Leave the Bay Area for a quick escape into the wilderness
As we all know, the San Francisco Bay Area is a very desirable place to live and visit. But we’re going to let you in on another little secret: The Bay Area also has some of the best outdoor activities in all of California. Just over the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll find everything from hidden swimming holes and giant redwoods to wild rapids and some of the tallest mountains in the Lower 48. Get going quick, here are nine epic adventures from San Francisco that will get you out of the fog and into the great outdoors.
1) American River Rafting: Paddle through the Tunnel Slide
Some California’s Best Whitewater Rafting Only two hours from San Francisco. Go to Paddle American River Outpost You’re in for an adrenaline-filled weekend in Coloma. This private riverside campsite is the perfect starting point for camping American River Rafting Trips on the North Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork. OARS rafting guests can camp for one night before and/or after their trip for $15 per person per night, or choose to upgrade to a platform tent with two comfortable single beds, bedding and a private deck. Not sure which rafting trip to choose? Choose Middle Fork American and you’ll travel through infamous places tunnel chute. One of the most unique and exciting rapids in the West, this long and turbulent Class IV+ rapid was created by miners blasting a tunnel into the side of a cliff. This is one of the must-do lists.
2) Wilderness: Hike to Lake Aloha
Located south of Lake Tahoe, the 12-mile round-trip hike from Echo Lake to Lake Aloha winds around five beautiful lakes. During the summer you can choose Take a water taxi Cross Echo Lake (depending on weather and water levels) to shave off some mileage. After a long day in the sun, camp on the shores of Lake Aloha and cool off with a sunset dip. If you plan to spend the night in this popular hiking area during peak season (the Friday before Memorial Day through September 30 each year), be sure to get Wilderness Wilderness Permit Make it ahead of time. The Forest Service also holds 30% of the daily quota for same-day/walk-in permits. USD 5 per person per night, or USD 10 per person if staying longer than one night.
3) Point Reyes: Hike to Seaside Falls
For those looking for a short backpacking adventure near San Francisco, there’s no better destination than Point Reyes National Seashore, just north of the city. One of the biggest attractions for hikers is the 40-ft. alamere fallswhich spills from Alamere Creek to Wildcat Beach on the Pacific coast. There are several ways to reach the falls, but the recommended route is along the 6.3-mile Bear Gulch Trail to Wild Cat Campground. From here, hikers can drop their backpacks and continue walking about a mile south to Wildcat Beach. low tide. You should always consult tide forecasts and ocean conditions before visiting the falls, and may need to wait for optimal conditions. If you time it right, this hike offers sweeping views of the coast that are absolutely breathtaking.
4) Mendocino: Sleeping on the school bus
The charming town of Mendocino is located three hours north of San Francisco. Your jaw will hit the floor long before you reach the city limits, winding your way through some of the most epic coastal scenery ever. The best part? this “Bohemian Bus” Airbnb looks forward to your arrival. Just 1.5 miles from the coast, this vintage school bus was converted into dormitories back in 2006 and is now the perfect place to get away from it all. Don’t forget to visit Russian Gulch State Park, stroll through the Van Damme Pygmy Forest, and watch the sunset at the infamous Bowling Beach.
5) Tuolumne River: Fall asleep under the stars next to a wild river
Sign up for the 2-day event Tuolumne River Rafting Tour Paddle, swim and scream in North America’s most famous Class IV rapids. For rapids like Clavey Falls and Ram’s Head, our best advice is to dig when your guide yells “dig!” Otherwise, you might end up being a member of the Tuolumne River Swim Team. You can sleep by the river, and the outfitter provides all the essentials: cold brew, good company, bocce ball, and the best toilet you’ve ever used (affectionately known as “slotting machine”). You can bring a tent, but you won’t want to use it. Instead, take advantage of the opportunity to fall asleep by the best night light – the stars.
6) Big Sur: Bathe under the stars at Sykes Hot Springs
Located 2.5 hours south of San Francisco, Big Sur has some of California’s most stunning coastal scenery and is a must-visit destination for Bay Area tourists and residents. While many day trippers flock to the area, a short backpacking trip can get you away from the crowds, especially if you can escape midweek. If you have 2 to 3 days, hike the 18-mile round trip along the Pine Ridge Trail to sykes hot springs It’s worth the effort – be prepared for big climbs and big descents on your journey. This quintessential coastal hike offers stunning Pacific Ocean views, creek crossings, riverside campsites, and the opportunity to soak in several natural hot springs. Don’t miss these post-hike stops: Big Sur River Inn Sit on an Adirondack-style chair in the middle of the river and drink a delicious cold brew.
7) Yosemite National Park: Hike to the top of one of the tallest waterfalls in the world
Yosemite is home to picturesque meadows and granite peaks, massive waterfalls, some of the world’s most famous rock climbing sites, and miles of hiking trails. It is also one of the most popular destinations in the world. The good news is that most people don’t leave the valley, and even fewer are willing to hike 7 miles and gain 2,700 feet of elevation gain. But you are, right? Starting from the Camp 4 area, via the Valley Loop Trail, you can take Yosemite Falls Trail Rise all the way to the top of the falls, considered one of the tallest waterfalls in the world and the tallest in California. Enjoy a sandwich and lunch at the top while taking in the stunning views of Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, and the entire valley floor. Make sure every drop of sweat is worth it. Back in the valley, treat yourself to a thick slice of pizza at Curry Village.
8) Russian River: Enjoy nature’s lazy river
Drive along California Coastal Highway 1 from San Francisco and you’ll soon find yourself in the slow-paced Western Sonoma Russian River Valley. Head to Guerneville’s summer hotspot and stay anywhere Riverside campsite to five star luxury resorts e.g. Farmhouse Inn. If you want to spend a lazy day on the river, you’ll find swings, a beach, and some sunshine. To hike among majestic coastal redwoods, head to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Or, for an ocean experience, take the Bohemian Highway to Goat Rock State Beach. Be sure to stop at River’s End, a charming and mysterious stretch of coastline where the Russian River merges into the Pacific Ocean.
9) High Sierra: Hike Tuolumne Canyon
This 30-mile one-way hike is one of Top rated backpacking trails throughout the state of California. Starting at White Wolf Campground in Yosemite National Park, you’ll descend nearly 4,500 feet to Pate Valley and climb back up to Tuolumne Meadows (or vice versa if you choose the other way around). Permits are in high demand and can be obtained exactly 24 weeks before your trip. If you can, plan for four days to complete this challenging hike, as you’ll want to spend as much time as possible taking advantage of all the spectacular waterfalls, swimming holes and general beauty of the high country. If you don’t want to use a shuttle or temporary car, you can Consider making it a loop hike. However, this will add over 20 miles, so you may need more time.
This article was originally published in April 2017 and has since been updated.
