Magical Mendocino County
04/08/2026
After nearly five years, we were thrilled to return to this spectacular part of California. Enjoying places we know well.
OWAC honors winners of student contest
04/06/2026
Outdoor Writers Association of California proudly honors winners of its 2026 Pat Vachini Writing & Photography Contest.
Sharlene Goduco of Castro Valley High School won first place in the writing category with her story about Yellowstone National Park.
California Wildlife Photo Contest Celebrates Its Crystal Year
03/27/2026
California Watchable Wildlife Winning Images for January-February 2026
Virgin Territory
03/26/2026
The story of six women sailing a 46 ft catamaran throughout the U.S. Virgin islands. Most met as strangers and sailing novices but quickly meshed into a perfect all-women sailing team, plunging into the Caribbean’s uniquely beautiful culture along with...
Read moreInspiring California climber lived his dream in 2025
03/09/2026
Ascending California’s 15 highest peaks marks a great achievement for anybody, but it was thrilling for a climber who thought he was more likely to lose his foot than climb a mountain.
The Stitched Trail: Sewed Up By Elaine
02/19/2026
Local Chico artist shares wildlife and nature in beautiful textiles.
Fire Lookouts: The Overlooked Wildfire First Responders
01/28/2026
California’s fire lookouts are proven wildfire sentries. Trained observers spot and verify smoke alongside technology. It’s time to rebuild our tower network through grants and partnerships with industry, state, and federal stakeholders. Volunteers stand ready to provide fast, statewide detection.
2025 California Wildlife Photo of the Year Announced
01/22/2026
The 14th annual California Wildlife Photo of the Year Contest comes to an exciting conclusion!
On the Horizon Sacramento’s International Sportsmen’s Expo 2026
12/31/2025
Just days away until the adventure of the Expo begins!
President’s Message
12/16/2025
As I reflect on another year serving this exceptional community of storytellers, photographers, travel writers, and conservation advocates, I appreciate the passion and dedication each of you brings to our shared mission. We are all so fortunate to live in...
Read more2026 Calif. Outdoors Hall of Fame Nominations Close Dec. 15
12/01/2025
Nominations for the 2026 Class of the California Outdoors Hall of Fame close on Dec. 15, 2025.
Final photo judging period for 2025 for California Watchable Wildlife
11/28/2025
California Wildlife Photo Of The Year Contest September – October 2025 Comes to Close. Coming soon the Photo of the Year. Stay tuned!
Pyramid Lake Explodes with double digit trout
11/25/2025
My first time fishing Pyramid Lake from a boat, rather than ladders along the shoreline, convinced me I’d found the Holy Grail for lahontan trout at this huge Northern Nevada tribal waterway.
Native athlete runs to heal in new film
11/24/2025
In the new film “Remaining Native,” Kutoven “Ku” Stevens runs to remember and honor his great grandfather who escaped from an Indian boarding school as a child.
Appreciate kindness of strangers this Thanksgiving
11/10/2025
Let’s appreciate outdoor experiences which bolster faith in human nature this holiday season.
Flight for Freedom – Hawk released back to wild after rehab at wildlife rescue
11/09/2025
Master Falconer Kari Freidig tests California Threatened Swainson’s hawk for potential release. Freidig uses falconry techniques to help raptor rehabilitation and increase survival success after release back to wild.
Exploring California’s Historic Landmarks
11/01/2025
History Happened Here — Right Where You’re Standing! Three GPS guidebooks to California’s landmark history: 1,120 official state landmarks from No. 1 (Custom House, Monterey) to No. 1062 (Palace of Fine Arts). Follow coordinates, touch the plaques, and start your...
Read moreYosemite’s Winter Hush
10/29/2025
My first visit to Yosemite was in winter. I discovered it was the best season to visit the park. Still my favorite – the peace and quiet will leave you breathless.
Writing & Photography Contest offers cash awards to students
10/26/2025
Outdoor Writers Association of California invites California high school juniors and seniors to enter the sixth annual Pat Vachini Outdoor Writing & Photography Contest.
John Steinbeck’s Baja Adventures
10/24/2025
The following article is an excerpt from Greg Niemann’s new book “Beyond Baja Legends”
Magical Mendocino County
04/08/2026
After nearly five years, we were thrilled to return to this spectacular part of California. Enjoying places we know well.
