You’ll be off of your skis, but not quite off the mountain at this fun post-schussing hang out. At the base of the infamous Stump Alley run near Chair 2, this favorite spot is famous for their barbecue and smoked tri-tip sandwiches. Comfy lounge chairs make relaxing easy. Sit outside by the fire pits for some al fresco dining and drinking.

A large outdoor patio is just the right spot for people-watching after a day of fun on the mountain. Located at the base of Chair 2, it’s an easily accessible spot to kick off your skis and put your boots up. Known for its burgers, homemade pizzas, full bar, and great views—this is the place to be after getting off the slopes! Kick back, either inside or on the outdoor patio, relax, and enjoy the view.

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Give your downhill skiing legs a break and sit awhile as you slide down the lanes at this tubing park, the largest in Southern California. No special skills required to have a blast as you fly down the hill. Tubes are provided. Afterwards, take a break inside the lodge where a roaring fire and a cup of hot chocolate takes the chill off.

After a long day on the slopes at one of Lake Tahoe’s many mountains, the body will need a little help recovering. Soothe your sore muscles with the 80-minute Apres Ski Recovery: a "tension-relieving treatment which includes a take home soothing balm for joints and muscles." Services also include detox treatments, facials, beauty treatments, saunas, whirlpools, and more. 

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Don’t wear yourself out on the slopes, because the apres activities at the Tamarack Lodge are high-energy and sure to wow you. You’ll be impressed with the live performances, DJs spinning all night long, hand crafted drinks, the delicious menu that ranges from light snacks to hearty meals, and more. The party never stops here, but when you want to, a moonlit Gondola ride down the mountain will cap off the evening.

Soaking in therapeutic pool after a day full of skiing is a gift your body will thank you for. Not far from Kirkwood Ski Resort is this pool complex that has Hot Spring Pools open year-round. The pools are generally open every day, even when it’s raining or snowing. Your sore muscles will definitely feel relieved.

Regain your center and balance at this serene studio with a class that encourages taking a deep breath and relaxing the entire body through simple postures. The studio, in the village, has large windows that offer breathtaking views of the mountain. Classes include Vinyasa Flow, YinYasa, Apres Ski Restorative classes, amongst others. Teachers focus on creating a healthy mind, body and spirit.

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After a day of skiing at Tahoe Donner Ski Resort, spend a little time exploring this downtown area. The town came into being thanks to the railroad and the gold rush, but is perhaps most famous for its proximity to Donner Lake and the infamous Donner Party disaster. There’s plenty to see and do with a diverse selection of places to eat and drink, a vibrant nightlife, plus shopping, museums and historic landmarks to investigate.

Sharpen a different set of edges and lace up a pair of ice skates for a spin around this 9,000-square-foot rink. Or, sit an enjoy a hot toddy or hot mulled cider around the fire pits and watch as skaters perform their best toe loop or axel jump. S’mores kits, available for sale in the evenings, are a fun way to cap the day spent shredding at Northstar (https://www.northstarcalifornia.com/). Free for all, skates available to rent.

Sit outside on the patio and catch the late afternoon sun while enjoying a flight of hand-crafted beer at this local brewery. Skiing June Mountain Ski Area is hard work, so recovery is all about relaxing and this is the place to do it. Nearly a dozen beers are available on tap. If you’re hungry, Ohanas 395 is a food truck right next door with Hawaiian soul food that will blow your mind. 

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The Mojave Desert has many places to ride and it is a convenient day trip from many parts of Southern California. The Jawbone Canyon store can point out where to find great trails as well as help you with supplies like diesel and food for your ride. The Mojave is peaceful and inspirational so you can get some great photos and see some great things as you explore. Make sure to stay within the designated areas as you don’t want to cause harm to the fragile ecosystem there. 

Stonyford has tons of trails to explore and be sure not to veer off the path or you’ll face serious fines. There are watering holes, steep trails, and plenty of beautiful sites to discover. Trails are marked and rated and even experienced riders will enjoy the challenge of some of the steeper and higher trails.  

Catch a race or sign up to hit the track at Competitive Edge. You can also take a class or campout for a quick getaway. There are four tracks open to the public and you’ll find maps and information are easy to access. Tracks are nicely maintained and updated. It’s fun for all ages although waivers are required for minors. 

