Josh CurrieExplorer

The Trinity River is one that is rarely visited by your typical Bay Area resident. In fact, much of true Northern California is "untouched" in the eyes of those who live in The City, which is what drew me to this place to begin with. After a five hour journey from San Francisco, we made it to our destination, Bigfoot Campground, just past Junction City on highway 299.To be honest, I prefer hike...

First, I must say that the only way to get here is by boat. But that is the case for the majority of the destinations in the British Virgin Islands. Apparently the legend goes that the pirate, Blackbeard, after doing his pirate duties, would store his treasures in the caves. Though many people every day swim through the caves, I don't think any treasure has been found for quite some time. There...

Chateau D'oex sits at 3,100 feet above sea level in the French-speaking Canton of Vaud, Switzerland. The easiest way to get to this picturesque place is by train, unless you happen to be staying nearby with a car. The small mountain town of about 3,500 people is riddled with history, beautiful landscapes, snow activities, and lest we forget, the International Balloon Festival, which has been an...

The hike to Boiling Springs Lake starts at the Warner Valley Trailhead and is only a 3 mile roundtrip hike. It's a fairly easy hike that starts through the valley and then winds up through the forest and eventually opens up to the lake.  First thing you'll notice as you approach the lake is the sulfur smell followed by the turquoise, green/brown water. The lake itself is more of a pond but the...

Norman Island is one of the more popular islands in the BVI's, with great snorkeling, hiking, and caves to explore. There is a restaurant in one of the perfect blue water bays that is also open during the high season. There are no inhabitants on the island, except for wild goats. There are tales of buried treasure all over the island because of all of it's caves a long the shore as well as hidd...

Marokopa Falls is located right off Te Anga Rd in Waitomo. Most people visit Waitomo for the world famous Glow Worm Caves, but I encourage continuing on down the road to visit the falls.The tramp to the falls is very easy and should only take about ten minutes through the covered green forest. You then pop out on a wooden deck overlooking the massive waterfall. Though it isn't the nearly the hi...

Cathedral Cove is an isolated beach on the Coromandel Peninsula in the small coastal town of Hahei. Being that this is one of the most beautiful places in all of New Zealand, you can expect some crowds. You can take your chances at finding a spot in the small lot, or there is a shuttle option that leaves from town. that takes about 5 mins.The hike down to the beach is about 2.5 km and should on...

Lake Tikitapu is the smallest of the mountain lakes in the Rotorua area. Take Tarawera Rd about 9 kilometers and you'll run right into it. There is a huge lawn to the right that you can park on if the lot at the shore is full.The beginning of the 5.5 kilometer trail starts on the right hand side of the lake at the base of the forest. The majority of the trail is covered with trees but there are...

The trailhead begins at the end of Golden Gate Rd in Coleville, Ca on highway 396. There are very limited signs, so maps are necessary! Depending on how fast of a hiker you are, you can most likely reach the lake in 6 hours with minimal breaks. If you cannot start in the morning, there are beautiful spots to camp along the way. Either in on the ridge beneath Juniper trees or in the valley next ...

The Hamilton Gardens is a massive property right along the Waikato River which runs through the city. The focus of the gardens is to replicate the historical gardens of specific civilizations around the world.Parking is very easy as there is a massive lawn in front of the entrance and there is no entrance fee for the gardens. Aside from walking the paths through the gardens there is a cafe over...

Warner Valley Campground is at the end of Warner Valley Road. It's 16 dollars a night at a first come first serve basis. As far as the campground it self, there are a few bathrooms and each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. There are 17 sites which isn't a ton but since it's a fairly unused area so you should have no problem getting a spot.There are so many things to do and see in the ar...

Northern California beaches are not your typical soft sand, warm water, grab a surf board type of spots. Of course when the weather is cooperating you can enjoy those activities as well! What makes this spot so special is how few people ever come and enjoy the raw beauty of this landscape. If you take Highway 128 all the way to the coast, it is the first beach you run into once you see the sea....

