northern california Archives

Hiking Berry Creek Falls

Paulina DaoMay 4, 20161975 views

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve posted anything local. It’s also been a hot minute since the last time I went on a real hike that didn’t involve carrying a crash pad or a rope. With a supposed bad weather window everywhere within a reasonable driving distance, we opted to stay at home to attempt some Sierra peak bagging training. (Read: hiking and putting in miles cause it’s been forever and a day since my feet have actually hit the ground) I opted for my local favorite at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Berry Creek Falls.

Backpacking Meiss Lake, Mokelumne Wilderness

Paulina DaoAugust 10, 201531.9K views

My little brother just got back from a brief stint of backpacking through Europe. With his heart still full of adventure, he asked me to take him out somewhere, anywhere. He didn’t give me any criteria and said he was down for whatever, but the first time someone goes backpacking will obviously make or break their experience. After much hemming and hawing, Meiss Lake in Mokelumne Wilderness was my pick.

Backpacking Lassen Day Three: Lower Twin Lake to Summit Lake

Paulina DaoJune 29, 20150824 views

On our last day of Memorial Day backpacking, we woke up at our Lower Twin Lake campground to the sounds of birds chirping. I was a little sad to be going home, but excited to see my cat and to wear shoes that were not hiking boots. Also, In-n-Out burgers.

Backpacking Lassen Day Two: Snag Lake to Cinder Cone to Upper Twin Lake

Paulina DaoJune 22, 20150866 views

Day 2 of backpacking in Lassen! Woke up bright and early on Snag Lake to a malfunctioning shutter on my 5D Mark II… the rest of the photos are iPhone snaps.

Backpacking Lassen Day One: Summit Lake to Snag Lake

Paulina DaoJune 8, 201521.9K views

Three day weekends are for adventures and Memorial Day Weekend was no exception. My best friend and I loaded up our packs and headed out to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Lassen is one of my favorite parks because it’s just so dang beautiful and it doesn’t have the crowds that Yosemite gets. Our plan was to backpack the Clusters Lake loop, but things changed a bit and we had the option of extending it. Day one was taking our time lake hopping from Summit Lake to Snag Lake.