The Perris Raceway offers a well-maintained flat track that is watered via hoses and kept nicely for the fans that visit the raceway throughout the year. There are jumps and the terrain is smooth and the spot has favorable reviews from riders. You can also catch or join a race or two.

The Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area is situated in the hills of Alameda. The surrounding nature is breathtaking, and the area boasts 1,300 acres of space to ride. The terrain varies, according to its website, with areas of dry rocky washes, rolling hills, and steep, rugged canyons. 

Griffith Park is the perfect spot for a family hike. The wilderness area features numerous different paths to take, including short loops. Take your pick and end up at a nature center. Or make your way to the famous observatory to learn about space and stars. There are also numerous vantage points that showcase the entire city through the trees. Make a day of it and have a picnic in a specially set area or take a stroll through the nearby zoo after a day observing wild animals. Other kid-friendly attractions include pony rides, a carousel, Travel Town and more. 

☀️Summertime and the livings easyyyy☀️ DISCLAIMER: I am not in LA. This is technically a throw-back. Is this against the rules on a Monday??? #nothingbutblueskies #summer17

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Bring the kids along to the White Point Nature Preserve in San Pedro. The nature center provides an excellent starting point and resource for teaching kids about the importance of environmental protections. Trails go through the natural landscapes of California, offering occasional ocean views. Teach kids about flora and fauna as you explore some of the highlights of the nature preserve including paths, to tide pools filled with ocean dwelling creatures. Or take one of the many “easy” paths that even small kids can navigate in part on their own.

Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park have trails that showcase geological formations as well as archaeological and paleontological sites. Take a hike that goes through a historic point of interest from one of the Native American tribes in the area. You’ll find caves to explore, events and programs that cater to kids and adults, and much more. Spend a day or an hour to discover some of the beautiful lands and rocks in California. Be sure to bring sunscreen as well as cover ups to protect against the sun and brambling terrain. 

You don’t have to climb Half Dome to appreciate the natural wonders of Yosemite. The Glacier Point hike is a short loop that makes it easy to cover as a family because you can carry or walk with young new hikers. Enjoy the view and experience being in one of the world’s most celebrated natural areas. You can also camp and drive to the hiking point or stay in Yosemite Village, depending on how rough and rugged you feel like being.

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Two years ago when my Canon 24-70mm lens broke in Yosemite, I was discouraged to only have a prime 50mm and 85mm in the bag. Now, they’re both go-to landscape lenses which consistently produce tack sharp images and I couldn’t imagine shooting without them. . . . . . #bevisuallyinspired #shotzdelight #folkcreative #ourplanetdaily #theoutbound #liveoutdoors #thegreatoutdoors #adventureculture #travelstoke #awakethesoul #nomadstories #adventureoften #wanderout #lastingvisuals #modernwild #thewanderco #mthrworld #awesome_earthpics #fantastic_earth #earthfever #exceptional_pictures #lensbible #earthoutdoors #visualsofearth #wondermore #canonphotography #glacierpoint #yosemite #mountainstories #northdome

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Thousand Oaks is a known as a family-friend suburb and one of the reasons is Wildwood Regional Park. All the kids that go to the local elementary schools spend a night in the wilderness area, learning about the wildlife in the area including rattlesnakes, coyotes and owls. Even before the exciting campout, you’ll find families heading to locally known highlights in the park, like the easy walk from the parking lot teepee or the park caves and waterfalls. If you find yourself wanting a hike between the crowded canyons of Los Angeles and the beaches of Santa Barbara, you can find easy trails in Wildwood.

This 4,163 acre park is a perfect place to let your pup explore the beauty of nature. With 135 years worth of mining activities to discover, visitors can also catch a glimpse of the area’s past by exploring the remnants of the mining era.

This 366 acre nature reserve offers six miles of trails with elevation changes of around 500 feet, ensuring a great workout for both you and your pup. Your adventure awaits!

This 200 acre park is a great spot for those looking for an easy leisurely stroll with their pooch, as it’s relatively free of elevation changes. Find out why Glendora natives choose to bring their pups here!

This 3,464 acre park offers some spectacular views of Monterey Bay, as well as plenty of trails to choose from. The park is a great destination for those looking for a more challenging hike, as different trails offer various levels of difficulty for you and your four legged friends.