This spot is less than four hours from the Bay Area and offers everything you would ever want to do in the outdoors. The interesting thing about Hume Lake is that it is actually a Middle School and High School camp in the Summer and Winter. That being said, it is not the place to go if you are looking to get some alone time in the woods. But because it's operated by the camp, you are able to us...

Lake Shasta sits at the foot of infamous Mt Shasta, past the major Northern California city of Redding. From the Bay Area you can count on at least a 3.5 hour drive to get to waters edge, but the drive goes by quickly just cruising on HWY 5. There are multiple Marinas on Shasta but the largest is at Bridge Bay, ironically located right where HWY 5 crosses over Lake Shasta. There are multiple di...

Andrew Molera is about 27 miles south of Carmel and one of the first State Parks you'll hit heading down the coast. There will be signs for the Park as you approach and the main parking lot is only a couple hundred yards from Hwy 1. There are a number of hiking trails and activities to do around the park if you want to just hang for the day. For those who are interested in camping, it is one of...

The hike starts at the Warner Valley Trailhead and winds up the mountain until you reach the lake. The first 2 miles or so are very pleasant walk through the woods until you reach the last portion which is essentially straight up the mountain side.  This portion of the trail can be very slippery because of the steep nature of the trail and the loose rock. Though this part of the hike is pretty...

About 30 miles north of Santa Barbara on the 101 is a small state beach in the 90 person town of Gaviota. Most people pass right on through to San Luis Obispo or don't even make it past Goleta, but this gem is worth checking out either for a day trip or to camp for the weekend.Since it is a state beach there will be a gate guard ready for some payment for your time sleeping on the ground, but t...

Mangapohue Natural Bridge is about 30 kilometers past the infamous Glow Worm Caves in Waitomo. Continue on Te Anga Rd and you'll run into the beginning of the trail on the right. It's only about a 10 min walk out to the cavern so no need to worry about bringing a day pack.You walk through a tree covered gorge of limestone with the stream running below until you run straight into the cavern. The...

The famed and picturesque Bridgeport Covered Bridge, spanning the width of the Yuba River, was originally built in 1862. It was an integral passage for a freight hauling route from San Fransisco to Nevada. This historic site is now protected and is no longer able to be walked or driven through as of 2011 due to structural problems, but there is scheduled to be a restoration of the bridge in 201...

Less than a mile South from the small town center, Malibu Pier stretches out into the Pacific. The Pier has been in Malibu since 1905 and though much of Malibu has been built up around it, it has remained quite similar to when it was first constructed. You can either pay for parking right at the entrance to the pier or find free parking along PCH.Malibu as a whole is a very photogenic beach tow...

Nicasio is a quaint town just inland of the more popular coastal town of Point Reyes. It's most known for it's wine country, rolling hills, and the home of Skywalker Ranch, George Lucas's getaway home. Most visitors of this area either pass right on through for Point Reyes or use it's scenic roads for cycling. The land has a lot to offer, especially with hikes, streams, and small lakes for fish...

The Journey to your final destination can get a little tricky once you get on the dirt roads. From the Bay Area it will take you about 3 hours to get into Oakhurst, then another hour to get to the Wilderness Area simply because of the windy and not maintained roads. On that note I would suggest taking a car with a decent amount of clearance. You won't necessarily need a 4x4 but I would suggest ...

Wairere Falls is located just ten minutes from Matamata. If you're in the area for the Hobbiton tour definitely make sure to take some time to hike the falls as well. Parking is super easy at the base of the hike and there is a restroom if needed before starting the trek. Allow yourself at least 4 hours to complete the tramp.You start the hike through dense, lush rain forest and weave your way ...

Disclaimer: Foothills Park requires proof of residence in Palo Alto or being accompanied by a resident of the city. Learn more here.Foothills Park is 2.7 miles west of 280 after exiting Page Mill. After exiting you take a short scenic drive up the hill and come to the park entrance on your right. Like any typical park it's open from sunset to sundown and you wont have to worry about parking or...