned from kayaking alongside folks who live in the park and first-hand experience. Kayaking on Lake Manly, nestled within the striking landscapes of …
In February 2024 I paddled an inflatable kayak across roughly four miles of water in the middle of Badwater Basin. The water was a foot deep at the center and ankle-shallow at the edges. By March 4 the National Park Service had pulled the kayaking allowance, and as of the May 7, 2026 NPS conditions …
The Backroom at Gaslight Co. is Folsom’s one and only Speakeasy, joining a small collection of high-end and eclectic speakeasies in greater Sacramento, California. Once you enter through the semi-secret entrance, you’ll find yourself transported to a vintage era with impeccably crafted cocktails, velvet couches, and leather-backed chairs. I met up with Casey and Jesse, …
Lake Natoma, located between the Folsom and Nimbus Dams in Sacramento County, California, is a relaxing spot to enjoy a day of non-motorized water activities, wildlife watching, and picnicking along the lower American River. Lake Natoma is often cited as one of the best lakes in California to paddle on. It’s certainly one of my …
Mount Diablo State Park in Northern California’s Bay Area is a great spot for wildflower hunting this spring. There are countless trails that meander through the park and many that lead to the summit, where you can take in panoramic views that span all the way to the Sierra Nevada mountains. Surrounded by rolling hills …
Located 75 miles north of Los Angeles, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve has become famous for its rolling hills of poppies, painting the landscape with a sea of orange and yellow. With the abundant winter rains we have experienced this year throughout California, officials are predicting an above-average bloom. As with …