This park is the only “untouched” part of the peninsula range, making it an ideal spot to take in the breathtaking views of the South Bay. With plenty of trails to explore and some great picnic spots, you and your pup will be sure to have a great time.

The Ocean Trails Reserve offers both a great hiking spot, as well as restored or preserved habitat areas for the California gnatcatcher. Spend a day exploring what the Ocean Trails Reserve has to offer with your pup.

This 315 acre lake was closed to recreation for 91 years, so it’s sure to provide a peaceful and tranquil experience for both you and your pup.

This 160 acre park located at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains offers plenty of trails to explore. It is a great spot for those looking to take in some spectacular views of Los Angeles, look out over the expanse with your dog and have an active day out!

This trail is a great option for more experienced hikers and canines, as the terrain is a bit more challenging than some of the other trails listed here. Safely, explore the wonder of Eagle Rock with your four legged friends or experienced hiking buddies.

This 128 acre park located near Laurel Canyon Boulevard is a popular destination for both hikers and dog walkers alike. With a large parking lot, restrooms, and a picnic area, Wilacre Park is a great spot for all looking to explore the great outdoors.

The area between the mountains and Malibu Beach is filled with lots of trails that are perfect for exploring because they allow for a mix of running and hiking. Locals never get tired of exploring new routes, some of which are really long and best for experienced trail runners. Other areas are shorter and flatter and make for good training for beginners.

Runyon Canyon has a reputation for being a celebrity favorite, but it’s also popular with regular runners that love the feeling of being out in nature while enjoying stunning cityscape views. The canyon isn’t very big, but there are a variety of trails to take so that your run can be as short or long as you have stamina for. 

Golden Gate Park has plenty of paved spots, grassy areas, and things to do and see, but what you may not know is that there are also dirt trails that are perfect for running. Many locals enjoy finding new paths to take and the view that is constantly changing from city to rural, all in the same park. Hit the trails and be prepared for changing terrain as some spots are rougher than others.

Toro County Park is the location of the Toro Trail Run event, but you can run the park at any time without the pressure of a race. There are over 20 miles of trails to discover and you can find smooth paths that go up and down, making it a prime spot for training or exploring. There is a fee to enter the park, so it may be best for weekend trips and training if you’re looking to mix up your regular routine.

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) follows the entire state of California and West Coast. Find a spot to start and then explore one of the best and most famous trail running spots in the world. PCT is a favorite with hikers and backpackers looking for new challenges but it also makes for good runs and hikes even just for the day. Be sure to use caution as the trail goes through rough terrain and may be subject to varying conditions. 

Before you start your day of adventure, you must stop to check out Calico Ghost Town. This town is one of the few remaining in California, and not far from the Johnson Valley area. It can be a nice spot to stretch out your legs and relax before you hit the trails. 

Before you hit the trails, fill your belly with a hearty meal at the Slash X Ranch Café. The Slash X Ranch is known for filling meals and also hosts events and fundraisers for off-roading enthusiasts. Open only on weekends for cold beer and hot food, Slash X is a decades-old family business known for their delicious chili cheese fries.

Johnson Valley is one of the best spots for off-roading in America and is local for much of Southern California. Johnson Valley hosts major off-roading events each year including the “King of the Hammer” competition. At the Johnson Valley community center, you can get maps of the off-roading area, which is very expansive and has welcomed families looking for off-roading adventures for years. You can camp at Johnson Valley, and millions of visitors do each year. Johnson Valley has a variety of terrain, from spots that resemble a rough lunar landscape and are rocky enough to rip metal off your vehicle, to canyons, washes, lakebeds and plenty of trails and offshoots.

After your day in the desert, head to the mountains. Big Bear isn’t far and is pretty easy to find after a day of exploring. Teddy Bear Restaurant is a home-style cash-only spot with a breakfast-all-day menu and a children’s menu. They’re open until 11 p.m. every day of the week. 

Johnson Valley offers plenty of rural campgrounds, but if you want something a little more contemporary, then head up to the Lodge at Big Bear Lake. The rustic cabin set up has all the modern amenities and a prime location right on the edge of town. There’s even a sauna to soothe aching muscles after a long day on the trails.  

