County of Sonoma
  • Trail sign for Colgan Highlands Trail in Taylor Mountain Regional Park, with a dirt path curving through dry grassland and panoramic views of Santa Rosa and distant hills in the background

    Three trails that make Taylor Mountain feel like a whole new park

  • Kids and teens paddling at Spring Lake in Summer

    Four spots to try stand up paddleboarding in Sonoma County

  • Tubing on the Russian River

    Tubing the Russian River: How to plan a float trip

  • Soda Springs Reserve

    Six shady summer hikes in Sonoma County

  • Riverside meander on the Makahmo Trail in Cloverdale

  • Multi-colored kites flying above Doran Beach on a clear day

    Summer fun at Doran Beach

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Trail sign for Colgan Highlands Trail in Taylor Mountain Regional Park, with a dirt path curving through dry grassland and panoramic views of Santa Rosa and distant hills in the background

Three trails that make Taylor Mountain feel like a whole new park

Explore eight miles of new trails at Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve in Santa Rosa, California. Hike through shaded oak woodlands, seasonal creek canyons and across scenic ridgelines with sweeping views of Bennett Valley, Sonoma Mountain and Santa Rosa. This guide highlights three hiking routes —easy, moderate, and challenging — including the Colgan Creek Loop, East Knoll overlook, and a full ridge circuit via Panorama and Cooper Ridge trails.

Tubing on the Russian River

Tubing the Russian River: How to plan a float trip

Floating down the Russian River is one of Sonoma County's most popular summer activities - for both visitors and locals. But a tubing adventure can go flat in no time if you don't plan ahead. Here are our tips for a successful float trip.

Kids and teens paddling at Spring Lake in Summer

Four spots to try stand up paddleboarding in Sonoma County

Discover stand up paddleboarding spots in Sonoma County. Ready to cool off and explore Sonoma County from the water? This guide highlights four top locations for stand up paddleboarding (SUP), from beginner-friendly lakes to scenic river stretches and coastal bays. Learn where to launch and paddle safely in Sonoma County regional parks.

Two women floating on the Russian River

Playing it safe on the Russian River

Swimming and paddling on the Russian River are classic summer experiences in Sonoma County. However, playing in the river is not without risk, so please follow these safety tips: Wear a life vest, swim with a friend or near a lifeguard and watch your drinking.

Image of path between redwoods

Where to find redwoods in Sonoma County parks

Protected in parks around Sonoma County, groves of coast redwoods offer cool summer shade and a touch of awe and wonder. Here are locations where you can spend time with these giants in Sonoma County’s Regional Parks. And before you go, here are some interesting features to know about these magnificent creatures.

Picnic table under oaks next to creek

Explore woodlands and wildflowers at Crane Creek Regional Park

Crane Creek Regional Park in central Sonoma County features 128 acres of rolling grasslands, oak woodlands, ridgetop views and its namesake creek. Just minutes from Rohnert Park and Sonoma State University, the park is known for its spring wildflowers, panoramic sunsets, disc golf course and scenic trails. Here's a recommended 1.4-mile hike to see the park's highlights.