Book excerpt: Northern California is a paddler's paradise, and this book has all the information you need to plan a variety of excursions. Whether you want to canoe down relaxed rivers or glide across tranquil lakes, squirtboat on frothing whitewater or sea kayak on the Pacific Ocean, this guide describes more than 70 paddling trips along 868 miles of California waterways, encompassing 53,400 square miles between Monterey and the Oregon border. Detailed maps include access points and landmarks; flow charts indicate optimum floating seasons; tide information for the ocean trips will help you ride with the current; and full-color photos throughout will inspire you.