Located midway between Capital Reef and Canyonlands National Parks, Utah’s Goblin Valley State Park offers much of the same type of desert-hoodoo landscape formations, as well as incredible canyoning opportunities, as its neighbors. The campground is not particularly secluded or tree-lined, but it is an excellent gateway to all that the park has to offer. 

Campsite 12 is a tent-only site that is set back a little away from RVs and other campers. The site includes your own shaded picnic table and a brilliant, uninterrupted view of the rock formations that Goblin Valley is known for. Not feeling like setting up and taking down your own shelter? Grab one of the yurts available for rent in the park.

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If you’ve ever been to Hawaii—or planned a trip to Hawaii—you know lodging is not cheap. A great way to avoid exorbitant lodging costs in the Aloha State is to camp. Many of the state’s parks offer excellent camping options and facilities. Those visiting the Garden Isle of Kauai will appreciate the picturesque beauty of Koke’e State Park.

Perched 4,000 feet above the lush vegetation of the Kalalau Valley, with sweeping views out to the Pacific, Koke’e offers several tent camping opportunities in campsites that have been minimally developed. In addition, several cabins are available for rental in the park if you’re hoping for a break from tent camping.

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Lake Cascade State Park in west-central Idaho comprises 86 miles of shoreline along the edge of the eponymous lake. The park is tucked into the region’s wooded mountains near the Payette National Forest. Popular with anglers, Lake Cascade is known as a prime spot for trout and salmon fishing. The surrounding area offers miles of trails for hiking, cycling and birding. The park’s 41 square miles of surface water are ideal for paddling or boating.

Dispersed primitive camping is available at several locations throughout the park. But if you’d like a few more amenities (restrooms, for example), the Blue Heron Campground is tent-only and located on a peninsula that juts out into the lack. Site G is a lakefront site that is set back an away from the other sites, so you have your own little slice of heaven.

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Big Basin Redwoods State Park is just west of—and a world away from—the Bay Area megalopolis in California. It is the state’s first and oldest state park. The park’s main feature, as the name implies, is the ancient, coast redwood trees marching up and down the slopes. Blooms Creek Campground in the park affords the opportunity to sleep among these beautiful giants, which are up to 1,800 years old.

Site 153 is a hike-in site that is away from the main campground but close to a water source. It connects to the Blooms Creek Trail, which in turn, connects to many of the other trails in the park.

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Oregon’s Ainsworth State Park lies within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and encompasses spectacular natural features like Horsetail Falls and 620-ft. Multnomah Falls. There are many hiking trails in the park, itself, that take advantage of the fantastic beauty of the Gorge. The park also connects to several trails that lead to other points of interest like the majestic St. Peter’s Dome, which rises 2,000 feet over the river.

The campground at Ainsworth offers six walk-in tent sites that are set back and away from the main campground and connect to trails that allow you to avoid walking through the main part of the camping area. Any one of the sites puts you in the midst of all that the park has to offer but provides the illusion of a secluded site away from civilization.

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Off Road Rentals is open 365 days a year to rent out Honda-brand ATVs and quads to people looking to explore the desert on their own. Reasonable prices include safety gear and instructions for riders of different levels and the knowledgeable team even provides hydration. Head out to explore different kinds of terrain and you may even get a little extra time if you exercise caution and follow all safety rules. 

Riding ATVs in the desert ☑️ #PalmSprings #California #viewsfordays #HennieCulture

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Both of this store’s locations have Polaris, Victory, and Polaris Slingshot roadsters so that you can rent or buy. There are pre-owned options, financing and servicing, as well as the ability to customize your off-road vehicle. You can haul using a trailer or find other options for making your off-roading adventure dream come to life. 

2018 KTM 500 EXC-F

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To enjoy the Ocotillo Wells SVRA, head to Ironwoods Off-Road Rental. Ironwoods Off-Road Rental is perfect for exploring the desert areas outside of Palm Springs and San Diego. Not far from the Salton Sea, you can head over to the rental facility for your pick of Polaris rides right across from the official Ocotillo Wells SVRA. Check the site for all the details you need to rent a vehicle, as well as the weather because it can get cold in the desert.

Rebel Off Road specializes in Jeeps that are customized for an off-road experience—think the “Indiana Jones” ride in the real world. The shop builds and customizes Jeeps according to your needs and offers the background of being off-road enthusiasts themselves. Call or stop in to find out more information about building your own personal Jeep or truck.

