If you’ve only driven through Siskiyou County on Interstate 5, you’ve barely scratched the surface. In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, Charlie sits down with AJ Brown from Discover Siskiyou to explore one of California’s most overlooked outdoor destinations. From the iconic slopes of Mount Shasta to 89 alpine lakes, hidden waterfalls, … Read more
Planning to celebrate Independence Day at Lake Tahoe? From fireworks and beach access to new boating rules and alcohol restrictions, here’s everything you should know before heading to the lake this holiday weekend. Lake Tahoe Will Be Extremely Busy The Fourth of July is traditionally one of the busiest weekends of the year around Lake … Read more
What makes Shaver Lake one of California’s most underrated mountain destinations? In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, Charlie sits down with Lindsey Chargin and Michelle McGee from the Shaver Lake community to explore one of the Sierra Nevada’s most diverse outdoor recreation hubs. From boating, fishing, and sailing on Shaver Lake and Huntington Lake … Read more
There are mountain towns that feel busy. Then there are mountain towns that feel like summer. When I first spotted Shaver Lake on a map while exploring backroads through the Sierra Nevada, it reminded me of the communities I grew up around in Central Oregon. Places built around lake days, trail adventures, campfires, and evenings … Read more
What is it about the mountains that keeps calling us back? In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, Charlie Pankey sits down with backpacker, fly fisherman, and creator behind Juan Backpacks, Juan Veruete, for a conversation about the Sierra Nevada and the experiences that continue to draw us into the wilderness year after year. Juan … Read more
Why do we keep coming back to the mountains? That simple question shaped one of the most thoughtful conversations we’ve had on Sierra Rec Now. This week, Charlie Pankey sits down with backpacker, fly fisherman, and creator behind Juan Backpacks , Juan Veruete, to discuss the John Muir Trail, the Tahoe Rim Trail, ultralight backpacking, … Read more
Part of what I love about Sierra Rec is that it gives me an excuse to always be testing something outdoors. Whether it’s backpacking gear deep in the Sierra, trying a new piece of equipment at a local campground, or experimenting with ways to make family camping easier, every trip becomes a bit of a … Read more
Planning your first boating trip on Lake Tahoe? You’ll have an amazing time on this pristine, magical lake, but make sure you know and follow these rules.
This week on Sierra Rec Now, Charlie Pankey travels into the heart of California’s Sierra National Forest to uncover the story of the Jesse Ross Cabin—a remarkable hand-hewn log cabin built around 1860 during the Gold Rush era. Joining the show is Aaron Smith of HistoriCorps, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving historic places through … Read more
Few experiences in the Sierra Nevada are as powerful as stumbling across an old cabin tucked into the forest and wondering who built it, who lived there, and what life looked like in these mountains long before modern trails and recreation. This summer, outdoor enthusiasts have a rare opportunity to do more than simply admire … Read more
Now Accepting Merino Wool Base Layers from Any Brand Previously limited to Minus33 items, consumers can send in any base layer containing at least 50% merino wool, giving products one last lifesaving use ASHLAND, New Hampshire (May 27, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ — Minus33, a merino wool apparel brand created by textile engineers from L.W. Packard & … Read more
What happens when you trade crowded viewpoints for remote lakes, star-filled skies, and unforgettable nights in the wilderness? In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, Charlie Pankey sits down with Kara Maceross of Lasting Adventures to explore some of the best backpacking experiences in Yosemite National Park, Olympic National Park, and Sequoia National Park. Kara … Read more
For many visitors, Yosemite National Park begins and ends in Yosemite Valley. They’ll marvel at Half Dome, photograph Yosemite Falls, and spend a few unforgettable days exploring one of America’s most iconic national parks. But according to Yosemite guide Kara Maceross of Lasting Adventures , the real magic often begins when you leave the pavement … Read more
Every June, riders test themselves against 155 miles, 16,000 feet of climbing, and some of the most spectacular scenery in the Sierra Nevada. Most visitors experience Kaiser Pass from behind the windshield. They wind through the pine forests above Shaver Lake, stop at scenic overlooks, and marvel at the rugged beauty of California’s high country. … Read more
