Bay Area Trail Watch

Expert thru-hiker Katie Jackson calls out two pieces of gear she avoids after thousands of miles.

• Solar charging lanterns charge too slowly even on...

Sneaker waves and rip currents threaten all Pacific Coast beaches in the Bay Area through 9 AM Saturday due to a strong southwest swell. Hikers on...

A 55-year-old experienced surfer Sandro Britz died after rescue from choppy waters at Ocean Beach on May 28, a stark reminder of the dangers Bay Area beaches pose even to skilled visitors and the lasting toll on families.

The San Francisco Fire Department urges residents and visitors to stay alert to beach and ocean safety at all times, sharing tips from the National Weather Service Bay Area to prevent water-related accidents.

A major beach hazards warning is active through Tuesday for San Francisco and surrounding coasts including Point Reyes and the Peninsula.

Key dangers...

Rattlesnakes are emerging earlier than usual this season due to rising temperatures. Hikers should stay vigilant on rocky, brushy trails.

Key safety...

• Inland heat hits 86°F today, likely pushing more people toward beaches.
• Sneaker waves and strong rip currents threaten Pacific shores through 5 AM...

New Trail Options

• Quarry Park Near San Jose: A former quarry has opened as a 64-acre park with trails through bay trees and redwoods, offering...

Sneaker waves from a long-period southwest swell are surging unpredictably across California beaches through Tuesday, capable of knocking people off...

Saratoga Quarry Park offers peaceful trails through a former lime quarry with mountain and valley views, just minutes from downtown Saratoga. The...

Bay Area warming this week raises fire risks on inland trails while coastal hikes stay milder.

• Fire danger spikes: Santa Rosa starts fire season...

Sneaker waves at Baker Beach critically injured a fisherman who was swept into the ocean despite calm conditions. This incident reinforces the need...

Both reports confirm a National Weather Service Beach Hazards Statement through Tuesday, warning of sudden large waves and rip currents at Baker Beach...

The San Francisco Crosstown Trail delivers a lesser-known 17-20 mile all-day hike through hidden parks, secret gardens, and neighborhoods from Sunrise...

Hikers can expect varied conditions this weekend based on location.

• Coastal highs mid-60s to high-70s, bay area mid-60s to low-80s, inland mid to...

Group Hike Events

• Free Family Hike at McLaren Park: Black Outside hosts a free family-friendly event on May 30 at McLaren Park featuring games,...

A surfer's death at Ocean Beach after rescue on May 28 serves as a stark reminder for coastal trail hikers to respect the area's powerful surf, strong...

Bay Area hikers are already noticing overgrown vegetation on trails and calling it nerve-wracking as CAL FIRE declares wildfire season underway early....

Join the free Black Outside festival at McLaren Park (Olmstead & University) for a guided leisure hike at 10:30 AM, games, activities, and...

• A fisherman was swept offshore at Baker Beach by a sneaker wave and left in critical condition.
• National Weather Service had issued a Beach...