#TushyTuesday with #CommandVehicle #Flexing out. #CaliBooty #RebelOffRoad #ReconDSS #Jeep #JeepJK #Wrangler #Offroad #Jeeplife #offroad #Flex #OC #Flex #SoCal

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Gorman Motorsport Rentals offers a large variety of off-road motorcycles for riders of all levels. Conveniently located outside of Hungry Valley State Park, one of the premier off-road sites in California, Gorman is just outside of Los Angeles and offers ATVs as well as small and large bikes for every skill level. The team can help you choose the right ride for your needs and offers deals and discounts for extended use of the equipment.

GMR, raising the bar 🔝 #gormanmotorsportrentals #thelineup

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CMX Warehouse is basically an essential for any and all off-road activities. The shop offers rentals and repairs on every brand of off-road vehicle out there. You’ll find rentals, repairs, and service as well as parts like tires, batteries, and more. The shop continuously offers a discount on MSRP as well as other specials that rotate throughout the year. The massive shop is well-stocked and offers personal watercraft as well as ATVs, motorcycles, and other off-road vehicles. 

Diggin deep !! 💎 #tbt #afterworkmotos pc||_ @maxladieu 📸

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Ivan Stewart Motorsports has a range of Polaris off-roading machines including RZR, Ranger, and Sportsman. You can find new and used vehicles and a dedication to providing high-quality service along with high-quality products. The dealership also offers parts and test drives to make sure that your off-road vehicle experience is the best for your abilities. 

Latest build leaving Ivanstewartmotorsports!! 😍😍😍call today and come in to get your Rzr built before the start of season (858) 848-7095

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Ocotillo Wells has over 85,000 acres to explore. You can camp but be sure to check the website for the rules and the supplies that you can and can’t bring into the area. While fans love the Wild West, comforts like clean bathrooms stocked with everything you need are also appreciated. Spend the day or night to enjoy the natural beauty. And be sure to be respectful so that Ocotillo Wells can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Big thanks to @yebbap and John for making it out to #california And #ocotillowells this weekend. They ripped it up on the klx400 from #praconmotorcyclerentals #brappp 📷 #gts? Come out to ride soon!!

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Just miles from the Mexican border, Heber Dunes is a favorite for ATV riders and other off-road vehicles. You can’t camp but you can play in the dunes from dawn until dusk. Winding trails and different types of sand dunes mean that you’ll have plenty of space to explore for a day. You can also find classes on safety and rules of the off-road. You’ll also find community events and other activities that come up during holiday weekends and other fun things to do at Heber Dunes.

Hollister Hills is filled with various ranches to take out your ATV.  Have a picnic or campout and enjoy panoramic views and amazing trails. The Upper Ranch sits on 800 acres and has about 24 miles of trails to explore. Watch out for wildlife and be cautious. The stunning views and few crowds make it a favorite spot to enjoy. Maps and clearly marked trails make it a place to experience nature safely.

As the third largest unit of California State Park’s Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, Hungry Valley is one of the more accessible SRVA spots for the city of Los Angles. Just a short ride north of the city off the I-5, Hungry Valley is an easy weekend getaway for when you need to get away but the kids are still in school. The vast variety of trails means that you can be a beginner or an experienced rider and find a trail or two to experience.

Located near Oroville, Clay Pit is a small but prime spot for riding motorcycles, ATVs and 4x4s. The pit is left over from the days of building the Oroville Dam. It’s a prime spot for beginners or teaching kids. There aren’t many jumps or different types of terrain, so it’s easier to get acclimated to the area.

*Note: Age restrictions, special licenses, and other requirements for off highway vehicles vary from state to state. Before heading out on your OHV, please consult your local regulations.

The Lower Holcomb Canyon hike requires some dexterity as you must boulder hop and be a little adventurous in creating your own trail. Depending on your fitness level and sense of adventure, you can make the hike loop around easily or explore some of the features of the canyon to extend your time outdoors.

Located in the scenic Santa Monica Mountains, this 3.5-mile roundtrip trek is of moderate difficulty. You’ll break a sweat, but you’ll also be afforded views of Balanced Rock and Carlisle Canyon. The oak grove of Split Rock provides a shady area—perfect for setting up a picnic after your adventure. 

