Discover the tranquility of Riverfront Regional Park’s Lake Trail

Riverfront Regional Park is a former gravel quarry turned 300-acre-park along the Russian River. Its centerpiece is a pair of picturesque lakes, perfect for fishing and kayaking, surrounded by lush greenery and towering redwoods. The park’s approximately 2-mile Lake Benoist Loop Trail circles the larger of the two lakes, Lake Benoist, offering a quick, peaceful escape into nature just minutes from downtown Windsor and Healdsburg. 

Explore the Lake Trail

The Lake Loop Trail is a multi-use dirt trail open year-round to hikers, equestrians and cyclists. This 2-mile trail meanders around Lake Benoist, a quiet lake that was once a gravel pit during former mining operations. Benches along the trail provide great spots to rest and take in the surrounding scenery, especially earlier in the day and later in the afternoon, when the sun casts a soft glow over the lake and nearby hillsides and vineyards.

Birdwatchers will find Riverfront particularly rewarding, as it's a rookery for great blue herons — North America’s largest heron — and nests can be spotted high in the trees from January to July. You may also see egrets, green herons and even the occasional bald eagle, so be sure to bring a pair of binoculars.

Leashed dogs are welcome on the Lake Trail. Please be considerate of others by picking up your pet’s waste and disposing of it in a trash can. The park also provides designated equestrian parking and hitching posts.

Trail directions:

Suggested loop: Lake Benoist Loop to Redwood Hill Trail

Note: You can use the interactive map above for reference, or you can download this route to your mobile device via the AllTrails app and follow the route even without cell service.

• The Lake Trail starts at the main parking lot, beginning as a dirt road. Walk past the trailhead kiosk. The redwood grove and picnic area will be on your left and the smaller lake, Lake Wilson, on your right. 
• At .03-miles you’ll come to Lake Benoist and a trail juncture. You can begin the loop around the lake by walking to your right (clockwise) or left (counterclockwise) around the lake.
• If you head to the right, you'll pass a picnic area where you can take a break and enjoy beautiful views across the lake. When ready, continue along the Lake Trail.
• Once on the northwest side of the loop, look for trail spurs to the Russian River, including one leading to a small, rocky beach.
• After circling the lake, you'll return to the trail juncture and the turn back to the parking lot (the way you came.)
• Optional: For a little extra adventure, add a .5-mile detour by turning right on Redwood Trail. (The trailhead is about half way between Lake Benoist and the parking lot.) You’ll make a short climb into the shady redwoods and follow the forested ridge back to the parking lot.

Trail details

• Degree of difficulty: Easy
• Elevation gain: Flat 
• Hike length: 2.3 miles

Know before you go 

• For driving directions and more park details, visit the Riverfront Regional Park webpage.
• Winter rains can cause seasonal flooding on the Lake Trail, so check conditions ahead of time.
• Fishing and non-motorized boating are allowed in Lake Wilson and Lake Benoist.
• Parking is $7; $10 from Memorial Day to Labor Day; or free for Regional Parks members.