Skip to Content
  • A guide to mountain biking in Sonoma County parks

  • Sonoma County’s best spring wildflower walks

  • Coyotes in Sonoma County: What to know about these wild canines

  • Hike or bike Sonoma County’s scenic West County Trail

  • Spring hikes in Petaluma's Helen Putnam Regional Park

  • How to be bear aware in Sonoma County Regional Parks

Blog

Categories

All Blog Posts

couple walking with dog and stroller on West County Trail

Hike or bike Sonoma County’s scenic West County Trail

Explore Sonoma County's West County Regional Trail, a former railroad right of way turned multi-use trail, linking the rural West County towns of Sebastopol, Graton, and Forestville. Good for walking or biking, and dog-friendly, the 5.5-mile mostly paved pathway, separated from the traffic of Highway 116, offers natural splendor and small-town charm.

Mountain biking at Helen Putnam Regional Park

A guide to mountain biking in Sonoma County parks

Discover top mountain biking spots in Sonoma County! With trails for all levels, from easier trails at Helen Putnam Regional Park to challenging climbs at Hood Mountain, there's something for beginner and advanced mountain bikers. Explore scenic views and thrilling terrain across regional and state parks. Get ready for your next mountain biking adventure.

Wildflowers at Crane Creek Regional Park

Sonoma County’s best spring wildflower walks

Sonoma County’s best spring wildflower displays tend to be inland, among the meadows and vernal pools of the oak woodlands. Here are some of the Sonoma County Regional Parks that wildflower fans like to visit from February to May as they enjoy the beauty of nature’s most colorful artworks.

Spring hillsides at Helen Putnam Regional Park

Spring hikes in Petaluma's Helen Putnam Regional Park

Looking for a spring hike in Sonoma County that will take your breath away? Head to the rolling hills just west of Petaluma, where Helen Putnam Regional Park features jaw-dropping views of bright green countryside and endless blue-and-white skies.

Golden violets in April at Tolay Lake Regional Park

On the trail to spring picnics in Sonoma County parks

Spring in Sonoma County is practically a Technicolor experience, and a picnic in a regional park is one of the best ways to soak up the season's vivid beauty. You'll find picnic areas near many of the park entrances, but if you're up for more of an adventure, you can discover more out-of-the-way picnic sites. Here are a few of our favorites.

Woman and Dog Paddleboarding on Spring Lake

Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Sonoma County

Stand-up paddleboarding — often referred to as “SUP” — is one of the nation’s fastest-growing outdoor activities. It’s certainly popular in Sonoma County, where the Russian River, several lakes and Bodega Bay provide diverse adventures for paddleboarders. Some of the best paddleboarding adventures can be found within Sonoma County Regional Parks.