The wilderness area of Laguna Beach offers a rare glimpse into seldom seen coastal canyons. Rocky terrain and steep bluffs make for stunning views and a workout that you can’t get at the gym. Come prepared with plenty of water as you walk through the acres of beautiful wildlife.

The Meysan Lakes trails are around Mount Whitney but do not lead to the famous peak. However, you can find some pretty strenuous hiking trails in the area, especially if you plan to visit all three lakes in one day. Check trail conditions and understand what you are getting into before you make your plans. The rewards of this rigorous hike are breathtaking. 

The Mist Trail is one of Yosemite’s most celebrated hikes, thanks to new and stunning views at every twist and turn. Although beginners can start on the trail, they likely won’t finish as the full hike can get take up to five hours. The higher you climb, the more strenuous it gets, which means that you can temper the hike according to your comfort and skill level. Earlier in the day tends to be better if you’re looking to avoid crowds. 

With over 11,200 acres including the park, Castaic Lake is Southern California’s largest reservoir formed by Castaic Dam in the beautiful Sierra Pelona Mountains. Open daily, except on Christmas Day, from sunrise to sunset, you’ll have no trouble finding something to do. Boating, fishing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, kayaking, and sailing are just a few of the activities that will delight water lovers Land lovers can enjoy picnics on the beach, hiking, horseback riding, and simply basking in nature. Vehicle entry fees, boat launch fees, and camping fees apply, so make sure to plan in advance. 

Imagine flying across the water with the wind and water in your hair and heart pumping with excitement on your own one or two-person jet ski. That’s what you’ll experience when you go on a jet ski adventure between Marina del Rey and Paradise Cove in central California. Originally a salt marsh fed by fresh water from a nearby creek and a popular duck hunting area, the marina is now a harbor for pleasure craft and small boats.

To witness some of the most breathtaking beauty in California, make a stop at Big Bear Lake. The smooth, shimmering blue waters make for a perfect day on a jet ski. Don’t have your own? Don’t worry. Big Bear Marina boasts an impressive fleet, including WaveRunners. Rates range from $100-$130 per hour, depending on what time you decide to hit the waters. Make a stop in Big Bear Lake Village after a great day to experience the quaint shops, boutiques, and cute restaurants. 

This location is truly paradise. Stop by Balboa Water Sports at Newport Beach Harbor, rent your ride, and jet ski the day away. According to the website, it doesn’t matter your level of experience, no matter what, “they are certain to treasure the experience that awaits them.” Reach up to 60 mph on the back of a Sea Doo, which can accommodate two riders. 

Southern California offers some of the most breathtakingly beautiful sights in the country, and San Diego really is the crown jewel. To experience the area to its fullest, head to San Diego Bay Adventures. Here, you can rent jet skis for some of the most reasonable rates around—and a wetsuit is included! Take one of their several jet ski tours available, one of which is a “Sunset Tour.” This tour include dinner, and captivating sights. 

Between the towns of Eureka and Orick in Humboldt County is Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, home to a number of trails of varying difficulty. The Rhododendron Trail comes to life in the spring when the blossoms it is named for are in bloom. A favorite amongst photographers and artists, the trails flowers light up amongst spots of green in stunning natural light. 

The Hollywood Sign that hangs above the city may not seem accessible, but intrepid hikers have discovered that you can get close to the historic letters by following the Hollyridge Trail. The Hollywood sign is a famous marker in movies and can be spotted on the freeway and city streets below. The hike is an example of California’s unique combination of urban and natural wonders.

The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest in California. The Slot hike is possibly the most famous in the region and while parking can be tricky, the result is well worth it. Unique rock formations have created what is informally known as Slot Canyon, with other-worldly beauty that makes for breathtaking photos and great memories.

Located on the least traveled parts of Route 66, Amboy Crater is actually one of the continent’s youngest volcanoes. You can hike along the rim and stare down into cavern, one of California’s amazing natural wonders. Along the way, you’ll spot stunning mountain ranges and some really old and beautiful scenery. Other trails lead to stunning geologic points of interest like Afton Canyon’s rainbow hues. 

