Prairie Creek Redwood State Park is a beautiful getaway for those seeking lush forests and a pristine coastline. In the state park there are many beautiful hikes through giant Redwood trees and Fern groves, but my favorite hike in the park by far is Fern Canyon. This short, but sweet hike is where parts of Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World were filmed. The canyon walls are covered in beautiful fern plants and when it rains, water drips down in delicate streams through the leaves. 

Overview~
Distance: 2 mi
Elevation: 30 ft
Difficulty Level: easy 
Approximate time: 1 hour (depends largely on how long you wish to admire the canyon)
Pet Friendly: no, service animals only
Crowd levels: moderate
Best Season to go: Spring or Fall

What to bring in your pack:
1. Camera or Phone: this hike is beautiful and unlike anything you've seen before, so you will want a camera to document your experience
2. Water: Though this is a short, easy hike, it is always important to stay hydrated
3. $8.00: State Park entrance fee
4. Lunch: I would recommend going on this hike early and then stopping for a picnic after at Gold Bluffs Beach located just miles before the trail entrance

What you will see:
1. Lots and lots of beautiful ferns clinging to the walls of the box canyon, five different species to be exact: lady, deer, sword, chain, and five-fingered; there are also gorgeous mosses and small trickling streams of water.
2. Low flowing creeks with boards overlaying for you to walk across them; the USDA was very considerate when creating this trail and made this hike accessible to everyone. 
3. When you're driving to the trail-head, you will see smaller trees consumed with Ivy and moss, and giant Redwoods.
4. Just miles before arriving at the trail, you will see Gold Bluffs beach, which, makes a wonderful spot for post-hike relaxation, fun, and the picnic spoken of above.
4. There is a small waterfall at the end of the short hike that is only there after rain, sadly I didn't get to see it, but I hope you all get to!

How to get there: 
Heading North on the Hwy 101, take a left onto Davison Road just about two miles past Orick. Take the road all the way to the end to the parking lot and when you arrive, you will see the trail-head to the far right. Follow the trail alongside Home Creek into the Canyon.
​*Note: trailers are not permitted on Davison Road. 

Crystals have been used for their metaphysical properties for centuries, and though the ancient practice has lost much of its momentum, the art of crystal healing is making a comeback. You may wonder why crystals are becoming very popular recently, and though it is commonly associated with spirituality, there is a scientific explanation behind the uses for these beautiful objects.
Everything that manifests itself to us in our day to day lives, at its basic core, is composed of energy; quantum physics elucidates this idea that has been understood by mystics and pagans for centuries. Our atoms are composed of infinitely spacious vortices of energy, and every object in our reality has a unique energy signature. Our energy signatures are very complex, and can thus become unbalanced and out of natural flow quite easily; rocks and minerals, however, have a fixed and unchanging energy signature that stays in harmonic incorruptibility. Using the fixed energy frequencies of crystals correctly, we are able to re-balance our energies and become rejuvenated in natural tranquility once more.
Here are three of the best crystals I believe everyone should have in their posession:
A) Rose Quartz, my all time favorite~ 
This pink crystal purifies the heart in order to encourage self-love and trust as well as unconditional love and compassion for others, which are extremely lacking in society today. Relieving the feelings of loneliness and heartache, it offers profound inner peace and dispels emotional wounds, fears, and resentments. I recommend wearing this close to your heart on a necklace to amplify the effects.
B) Smokey Quartz~
The mysterious, black Smokey Quartz transmutes negative energy and is the best stone for combating depression, offering serenity and comfort in times of despair. This stone also helps one to stay grounded and centered in daily life. Keep this gem by your front door to cleanse your home and keep it with you when you need positivity.
C) Amethyst~
Promoting peace and intuition, this brilliant purple crystal is a favorite among many. Known for instilling deeper meditative states and reconnecting with ones inner-wisdom and spirituality, this stone was worn by Catholic Bishops and was carved into heart shapes by ancient Egyptians for burial. Interestingly, in Greek, the name Amethyst means "not intoxicated" and was used as a sobriety stone for alcoholics. I personally recommend this stone for all those feeling disconnected from the Earth and those seeking wisdom and a keen intuition. 

If you're looking for an inspiring, grandiose hike in Tahoe area, this is the perfect hike for you. Starting off with a pristine waterfall and ending with the breathtaking view from the top of Mt. Tallac is astounding with beauty beyond words; this hike ranks my favorite in the Sierra Nevada region. 

Overview-
Distance: 6 mi
Elevation: 3,200 ft
Difficultly level: moderate to strenuous
Approximate time: 6-8 hours depending on your leisure
Pet Friendly: yes, but the distance and elevation is too strenuous for most dogs
Crowded: moderately 
Best season to go: late spring/early summer

What to bring in your pack-
1. Lot's of water: as always, water is an absolute imperative on this hike as the trek up the mountain is long and challenging.
2. Hiking snacks: bring along a small picnic on this hike to stop and eat by Gilmore Lake, which is, the 3/4 point up the mountain. Bring only easily digestible and healthy foods, however, in order to sustain your body up the hardest, final stretch.
3. Camera or phone: the view from the top of Mt. Tallac is absolutely breathtaking and you will want to save that moment in time forever.
4. Sunscreen and a hat: protect your skin from the UV rays beating down on you the majority of the way.
5. Stable hiking shoes: the trail is very rocky the whole way up, so supportive hiking shoes are a must.
6. Bathing suit (optional): as stated above, Gilmore Lake is about 3/4 of the way up the mountain and provides a refreshing way to cool off before heading up the final stretch. 

What you will see-
There are many small waterfalls along the trail at the beginning of the hike. The Glen Alpine trailhead starts just above the popular Glen Alpine Falls and continues up alongside the river bend. There are also many lakes you can detour to if you decide the hike is too challenging and would prefer a more relaxing day. Once you get to the top, there are small patches of snow, beautiful flowers, and of course, the incredible view of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake. 

How to get there-
I suggest buying a Desolation Wilderness map from the ranger station before your hike to ensure you don't get lost along the way. The trails are generally well marked, but it's always better to be sure you know the way. Park at the trailhead to enter Desolation Wilderness just beyond Glen Alpine Falls, there is a small parking area there, and entrance is on the far left side. Follow your way up to "Gilmore Lake," and then you will cross a small creek to "Tallac Trail," follow that to the end, and soak in the views.