Josh CurrieExplorer

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...

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 ...

Honeymoon Beach is a private little beach located in Deadman's Bay across from the Peter Island resort. It's intimate size makes you feel like you're the only person (or people) on the island. There is a well maintained cabana, hammock, and 2 lounge chairs to relax and enjoy the scenery. Of course it was called Honeymoon Beach for a reason, mostly because it's outrageously romantic, but of cour...

Peter Island has a number of attractions on it but the abandoned mansion and factory in Little Harbour is one that not many people go exploring. Apparently the cigar factory was operated by the owners who lived on the hill nearby. It was built in the 1920's and was abandoned when none of the heirs to the factory and home wanted to live there because of the expense so they just left it. Now not ...

Many visitors to Yosemite head straight to the valley and don't often explore the other areas of the park. So if you are interested in staying away from the massive crowds and getting to enjoy the beauty of the park a little more quietly, the Wawona is a great option for a getaway. The Chilnualna Falls hike is about 4.5 miles each way and you gain approximately 2,300 feet of elevation. So thoug...

Your hike to Devils Kitchen will start from Warner Valley Campground. The hike starts out thorough the valley and eventually winds through the forest and ends at the top of the Devils Kitchen site. You'll then hike down the hill a bit and get to explore the area! There are pretty specific walking paths for you to stick to as people have fallen through the soft ground into the thermal mud and b...

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....

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...

The Hobbiton Movie Set is built into the hills of a private farm in Matamata, two hours south of Aukland. You can get your tickets online, in town, or right at the set. Peter Jackson and crew spent many months right here on the farm filming and building the immaculate set for the films.It truly is incredible to see the craft that went into recreating Tolkien's Shire. You will learn all about th...

Crescent Lake is another beautiful spot a long the Beuna Vista loop. Starting at the Chilnualna Trailhead in Wawona, you start your journey climbing about 4.6 miles and 2,300 feet to the top of Chilnualna Falls (always a good place to rest). Beyond the falls, continue a long the trail and always head east at each fork in the trail. There will be signs for Royal Arch and Johnson Lakes to direct ...

Your trek begins at the Chilnualna Falls trailhead in Wawona near the South Gate in Yosemite. The first suggestion I have is to check the weather in the area to make sure you won't be slowed down by rain or snow. It's about 12 miles from the trailhead to the lake and if you are a swift hiker and take few breaks, it should take you anywhere from 7-8 hours to make it to the lake. The trail from t...

Bled, Slovenia is an incredibly picturesque town situated at the foot of the Karawanks Mountains near the boarder of Austria. The small lake town is often regarded as one of the best kept secrets because of the intimate and secluded location. The town center sits right on the waters edge with views of snow capped mountains, the local castle, and of course Bled Island in the middle of the lake. ...

Located in the iconic Silicon Valley town of Woodside, Wunderlich County Park offers a number of hiking trails as well as some horseback riding trails through the wilderness.  Once in the parking lot, you will see a number of stables, riding ring, as well as a beautiful historic stable that was originally owned by the Folger Family (The best part of waking up, is Folgers in your cup).  Grab a t...

Desolation Wilderness is just west of Lake Tahoe, a part of Eldorado National Forest. It's a very popular backpacking destination as the PCT and Tahoe Rim Trail both run through the area. There are what seems to be endless amounts of mountain lakes, creeks, and rivers that run through this area which make it one of the more beautiful regions in California. Camping at Ice House Reservoir is a pe...

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...