Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge ↔ Auto Tour

The early bird gets the auto tour all to themselves...

Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

Let's go on an adventure!

Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge ↔ December Birding

Sunrise birding at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge...

For all of my bird photography, please visit Wings and Daydreams!

Let's go on an adventure!

Summer Wildflowers ↔ Hat Creek Rim Scenic Overlook ↔ Old Station, California ↔ Pacific Crest Trail

Summer wildflowers are bringing a splash of color to the already beautiful Hat Creek Rim Overlook near Old Station, California...

Located near Old Station, California (on the way to Lassen Volcanic National Park), the Hat Creek Rim Overlook is a breathtaking viewing area showcasing Lassen Peak (10,457 ft), Mt. Shasta  (14, 162 ft), Crater Peak (8,677 ft), Burney Mountain (8,550 ft), and Magee Peak (8,550 ft). There are vault toilets, several picnic tables, and lots of RV parking. This site is wheelchair accessible and the overlook is easy to get to with a paved path.

The Hat Creek Rim Overlook also provides an access point onto the Pacific Crest Trail.

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Cinder Cone Hiking Trail ↔ The Painted Dunes & Fantastic Lava Beds ↔ Lassen Volcanic National Park

Long time no see!

I'm so excited to be back in nature after my two-year hiatus due to the pandemic!

In true Vaughn all-or-nothing fashion, we chose to hike the Cinder Cone as our first venture back out into the great wide wilderness. This isn't the easiest hike because of the steep incline and sandy/rocky path, but the 360-degree views at the top offer a fabulous payoff.

We arrived at the trailhead just as the sun was coming up and didn't see anyone else until we came back down the volcano.

How wonderful to have the entire place to ourselves!

This hike took us about four hours, but that's only because we were enjoying the view so much that we walked around the entire Cinder Cone a second time and weren't in a hurry to get back home.

It was so incredibly quiet at the top--the perfect atmosphere to take in the sights of the beautiful Painted Dunes, almost otherworldly Fantastic Lava Beds, and Lassen Peak standing tall in the distance.

Here's to many more enjoyable hikes in Lassen VNP this year!

 

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Cosumnes River Preserve ↔ Exploring the River Walk Nature Trail

The Cosumnes River Walk is a 3-mile dirt trail that starts and ends at the visitor center. During our visit in early-March, we saw many different birds (which you can see at Wings and Daydreams), colorful wildflowers (photos at Wildflower Wednesday), and enjoyed the diverse trail that took us through buttonbush thickets, native grasslands, valley oak riparian forest, cottonwood-willow riparian forest, tule marsh, and valley oak savannah.

To learn more about the Cosumnes River Preserve, visit their website here.

Enjoy a virtual walk of the Preserve here.

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Cosumnes River Preserve ↔ Exploring the Lost Slough Wetlands Walk

The Lost Slough Wetlands Walk is a one-mile trail that starts and ends at the Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center. Enjoy a variety of birds, wildflowers and spectacular views from the paved path and wooden boardwalk...

For more info about the birds found at the preserve, please visit my birding website Wings and Daydreams.

For more photos of the wildflowers found in the area, check out Wildflower Wednesday.

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Cosumnes River Preserve ↔ Sacramento County, California

The Cosumnes River Preserve is a great place to see wildlife, photograph birds and simply enjoy the wonderful scenery.

The walking trails were so beautiful and diverse, and the views from the boardwalk were amazing!

Don't you just love it when the clouds put on a show?

I'll be posting pics of the birds we saw over on my birding website Wings and Daydreams. Plus, you can find the wildflowers at Wildflower Wednesday.

Here's the link to the preserve's website for more about the trails and activities.

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California Dutchman's Pipe ↔ Battle Creek Wildlife Area Wildflowers

Sometimes you see something amazing growing in nature and you have no idea what it could possible be...

Luckily, this incredible-looking plant was pictured on the sign at the kiosk at the Battle Creek Wildlife Area!

🎕 For more wonderful wildflower pics, visit Wildflower Wednesday 🎕

Let's go on an adventure!