OWAC honors winners of student contest
04/06/2026
Outdoor Writers Association of California proudly honors winners of its 2026 Pat Vachini Writing & Photography Contest.
Sharlene Goduco of Castro Valley High School won first place in the writing category with her story about Yellowstone National Park.
California Wildlife Photo Contest Celebrates Its Crystal Year
03/27/2026
California Watchable Wildlife Winning Images for January-February 2026
Virgin Territory
03/26/2026
The story of six women sailing a 46 ft catamaran throughout the U.S. Virgin islands. Most met as strangers and sailing novices but quickly meshed into a perfect all-women sailing team, plunging into the Caribbean’s uniquely beautiful culture along with...
Read moreInspiring California climber lived his dream in 2025
03/09/2026
Ascending California’s 15 highest peaks marks a great achievement for anybody, but it was thrilling for a climber who thought he was more likely to lose his foot than climb a mountain.
The Stitched Trail: Sewed Up By Elaine
02/19/2026
Local Chico artist shares wildlife and nature in beautiful textiles.
Fire Lookouts: The Overlooked Wildfire First Responders
01/28/2026
California’s fire lookouts are proven wildfire sentries. Trained observers spot and verify smoke alongside technology. It’s time to rebuild our tower network through grants and partnerships with industry, state, and federal stakeholders. Volunteers stand ready to provide fast, statewide detection.
2025 California Wildlife Photo of the Year Announced
01/22/2026
The 14th annual California Wildlife Photo of the Year Contest comes to an exciting conclusion!
On the Horizon Sacramento’s International Sportsmen’s Expo 2026
12/31/2025
Just days away until the adventure of the Expo begins!
President’s Message
12/16/2025
As I reflect on another year serving this exceptional community of storytellers, photographers, travel writers, and conservation advocates, I appreciate the passion and dedication each of you brings to our shared mission. We are all so fortunate to live in...
Read more2026 Calif. Outdoors Hall of Fame Nominations Close Dec. 15
12/01/2025
Nominations for the 2026 Class of the California Outdoors Hall of Fame close on Dec. 15, 2025.
Final photo judging period for 2025 for California Watchable Wildlife
11/28/2025
California Wildlife Photo Of The Year Contest September – October 2025 Comes to Close. Coming soon the Photo of the Year. Stay tuned!
Pyramid Lake Explodes with double digit trout
11/25/2025
My first time fishing Pyramid Lake from a boat, rather than ladders along the shoreline, convinced me I’d found the Holy Grail for lahontan trout at this huge Northern Nevada tribal waterway.
Native athlete runs to heal in new film
11/24/2025
In the new film “Remaining Native,” Kutoven “Ku” Stevens runs to remember and honor his great grandfather who escaped from an Indian boarding school as a child.
Appreciate kindness of strangers this Thanksgiving
11/10/2025
Let’s appreciate outdoor experiences which bolster faith in human nature this holiday season.
Flight for Freedom – Hawk released back to wild after rehab at wildlife rescue
11/09/2025
Master Falconer Kari Freidig tests California Threatened Swainson’s hawk for potential release. Freidig uses falconry techniques to help raptor rehabilitation and increase survival success after release back to wild.
Exploring California’s Historic Landmarks
11/01/2025
History Happened Here — Right Where You’re Standing! Three GPS guidebooks to California’s landmark history: 1,120 official state landmarks from No. 1 (Custom House, Monterey) to No. 1062 (Palace of Fine Arts). Follow coordinates, touch the plaques, and start your...
Read moreYosemite’s Winter Hush
10/29/2025
My first visit to Yosemite was in winter. I discovered it was the best season to visit the park. Still my favorite – the peace and quiet will leave you breathless.
Writing & Photography Contest offers cash awards to students
10/26/2025
Outdoor Writers Association of California invites California high school juniors and seniors to enter the sixth annual Pat Vachini Outdoor Writing & Photography Contest.
John Steinbeck’s Baja Adventures
10/24/2025
The following article is an excerpt from Greg Niemann’s new book “Beyond Baja Legends”