San Francisco, with its glittering high-rises and autonomous cars, sometimes feels like a future world—a frenetic twin to the nearby tech mecca of Silicon Valley. But between these two modern hubs lies the Peninsula, a verdant rise of coastal mountains and forests that divides the southern portion of the San Francisco Bay from the wide-open Pacific Ocean. There’s so much to explore here.
It was very much a typical Fourth of July celebration. We played outside, splashed in the water, and shared food across a picnic table. Except instead of raucous crowds, booming fireworks, and sloshing beer, we were occupied with the lyrical …
Something magical happens to California’s redwood forests during winter. Clouds insulate the trees from the outside world, making a walk among these giants feel cozy and nostalgic. The rains conjure up the earthy smell of the soil and the brisk …
At age 14, Lewis McColgan hiked all 211 miles of the John Muir Trail while raising funds to protect the beautiful redwood forests that he loves.
On a sunny summer morning, I met up with a group of two dozen adults for a hike through Butano State Park in San Mateo County. Some of the participants had gone on previous hikes with me, but others were …
It’s a spectacular drive heading south from San Francisco on Highway 1, where under an azure sky, the furrowed Santa Cruz Mountains meet the sparkling, blue arc of the Pacific and its craggy sea stacks. In about 60 miles, the …
From childhood, many of the stories we’re told about nature are cautionary tales. These bedtime stories frighten us with the horrors one may find if we dare venture into the woods alone. Especially for young girls and marginalized folks, these …
ExploreRedwoods.org has long showcased more than 100 national, state, and local redwood parks in California as well as a few in Oregon. To help narrow your choices as summer approaches, consider these favorite, off-the-beaten-track parks as chosen by Save the …
Everyone should have a chance to experience the magic of snow-draped sequoia, and this year, conditions are perfect. There’s plenty of snow and plenty of ways to get out and enjoy it. So if you’re craving a day in the forest, here are some ideas for where to go and what to do when the snow falls.
It was six months into the pandemic—a bizarre time that seemed out of a sci-fi movie. Like real life, the trails have their ups and downs (literally!). The redwood forests were our sanctuary. Walking among the giants at Henry Cowell, Mount Tamalpais, and Humboldt Redwoods state parks gave us perspective and humility.
Redwood forests are great places to connect with nature, friends, and family, especially over the holidays. Check out these highly rated hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area according to alltrails.com. Bootjack Trail Loop Mount Tamalpais State Park / Muir …
Avoid the malls this Black Friday, and hit the trails.
The best travel tips for visiting Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Spotting a barn owl in the wild, League President and CEO Sam Hodder reflects on the role nature has played in inspiring and sustaining people during a global pandemic.
American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® (NTD) is a celebration of America’s magnificent Trail System, occurring annually on the first Saturday in June (June 2, 2018). People across the US will set out to improve 2,802 miles of trail—the distance …
For many of us, dogs are treated less like pets and more like family. It only feels natural to bring our dogs—with their cute, wagging tails and unbounded enthusiasm—along with us as we explore the redwoods this summer. If you need suggestions on where to go, consider these delightful and dog-friendly redwood hikes.
Some of my most memorable moments in life began with the decision to venture down a dirt path. There is nothing like setting out into nature with the pure intention of discovery — each bend provides anticipation, each hill you climb brings accomplishment, the sights spur inspiration, and every step brings you closer to yourself.
Our first redwood outing was to Butano State Park, which is a 4,600-acre park located in Pescadero. We chose this park due to its proximity to Hwy. 1 so that after our hike, we could drive up the coast to Pacifica to have dinner, thereby making a full day of our adventure.
Join us this Saturday as we spend the afternoon at Oakland’s Joaquin Miller Park, hiking and camping among the redwoods. League staff will lead a hike through the forest to talk about the state of the redwoods and how we need the public of all ages to help us monitor these amazing beauties.
If you’re like so many San Francisco Bay Area residents, nearby Muir Woods National Monument is your go-to place for a redwood-forest experience. But did you know about these 16 redwood parks within a one-hour drive of San Francisco?
