Upstate CA Summer Guide!

My very favorite spots in Northern California for swimming, hiking, and adventuring

So hi, summer has arrived. It’s already 90-95 degrees up here in Northern CA. The BBQ has been primed, the yard is trimmed, and the pool is officially OPEN. Summer is a season that smells of ADVENTURE. It's river days, it's grilling in the evenings, it's sleeping outside, it’s golden bronze skin from way too much time in the sun adventuring. Now, this so happens to be one of the times that Upstate California wins. There is nothing like these long days, warm nights, still dusk at 9pm, with a warm hug of air in the night.

I just got back from my week in LA and was slapped in the face with COLD. And I mean COLD, until like 2-3pm in the afternoon when finally the sun comes out, and the humidity makes it a blistering couple hours before the fog rolls back in, and it's cold and dark all over again. I always forget about how long that pesky June Gloom lingers. I don’t miss May and June in LA — calm down LA, you have the entire rest of the year to shine. Upstate in June makes me invigorated and energetic, like waking up from a long winter nap! My favorite fragrance of all time (other than R+Co Stars Align and Suncatcher) is fresh tomato leaves. Holy smokes, that moment when the tomatoes are just about to pop off, the leaves of the tomato vine give off the freshest, most herbaceous, scent of earth. I love to swish my hands through the leaves, cup them over my face, and take giant inhales — ahhhhh summer.

Okay, let's get down to it. The best thing to do in Northern CA (aka Upstate) during the summer is go to the river (or swimming hole or lake!) So consider me your Park Ranger!! Because you are my Close Friends, I'm giving you access to my very favorite summer spots (legitimately, I will probably see you there), that is how much I love you. No secrets! Now, let’s get in tents.