12 Perfect Things To Add To Your Northern California Summer Bucket List

All aboard… Northern California’s historic train ride through redwood forests is like nothing else. Not only is it an informative and scenic outing that will leave you more familiar with Northern California railroad and logging heritage, it’s a really thrilling ride you and your family won’t forget anytime soon. The California Western Railroad, better and more affectionately known as the Skunk Train, is a heritage railroad in Mendocino County that runs from the railroad's headquarters in the coastal town of Fort Bragg to the interchange with the Northwestern Pacific Railroad at Willits. Learn More Here.

The best things in life are free, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a whole bunch of fun to shop second hand. If you live in Northern California, then you know what I mean. Thrifting or shopping at flea markets and outdoor bazaars is a time honored tradition, and you never know just what knick knack or paddy whack you might find! Luckily for us, Northern California has quite a few fun flea markets to explore. Learn More Here.

At Sonoma Canopy Tours in Occidental, you will be completely immersed in the coastal redwoods. Life doesn’t get much better than that, does it? This is an experience like no other. You can choose between two different routes through the forest's canopy. Each option features a two-and-a-half hour guided eco tour that includes multiple zip lines, sky bridges, a majestic spiral staircase, and a rappel to the forest floor. Don't worry, your guide will be there the whole time to make sure you return to the ground safely. Learn More Here.

Tucked along the Mendocino Coast is a spectacular but unusual sight. Strange geologic spheres that are formed by a rare combination of elements are found here. Bowling Ball Beach is located in the Schooner Gulch State Beach area and will make for a fun day of exploration. The so-called bowling balls are actually a geological phenomenon known as "concretion." It occurs when sedimentary rock is formed by a natural process where minerals cause grains of sand or stone to stick together into larger formations.Learn More Here.

The only thing better than a roller coaster ride is a roller coaster that takes you through the jaw dropping beauty of the Sierra Nevada. Imagine zooming along through the fresh mountain air with views of Lake Tahoe and other natural scenery. Heavenly Resort’s alpine coaster, the Ridge Roller, allows you to do all this and more. The track is 3200 feet long and the total ride time is about five minutes. Learn More Here.

This The volcanic beauty stands at an elevation of 14,179 feet, making it the second highest peak in the Cascades and the fifth highest in California. It's distinctive shape and size is a direct result of the volcanic activity far below the surface of the earth. The last eruption happened in 1786. It's just one of the several fascinating volcanoes in Northern California... Learn More Here.

Located near Tulelake, California, Lava Beds has amazing natural lava tubes as well as unique history like no where else in the world. Lava Tubes are formed when the surface cools but molten lava still flows underground after a volcanic eruption. Below the earth's surface are numerous lava tube caves. 25 of these are marked for public access and exploration. Learn More Here.

Gualala is surrounded by mountains, forests, beaches and water, and without the crazier crowds many Northern California destinations see, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. Your quintessential beach town, Gualala relies primarily on tourism but still manages to maintain it' sleepy, relaxed character. The unique coastal and forested climate here is really something else. It's the meeting of two unlikely landscapes that makes Northern California such an adventurer's playground. Learn More Here.

Did you know that Northern California is home to some of the most spectacular lighthouses in the country? With our rocky shorelines and dramatic coastal features, it was definitely necessary for these beacons to guide ships safely through the storms. A drive up or down gives you plenty of amazing views of these lighthouses. Some of them are open to the public for tours, others are seen only from a distance. No matter how close you get, seeing the Northern California lighthouses along the coastline is a trip that should be on everyone’ bucket list. Learn More Here.

Downieville is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. It's part of the Motherlode and is located on Highway 49, the scenic route that runs north-south through Gold Country. In recent years, the area was discovered by mountain bikers, who call this spot one of the best in the area for their sport. They come from far and wide to ride the scenic trails located in these hills. The sport has revitalized this community and put it back on the map. Learn More Here

One of the most prominent cities in Northern California has a mysterious past… and a whole underground level that hardly anyone talks about! Old Sacramento was built up during the time of the gold rush, but the frequent flooding of this area obliterated its first level time and time again, until finally, the city abandoned that level altogether. It’s both fascinating and creepy to tour the abandoned level… see for yourself! Sacramento Underground tours take place in Old Town Sac., and even if you don't make it below the surface, this historic and well preserved spot offers a lot of history all on its own. Learn More Here.

For 68 years, Highway 50 from South Lake Tahoe to Placerville has transformed every summer into a historic wagon train route. People come to participate in this historic reenactments of the early pioneers journey out west. They hop in their old fashioned wagon trains (because we all have one of those lying around), saddle up their horses, and recreate the adventure. And the best part is, you can either join them or watch them along the way. Learn More Here.