In the spring, the poppies bloom into life and lend brilliant colors to the soft rolling hills that make for easy hiking trails. The colors change daily and each season is a little different than the last, which brings back hikers year after year. The reserve is home to animal life and offers facilities such as picnic tables so that you can picnic before or after your hike and there’s also a center filled with information and paintings. 

Tuna Time

In July, a trio of tunas –yellowfin, albacore and bluefin – start showing up in numbers offshore in northern Mexico, and by October it’s an all-out fishfest for anglers aboard charter boats from California to Washington. 

Considering that most boats are likely to fish well offshore, tuna-fishing expeditions might stay out up to a week in the peak of season, though some trips can be shorter if the skipper thinks anglers can fill their limits in a day. With San Diego, CA the southern epicenter of tuna charters, and Westport, WA, on the northern end, visiting fishermen won’t have any trouble finding rides.

Expect to pay $215-$275 for day trips to the inshore tuna grounds. Some charters go farther offshore and stay a few days. The cost then is about $275 multiplied by the number of days.

Hot Spots To Fish: H&M Landing (619-222-1144, hmlanding.com) at San Diego is a recommended portal to adventure. Go north as the season progresses, and try a boat out of Westport Charters (360-268-0900, westportcharters.com) in Washington.

Tackle You’ll Need: Any of the three types of tuna might weigh from 20 pounds to more than 300 pounds (for bluefins). Thus, unless they plan to rent rigs for about $20 and up per day, anglers take along their own tackle and that might include two or three fishing outfits to cover any contingency. Everything from medium baitcasters or spinning outfits to heavier revolving-spool rigs, such as the Shimano TLD 20 and TLD 25 reels matched with Shimano TDR70MB 7-foot trolling rods (10- to 17-pound test) or TDR70MHB 7 foot medium-heavy (12- to 30-pound test line), match up well with most tunas likely to be encountered.

Best Lures/Baits: Depending on the flexibility of the skipper, anglers might be limited to using live bait such as anchovies or sardines, or jigging spoons such as the Shimano Flat Fall. However, sometimes anglers can troll big crankbaits such as the Rapala Magnum X-Rap 30, the Yo-Zuri 3D Magnum or the Mann’s Giganticus.

North Coast Chinooks

Like the fall tuna run off the Pacific coast, the chinook (king) salmon run advances in stages, with October being the peak month and extending into November. For the widest window of opportunity, plan to fish the rivers and tributaries of Washington and Oregon that feed into the Columbia River.

Hot Spots To Fish: Though much less known and much smaller than its more famous neighbors to the north, Oregon’s Chetco River produces hundreds of jumbo kings weighing more than 20 pounds throughout the fall. The Winchuck, closer to California, is another small fishery with big salmon. Call Ironhead Guide Service (530-598-0530, ironheadguideservice.com), to set up a trip to either.

Tillamook Bay and its feeders are prime hangouts for chinooks, and Marvin’s Guide Service (503-314-5087) can put you on them. For numbers, it’s hard to beat the Winchester Bay, Rogue River, Umpqua and Coos systems. Salmon Harbor Tackle & Marine (541-271-2010) is well-stocked with tackle and salmon fishing advice. Up the Columbia River Gorge, the folks at Jones Sport Fishing (208-861-0654, jonessportfishing.com) have the latest scoop on salmon.

Tackle You’ll Need: Fall chinook might weigh more than 50 pounds, so meat fishermen who go after salmon typically use heavy spinning or baitcasting gear. Consider the Ambassadeur S Combo with a Model 6500 baitcaster and matching 7-foot medium-heavy rod. For spinning fans that do a lot of casting, the Shakespeare Ugly Stick 9-foot rod with matching reel is a good choice. For the sportier types who like challenges, 10- or 12-weight fly fishing tackle is popular. Just make sure the reel is spooled with lots of backing.

Best Lures/Baits: Chinooks will eat a variety of cut bait gleaned from the local larder, or go after any lure that is large, wobbling and shiny. Various trolling spoons from Luhr-Jensen such as the Coyote Spoon or the Moonshine Trolling spoon, as well as the Luhr-Jensen Crippled Herring jigging spoon, work well. The original Buzz Bomb or Zelda jig are good choices when salmon are ganged up on herring schools.

