Bay Area Outdoor Guide

The headline is Mavericks, where 50-plus foot waves could arrive Saturday. Santa Cruz is closing city beaches and its wharf Friday night. Jeff Clark...

The Stanford Inn works as a basecamp for exploring the coast with your dog, set near where Big River meets Mendocino Bay.

For water, Catch A Canoe &...

Thru-hikers mostly care about stability, durability, and comfort over many miles. Here's what the Topo Athletic Traverse 2 example suggests to...

A major storm is closing coastal spots and slowing travel, so hold off on exposed coastal outings this weekend.

• Santa Cruz: all public beaches and...

Reviewers describe a private ATV tour led by Chris Watkins, the Redwood Forest Foundation's Community Engagement Ambassador. Over an afternoon, guests...

After a month of testing on all hikes, the reviewer calls these boots a top pick for any season and terrain. Key points:

• Traction and cushioning:...

Before you head out, a few essentials from the park's listing:

• No beach or ocean access at McWay Falls, even though the 80-foot waterfall drops...

Plan around the timing and the shoreline:

• Friday timing: Heavy rain hits the North Bay first, around 7–10 a.m., then San Francisco and Oakland...

Lyft offers both classic and electric bikes for exploring the Presidio's terrain. Here's what to know before you ride:

• Getting started: Download...

The 20-stop tour is a useful way to plan or deepen your visit:

• Start early: It begins at Manzanita Park & Ride, and you'll need to book parking or...

Before heading out, here's what Oakland is doing ahead of this storm:

• Drain clearing: Public Works crews checked drains Thursday morning ahead of...

Rain is expected in San Francisco over the next several days. Plan both neighborhood and trail outings around it:

• Drains: Clear leaves and debris...

The U.S. Senate unanimously approved legislation that would start the process of designating the Bay Area Ridge Trail a National Scenic Trail. Only 11...

A fast-paced, moderate point-to-point urban hike suited to intermediate hikers who want a brisk waterfront route.

• Route and effort: Ferry Building...

This listing connects Fernandez Ranch with the Bay Area Ridge Trail, at 1081 Christie Road in Martinez.

• Listed duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
  -...

The Prop G result suggests parks are winning over west-side voters, though the picture is mixed:

• Citywide rejection: Prop G, which would have...

Want big ocean views without a long hike? The Devil's Slide trail in San Mateo is a 1.3-mile walk on a decommissioned stretch of Highway 1, about 30...

A strong El Niño could bring big swings to Bay Area winter conditions, though timing is still uncertain. NOAA's Climate Prediction Center gives an 83%...

This update is mostly national and European, and it gives no Bay Area-specific totals. Its California signals are:

• Regional (California): The...

Loam currently rates Del Valle Regional Park as DUSTY: rideable but very dry, so expect dust. No measurable rain has fallen in the past week.

• Rain...