Discover nature and adventure in Northern California

The curated articles highlight Northern California's natural allure and adventurous activities. Each piece explores scenic destinations, intriguing towns, and outdoor experiences.

San Luis Obispo offers historic sites like Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and attractions such as Bubblegum Alley. Whitewater rafting on the American River in the Auburn State Recreation Area is an adrenaline-pumping adventure with varying rapid classes. Carmel-by-the-Sea delights with its ocean views and quaint charm along the Monterey Peninsula. Morro Bay State Park stands out as a top camping spot, known for iconic views of Morro Rock.

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Passengers on a raft prepare to enter the man-made Tunnel Chute on the Middle Fork of the American River on Sunday, June 2, 2024. The Class IV+ rapid was created by gold miners in the 1890s, who blasted a tunnel to shorten the river’s route and expose the gold-rich riverbed of an oxbow bend. By Hector Amezcua

NO. 1: WE BRAVE WHITEWATER RAFTING ON IDYLLIC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RIVER. WATCH US FALL OVERBOARD

We experienced the thrill of whitewater rafting on the American River for you. As Yogi Berra might say, when you see a fork in the river, take it. | Published June 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chris Biderman

A multi-use trail connecting Cayucos and Morro Bay will offer scenic views of the coast along Highway 1, replacing dirt paths with a safe route away from the highway. Construction is set to start in 2025. By John Dinunzio, San Luis Obispo Council of Governments

NO. 2: PLANNING A SUMMER GETAWAY? 2 CALIFORNIA SPOTS ARE AMONG TOP ‘QUAINT COASTAL TOWNS’ IN WEST

AAA came up with a list of must-visit waterfront communities on the West Coast. | Published June 24, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sarah Linn

NO. 3: CALIFORNIA SPOT RANKED AMONG AMERICA’S BEST TOWNS TO VISIT. IT’S ‘PURE PERFECTION,’ CNN SAYS

The city landed on CNN’s list due to its “gorgeous landscapes, retro West Coast attractions and modern buzz.” | Published June 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sarah Linn

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The wispy flow of Horsetail Fall is illuminated by the setting sun in Yosemite Valley on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, creating the Firefall effect that draws a surge of visitors for the few weeks it can potentially occur every February. The national park has implemented a weekend registration system through Feb. 23 to help keep the crowds manageable. Firefall’s majesty was muted by low flows over the weekend — snowpack in the Central Sierra is at 74% of average and low daytime temperatures have limited recent snowmelt. Despite those factors, it might have been the best opportunity to see the show this year: Cloudy or partly cloudy conditions from a forecast storm system could block the sun from creating the effect in the coming days. By Nathaniel Levine

NO. 4: 3 CALIFORNIA NATIONAL PARKS RANKED ‘VERY BEST’ IN US. WHICH ONES MADE THE LIST?

Lonely Planet sought out the United States’ “wildest places and most spectacular landscapes.” | Published April 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Hannah Poukish

Waves crash in the Estero Bay with Morro Rock and the power plant stacks in the background. By Mark Nakamura

NO. 5: WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE TO CAMP IN CALIFORNIA? ‘ICONIC’ COASTAL SPOT NAMED NO. 1

Stunning views and scenic trails “make this a camping destination unlike any other,” the California State Parks Foundation said. | Published May 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Hannah Poukish

Crowds enjoy Burney Falls, the picturesque waterfall in Shasta County, in July 2022. Trails around the popular destination will be closed this summer as part of an $835,000 project at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. By Nathaniel Levine

NO. 6: CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS SITE GETS MAKEOVER FOR FASTER, EASIER CAMPSITE BOOKINGS

California is expanding a lottery reservation system for three popular state parks to improve access to the most sought-after campgrounds. | Published July 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by William Melhado

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.