Anacapa Island is one of the Channel Islands located off the coast of California in Ventura County. Take a boat tour from Ventura or Santa Barbara Harbors, where the official visitor’s centers are located. You can then spend a half day or longer touring the island, which is filled with marine bird life. The island is home to California pelicans and gulls. There’s a two-mile trek around the island so that you can view many of California’s birds that make their home on the island. Check the official website for information before you plan your tour as access requires the ability to climb ladders and there is no transportation on the island. Also, at certain times of year the island is filled with breeding birds and thus subject to large amounts of guano and stench.

Point Reyes National Seashore has found nearly 500 different bird species in 70,000 acres comprised of unspoiled habitats, estuaries, grasslands, coastal scrub, and forest. Each year there is an annual bird count for Christmas, during which time the park reports some of the largest numbers in the nation, making it an essential spot for birdwatchers to visit. In addition to native species, Point Reyes is also often the site for birds that get lost during migration, bringing incredible rare species from around the globe right to California. 

The Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a vast array of unique habitats for wildlife, including dunes and salt marshes. The refuge provides sanctuary for a variety of migrant birds at different times of the year. Small birds as well as large Canadian geese often stopover as they make their annual migration to warmer climates. Check the website to find out which birds you can expect to see when you make your visit as well as ways to support the efforts to restore the refuge and preserve wildlife.

The Audubon Center at Debs Park offers a variety of activities for new and experienced birdwatchers to spot different kinds of feathered wildlife. The center has many programs as well bird walks and special days that celebrate birds. Learn more about birds by checking out a speaker presentation from an expert. There’s also the annual Bird Day LA event to encourage people to learn more about the birds in the park and how to protect them.

The Point Lobos State Natural Reserve includes a Bird Island Trail that is fully accessible for all abilities. From select viewpoints you can spot Bird Island, which is home to nesting birds including gulls, herons, and others during the spring and summer. Bring your binoculars to see the families as they interact with each other and you’ll likely see other species of birds along the way as well. And many other types of wildlife as well, including otters and seals, although some patches of beach are closed to visitor access during times of the year to give new families privacy.  

This park is famous for extreme weather conditions. The extreme heat lasts through much of the year, which is why the recommend time to visit is during the winter months. Despite the weather, Death Valley is one of the most inhabited spots on earth, with oases that are filled with wildlife, fowl, and fish. During the winter, the Valley’s peaks are topped with snow, an extreme change from the heat. At nearly any time of the year you can pick out a prime camping spot or stay in one of the area’s surrounding resorts. Canyons, dunes, salt flats, and a variety of different kinds of terrain make up Death Valley. It’s also home to indigenous peoples and a series of ghost towns. Spend a weekend in Death Valley to discover more about the unique national park and the various peoples that have passed through, leaving behind ghost towns. Be sure to check park websites before you plan your trek because random flooding and other natural happenings can affect trails and campsites, as can sudden changes in the weather.

The vastly different terrains of Death Valley offer a variety of trails of differing ease. For a moderate to difficult hike, try the three-mile Golden Canyon hike, the 4.3-mile Gower Gulch Hike, or the 2.7-mile Badlands Loop. Choose your routes based on level of experience and endurance or how much time you have to explore.  

Zabriskie Point offers some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the world. Built by the Borax Company to give visitors a rest, the area is filled with wildflowers after spring rains. At any of time of the year, it is one of the most popular areas in the park because it features amazing views of the park’s “Badlands.” As the lowest point in the United States, Zabriskie Point has been featured in films and is even the namesake and setting for a 1970s movie.

Furnace Creek is one of the many campgrounds in the national park. It’s open year-round and you can make a reservation for a spot during March-November, when the park is the most popular. There are campsites with hookups as well as tent-only slots. The campground is conveniently located near the park’s visitor center as well as other symptoms of humanity like restrooms and a golf course. Other campgrounds are also in the park, but aren’t open year-round. If you’re camping with a crowd, reserve a campsite for groups and be sure to check for other information regarding fire safety.

Death Valley Ghost Towns are a rich part of California history. Nearly 10 ghost towns are located in Death Valley, some of which no longer have any obvious evidence of their former existence. Many have rich legends and some remains that can be found in the park. Most closed when their industry’s failed. You can access many of them by vehicle and a few only on unpaved trails.