Sonoma hiking options are diverse and plentiful, from sand dunes to peaks with trails offering vistas as far away as the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge.
South Sonoma Coast
Bodega Head: This point is criss-crossed with trails affording spectacular vistas of the South Coast and the bay. (On clear nights, Bodega Head is an excellent place for star gazing.
Sonoma Coast Beaches:
Miles of sandy beaches, rugged headlands with spectacular vistas, and a rocky coast with secret coves and arches carved by the sea and wind make this area popular for Sonoma hiking.
This series of beaches stretches 17 miles from Bodega Bay to Vista Trail, 4 miles north of Jenner. There are plenty of access roads from Highway 1. The summer morning fog will usually burn off by noon. Be aware of the danger of "sneaker waves," frequent along this coast, that can sweep hikers off rocks.
These beaches are situated at the northern end turn-around point of the Sonoma Coast Day trip.
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park has a self-guided Sonoma hiking trail that follows Sonoma Creek beginning near the picnic area. When the weather is clear, hike to the 2,729-foot summit of Bald Mountain for a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. There are 25 miles of trails for hiking.
In the spring, wildflowers are abundant. Local wildlife include fox, deer, bobcat and coyote.
The fun doesn’t stop after the sun goes down. Visit year-round astronomy programs at the Robert Ferguson Observatory.
Robert Ferguson Observatory.
For current observatory information call (707) 833-6979. The park is at 2605 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood (707) 833-5712. This Sonoma hiking trail park can be accessed from the north end of the Sonoma Valley Day Trip.
Hood Mountain Regional Park:
The park consists of 1,750 acres of wilderness and challenging trails for advanced hikers in good physical condition. Hiking, bicycle and horseback riding trails. If the weather is clear, Golden Gate Bridge can be viewed from Valley View Trail or Gunsight Rock Trail. The trailhead is at 1450 Pythian Road, Santa Rosa. Take Pythian Road off Highway 12, which is at the north end of the Sonoma Valley Day Trip map.
Jack London State Historic Park:
Jack London State Historic Park is a memorial to author Jack London, who lived there from 1905 until his death in 1916. The park was part of the London’s Beauty Ranch.
The former cottage residence, now a museum, and the remains of Wolf House still exist. Though Beauty Ranch Trail is only a half-mile long, the haunting beauty of this park makes it a memorable Sonoma hiking experience. Trails beyond the Beauty Ranch Trail continue on to London's Lake and bathhouse and, farther on, to the summit of Sonoma Mountain. The ranch is at 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen (707) 938-5216. It is featured on the Sonoma Valley Day Trip.
Austin Creek State Recreation Area:
At Guerneville, on Highway 116, follow the signs to Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve and enter Austin Creek park through the same gate. The redwood forest rises to woodlands, open meadows and hills. Twenty miles of Sonoma hiking trails lead along forested ravines with seasonal streams to coastal peaks offering views of the Pacific Coast and vistas of the coastal wilderness. Elevation ranges from 150 to 1500 feet.
This wilderness area is home to many native animals, including an occasional black bear and mountain lion. Feral pigs and wild turkey also roam here. This is a good wildflower viewing area. Call California State Parks at (707) 869-2015 or 865-2391. This area is featured on the Russian River Day Trip, along with
Salt Point State Preserve:
Located nineteen miles north of Jenner, this coastal park has 20 miles of Sonoma hiking trails and more than six miles of craggy coastline. Hikers are asked to stay on developed trails to preserve the fragile terrain and to avoid contact with ticks and poison oak. This park is featured on the Russian River Day Trip. Just north of Salt Point is
Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve:
Five miles of Sonoma hiking trails lead through scenic fern-carpeted canyons which are fed by seasonal streams. Each May the Reserve bursts into bloom with brilliant pink blossoms, set against the backdrop of the forest. No dogs or bikes are allowed on these trails.
Lake Sonoma:
Located at the upper end of Dry Creek Valley, there are 40 miles of Sonoma hiking trails that are shared with horseback riders. Stop at the Visitors Center and The Don Clausen Fish Hatchery, the most modern fish hatchery in the State of California. Lake Sonoma is featured on the Healdsburg Area Day Trip.
Shiloh Ranch Regional Park:
This hiking area can be added to either the Healdsburg Area Day Trip or the Russian River Day Trip. The park has 850 acres of woodland area with over 3 miles of trails for hiking, and bicycle and horseback riding, picnic grounds and flush restrooms. It is located at 5750 Faught Road, in Windsor.
Santa Rosa Parks:
Spring Lake Regional Park
at 391 Violetti Drive, Santa Rosa, has paved trails perfect for hikers, joggers and strollers. These Sonoma hiking trails connect to adjacent Annadel State Park and Howarth City Park, providing 8 miles of hiking. This park is on the Santa Rosa Day Trip, adjacent to Howarth Park.
Also featured on the Santa Rosa Day Trip is Annadel State Park, a 5,000-acre park with 35 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain bike riding. Wildflower viewing is spectacular in the spring. Located at 6201 Channel Drive,
Santa Rosa, California (707)539-3911. Find more information about
Sonoma hiking at Annadel.
Crane Creek Regional Park, is a 128-acre park encompassing rolling grassland meadows and a seasonal creek in the Sonoma Valley foothills. The park's open space is bordered by stands of California Buckeye, White Alder, Black Oak and Maple.
The Sonoma hiking trails provide outstanding vistas of Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa and are available for hiking, bicycle riding, and horseback riding. Located at 5000 Pressley Road, near the City of Rohnert Park, it is most conveniently reached from the Santa Rosa Day Trip.
The West County and Joe Rodota Trails:
These 13 miles of linked trails are built along land that was once owned by the Petaluma and Santa Rosa Railway. The trails are paved for walking, bicycle riding, and roller skating. They offer beautiful views of farms, vineyards, creeks, parks, and other rural lands. Most of the northern trail section in Forestville has not been completed.
The Joe Rodota Trail is one of my favorite Sonoma hiking trips, situated between the cities of Santa Rosa and Sebastopol, off Highway 12, because it's scenic and enjoyable for hikers of all levels. It is part of the West County trail system, and is 2.8 miles of paved trail generally flat and comfortable for families with young children. Hiking, bicycle riding, horseback riding, and roller skating are permitted. The trail skirts ranches, farms and the Santa Rosa Laguna. Three bridges along the way are built atop old train trestles. The trail features excellent bird watching.
At Guerneville, on Highway 116, follow the signs to Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve and enter Austin Creek park through the same gate. The redwood forest rises to woodlands, open meadows and hills. Twenty miles of Sonoma hiking trails lead along forested ravines with seasonal streams to coastal peaks offering views of the Pacific Coast and vistas of the coastal wilderness. Elevation ranges from 150 to 1500 feet.
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