9 Epic Outdoor Adventures from San Francisco

Leave the Bay Area Behind for a Quick Wilderness Escape

It’s no secret that San Francisco’s Bay Area is a highly-desired place to live and visit. But we’re going to let you in on another little secret; the Bay Area also has some of the best access to the outdoors in all of California. Just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge you can find everything from hidden swimming holes and giant redwoods to wild whitewater and some of the tallest mountains in the Lower 48. A quick trip away, here are nine epic adventures from San Francisco that will get you out of the fog and into the great outdoors.

1) American River Rafting: Paddle through Tunnel Chute

Some of California’s best whitewater rafting is just two hours from San Francisco. Head to OARS American River Outpost in Coloma, and you’ll be set for an adrenaline-filled weekend. This private, riverside campground is the perfect jumping off point for American River rafting trips on the North Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork. OARS rafting guests can camp for a night before and/or after their trip for $15 per person/per night, or opt to upgrade to a platform tent set-up with two comfy twin beds, bedding, and a private deck. Not sure which rafting trip to pick? Opt for the Middle Fork American and you’ll get to cruise through infamous Tunnel Chute. One of the most unique and exciting rapids in the West, this long and tumultuous Class IV+ rapid was created by miners who blasted a tunnel through the side of a cliff. It’s one for the must-do list.

2) Desolation Wilderness: Hike to Aloha Lakes

Located just south of Lake Tahoe, the moderate, 12-mile out-and-back hike from Echo Lake to Aloha Lakes meanders alongside five gorgeous lakes. During the summer months, you can opt for a water taxi ride across Echo Lake (weather and water level dependent) to cut off some mileage. After a long day in the sun, camp on the shores of Lake Aloha and cool off with a refreshing dip at sunset. If you plan to stay overnight in this popular hiking zone during high-use season—the Friday before Memorial Day through September 30 each year—make sure to get a Desolation Wilderness permit well in advance. The Forest Service also holds 30 percent of its daily quota for same-day/walk-in permits. It’s $5/night per person, or $10/person if you stay longer than one night.

3) Point Reyes: Hike to an Oceanside Waterfall

For those looking for a short backpacking adventure near San Francisco, there’s no better destination than Point Reyes National Seashore north of the city. One of the most spectacular draws for hikers is 40-foot Alamere Falls, which spills from Alamere Creek onto Wildcat Beach on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. There are several ways to reach the falls, but the recommended route is to follow the 6.3-mile Bear Valley Trail to Wildcat Campground. From here, hikers can drop their packs and continue walking south about one mile on Wildcat Beach at low tide. You should always consult tide predictions and ocean conditions prior to visiting the falls and may need to wait for optimal conditions. Time it right, and this hike, complete with sweeping coastal views, is nothing short of breathtaking.

4) Mendocino: Sleep in a school bus

Three hours north of San Francisco is the charming little town of Mendocino. Your jaw will be on the floor long before you reach the city limits as you twist and turn your way through the most epic coastal scenery ever. The best part? The “Bohemian Bus” Airbnb that awaits your arrival. Just 1.5 miles from the coast, this vintage school bus, which was converted to living quarters back in 2006, is now the perfect location to get away from it all. Don’t forget to check out Russian Gulch State Park, take a stroll through the Van Damme Pygmy Forest, and see the sun set at infamous Bowling Ball Beach.

5) The Tuolumne River: Sleep under the stars next to a wild river

Sign-up for a 2-day Tuolumne River rafting trip and paddle, swim and scream your way through some of North America’s most famed Class IV whitewater. With rapids like Clavey Falls and Ram’s Head, our best advice is that when your guide yells, “dig!” you dig. Otherwise, you might end up a member of the “Tuolumne River Swim Team.” You’ll get to sleep right on the river, and outfitters will supply all the necessities: cold brews, good company, bocce ball, and the best toilet you’ll ever use (lovingly called the “groover”).  You can bring a tent, but you’re not going to want to use it. Instead, use this opportunity to fall asleep with the best night lights of all, the stars.

6) Big Sur: Soak under the stars at Sykes Hot Springs

Big Sur, 2.5 hours south of San Francisco, offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in California and is a must-see for Bay Area visitors and residents alike. While there are plenty of day trippers that flock to the area, a short backpacking trip can offer a respiste from the crowds, especially if you can escape midweek. If you have 2 to 3 days, the 18-mile out-and-back hike along the Pine Ridge Trail to Sykes Hot Springs is worth the effort—be prepared for big climbs and big descents on your trek. This quintessential coastal hike offers breathtaking Pacific Ocean views, creek crossings, riverside campsites, and the chance to soak in several natural hot springs. Don’t miss a post-hike stop at Big Sur River Inn for a nice cold brew while chillin’ in an Adirondack-style chair plopped right in the middle of the river.

7) Yosemite National Park: Hike to the top of one of the world’s tallest waterfalls

Yosemite is full of picturesque meadows and granite peaks, massive waterfalls, some of the most famous rock climbing in the world, and endless miles of hiking trails. It’s also one of the most popular destinations in the world. The good news is that most people don’t leave the valley and even fewer folks are up for a 7-mile hike with a 2,700-foot elevation gain. But you are, right? From the Camp 4 area via the Valley Loop Trail you can hop on the Yosemite Falls Trail and ascend all the way to the top of the falls, which is considered one of the tallest waterfalls in the world and the tallest in California. Take a sandwich and enjoy lunch at the top as you’re surrounded with jaw-dropping views of Half Dome, Sentinel Dome and the entire valley floor. Guaranteed it’s worth every drop of sweat. And once you’re back in the valley, treat yourself to a big fat slice of pizza at Curry Village.

8) The Russian River: Enjoy nature’s lazy river

Make the drive up California’s coastal Highway 1 from San Francisco and you’ll quickly find yourself in the slow-paced Russian River Valley of Western Sonoma. Head to the summertime hot spot of Guerneville where you can stay anywhere from riverside campsites to 5-star luxury resorts, like The Farmhouse Inn. If you are feeling like a lazy day on the river, you’ll find rope swings, beaches, and sunshine. To hike among the majestic coastal redwoods, check out Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Or, for some ocean vibes, you can take the Bohemian Highway out to Goat Rock State Beach. Make sure to stop at River’s End, the alluring, mystical coastline where the Russian River melts into the Pacific Ocean.

9) High Sierra: Hike the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne

This 30-mile one-way trek is one of the top-rated backpacking trails in all of California. Starting from the White Wolf campground in Yosemite National Park, you’ll descend nearly 4,500 feet into to the Pate Valley before climbing back out to Tuolumne Meadows (or vice versa if you choose do it in reverse). Permits are highly-coveted and available exactly 24 weeks in advance of your trip. If you can, plan four days to do this challenging hike as you’ll want to take as much time as possible to thoroughly enjoy all the spectacular waterfalls, swimming holes, and general awesomeness of the High Country. If you don’t want to deal with shuttles or staging cars, you might consider making it a loop hike. This adds more than 20 miles though, so you’ll likely need additional time.

This post was originally published in April 2017 and has since been updated.