12 Unforgettable Things You Must Add To Your Northern California Bucket List
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Joanne Kraft
Author
When it comes to living life to the fullest, how well will your life compare to this Northern California bucket list? A bucket list doesn’t have to be filled with insane death-defying acts. It can be full of places to go and see that are a lot more peaceful and enjoyable. What makes it a bucket-list item is that we just don’t write these things down on our calendars — we do them. Here’s a list of things in Northern California to do before you die.
1. Climb Half Dome, Yosemite Valley
Half Dome Trailhead, Happy Isle Loop Rd, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA
Your bucket list MUST include a trip to Yosemite. One of the most spectacular places in the world. Mother Nature shows off here. Take the family and climb Half Dome. But, make sure to take a photo before you really get started. You might not be as pretty by the time you reach the top.
2. Stay at Yosemite Valley Lodge, Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley Lodge, Yosemite National Park, 9006 Yosemite Lodge Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA
If you're already in Yosemite you'll need a place to sleep. The lodge here gives all those adventurers a luxurious but rustic experience. You're going to love it at Yosemite Valley Lodge.
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3. Explore the Petrified Forest, Calistoga
Petrified Forest Road, Petrified Forest Rd, Calistoga, CA, USA
This is Northern California's ONLY petrified forest. Many folks stumble across it when they're driving from Napa to San Francisco. Most of these types of trees are found in the desert states, but this one is all ours.
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4. Visit the 8th Wonder of the World, Burney
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, 24898 CA-89, Burney, CA 96013, USA
Teddy Roosevelt called McArthur-Burney Falls the 8th wonder of the world. Some folks would agree. That's why it's on their bucket list and one of our favorite things to do in Northern California. Feel the mist from Burney Falls. Great views of the falls are accessible right from the parking lot, while a short easy hike takes you to the base. A 1.3-mile trail circles the falls.
5. Whitewater raft on the American River, Coloma
American Whitewater Expeditions, 5981 New River Rd, Coloma, CA 95613, USA
Coloma Resort, 6921 Mt Murphy Rd, Coloma, CA 95613, USA
If you're the type who enjoys an adventure, then this must be on your bucket list. Take the family and make some memories. The river is spectacular. And, the later you go in the summer, the less crazy you'll find the rapids. The Coloma Resort is a great place to find this adventure.
6. Visit Napa Valley and go wine tasting
Napa Valley, CA, USA
With over 400 wineries in this part of our state, you MUST come here at least once in your lifetime. If you want to up the fun then take the wine train with your significant other and enjoy a five-course meal on a sunset train ride through the valley!
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7. Give General Sherman a hug, Three Rivers
General Sherman Tree, Three Rivers, CA 93262, USA
Redwood trees are a piece of your bucket list and one of the best things to see in Northern California. This one is over 275 feet tall and when you walk around the Sequoia National Park for a while you'll feel like a teeny, tiny ant. It's pretty amazing.
8. Walk or run across the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Brg, San Francisco, CA, USA
Whether you're out for a Sunday stroll or running in a marathon, the views from this stunning structure are extraordinary.
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9. Ride a cable car to the wharf
San Francisco Cable Car Museum, 1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
You can't leave San Francisco and NOT ride a cable car. We're pretty sure that's a bucket list felony.
10. Stay a night in the Fairmont Hotel
Fairmont San Francisco, 950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Since you're already in San Francisco, and you're probably a little tired, spend a night in one of the oldest, most beautiful hotels in the city. YES, it is pricey, but oh so worth it! Reserve a room on Expedia.com.
11. Kayak on Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe, North Carolina 28768, USA
We're pretty sure Lake Tahoe is one of the most spectacular bucket list items to enjoy. Kayak on the lake early in the morning when the water is like glass. There's nothing like it, which is why it's one of the most exciting things to add to my NorCal bucket list.
12. Pan for gold in El Dorado County, Coloma and Placerville
Gold Bug Park & Mine, 2635 Gold Bug Ln, Placerville, CA 95667, USA
Enjoy panning for gold along the American River in the tiny town of Coloma where gold was discovered. OR, head to Gold Bug Mine in Placerville. Either way, you need to get your gold on!
Whether you’re young or old, it’s never too late to start your own Northern California bucket list. Have you experienced some of these destinations? If so, please let us know in the comments below.
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More to Explore
Outdoor Activities In Northern California
What are some of the best outdoor attractions in Northern California?
Check out this list of 15 natural attractions in Northern California. Here are a few highlights.
- North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve (Oroville): This exotic 3,300-acre space was created by ancient lava (basalt) flows. It is an elevated basalt mesa (flat-topped hill) with gorgeous views featuring waterfalls, lava outcrops, and rare Northern Basalt Flow Vernal Pools. The wildflowers that grow here in the spring alone are a main draw to this magnificent site. It is also a popular place for hiking and hunting in Northern California.
- Mattole Campground, Kings Range National Conservation Area (Petrolia): This pretty, natural area is a cheap alternative to a hotel, and far prettier. Facilities include 14 tent/trailer campsites without hookups, fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. If you enjoy getting away from it all, this is one of the most remote stretches of coastline in the United States and one of the most unforgettable. And it is administered by the Bureau of Land Management.
- Bumpass Hell, Lassen Volcanic National Park (Mineral): Bumpass Hell Trail is open in the summer and fall, providing access to the largest hydrothermal area in Lassen Volcanic National Park. The easy, three-mile, round-trip hike showcases some of the most interesting elements, including steam vents and boiling pools, and also some of the most beautiful views.