NorCal Trails and Tales

A perfect October day at the Manton Apple Festival. 🍂🍎

Mike had the tough job of judging the apple pie contest while I had the very tough job of shopping my way through all the local vendors. 😂

Homemade pies, local makers, good food, and that small-town community feeling I love so much.

Sometimes the best adventures are the simple ones, right in our own backyard. ❤️

📍 Manton, California

A little nature therapy at Manzanita Lake 🌲🏔️

One of my favorite easy walks in Lassen Volcanic National Park. The trail circles the lake with beautiful views of Lassen Peak, peaceful forest, and plenty of spots to stop and just take it all in.

🥾 Manzanita Lake Trail
📍 Lassen Volcanic National Park
↔️ About 1.5-mile loop
📈 Mostly flat & easy
⏱️ About 45–60 minutes, longer if you stop for photos
🐕 No dogs on the trail
✨ Great for mountain views, wildlife watching, photography, and a peaceful walk around the water.

And that reflection of Lassen Peak in the lake? Worth slowing down for. 💛

Nature therapy, no appointment needed. ✨

Found one of Reno’s best hidden gems 🌿✨

We stumbled across Rancho San Rafael Regional Park and I couldn’t believe how much there was to explore—walking paths, gardens, huge old trees, open spaces, and the peaceful Labyrinth Garden. 🌀

But I loved the history just as much.

🌿 The land began as a cattle ranch in the late 1890s, owned by the Pincolini brothers. It later became a sheep ranch before being purchased by the Herman family in the 1930s. The park’s name actually comes from Dr. Raphael Herman—with a slightly different spelling.

When the property went up for sale in the 1970s, the community rallied around the idea of preserving the land as a public park. Washoe County voters approved funding to purchase it in 1979, and Rancho San Rafael opened to the public in 1982.

Today, the park still preserves pieces of its ranching past alongside the Wilbur D. May Arboretum, gardens, museum and miles of open space. And fun fact—the park’s opening celebration included hot-air balloons, helping launch the tradition that became the Great Reno Balloon Race. 🎈

✨ They were also setting up the lights while we were there, so I’d love to come back and see it all lit up.

📍 Reno, Nevada
🌿 History + gardens + walking trails
🌀 Don’t miss the Labyrinth Garden

Definitely worth saving for your next Reno trip.

WalkingTrails HiddenGems NorCalTrailsAndTales

Found one of Reno’s best hidden gems 🌿✨

We stumbled across Rancho San Rafael Regional Park and I couldn’t believe how much there was to explore—walking paths, gardens, huge old trees, open spaces, and the peaceful Labyrinth Garden. 🌀

But I loved the history just as much.

🌿 The land began as a cattle ranch in the late 1890s, owned by the Pincolini brothers. It later became a sheep ranch before being purchased by the Herman family in the 1930s. The park’s name actually comes from Dr. Raphael Herman—with a slightly different spelling.

When the property went up for sale in the 1970s, the community rallied around the idea of preserving the land as a public park. Washoe County voters approved funding to purchase it in 1979, and Rancho San Rafael opened to the public in 1982.

Today, the park still preserves pieces of its ranching past alongside the Wilbur D. May Arboretum, gardens, museum and miles of open space. And fun fact—the park’s opening celebration included hot-air balloons, helping launch the tradition that became the Great Reno Balloon Race. 🎈

✨ They were also setting up the lights while we were there, so I’d love to come back and see it all lit up.

📍 Reno, Nevada
🌿 History + gardens + walking trails
🌀 Don’t miss the Labyrinth Garden

Definitely worth saving for your next Reno trip.

Manzanita Rest Area | Lake Almanor

Not your average rest stop. 🌲🐾

A picnic area with a view, a place to stretch your legs (and your pup’s), and a pretty peaceful spot to take a break from the road.

Sometimes the unexpected stops are part of the adventure. ✨

🚻 Definitely worth the bathroom break on the way to Reno. 😂🌲

Follow for weekly NorCal trails, hidden gems & roadside finds.

Tonight at Turtle Bay, our community gathered for the dedication of a new Peace Pole near the south entrance of the Sundial Bridge.

The message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” is shared on the pole in seven languages — Wintu, English, Spanish, Hebrew, Mien, Lao and Punjabi — honoring the diversity of our North State community and a shared hope for peace.

Such a beautiful little moment in Redding. 🤍