County of Sonoma
Picnic table under oaks next to creek

Explore woodlands and wildflowers at Crane Creek Regional Park

Just minutes from the bustle of downtown Rohnert Park, Crane Creek Regional Park offers mellow trails that meander across rolling grasslands and through oak woodlands, with plenty of spots to pause at a bench or picnic table and take in the views — or listen to the gentle babble of Crane Creek. Tucked into the foothills east of Rohnert Park, this 128-acre park feels worlds away, with the creek winding through its center beneath willow, alder, buckeye and bay trees, creating a rich habitat for birds and wildlife.  

couple and dog on bench overlooking the city below Crane Creek Regional Park

The park is especially beautiful in the springtime, when the park’s hillsides are green and its meadows covered with bright displays of California poppies, buttercups, milkmaids, tidy tips and other wildflowers. The park’s many native oaks are also in bloom in springtime and we recommend this as one of the best times to visit.  

People hiking with a field of yellow wildflowers in view

Try this 1.4-mile loop for a short and scenic outing that highlights some of the park's best features: sprawling oak woodlands, ridge-top views and a peaceful stretch alongside the creek. Fiddleneck Trail offers open views of hillsides often dotted with spring blooms. The Northern Loop Trail gently climbs to a ridgeline with sweeping views of Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa, while the Creek Trail runs alongside seasonal Crane Creek, dotted with oak trees and spur trails leading down to the water.  

Trail directions

Suggested loop: Creek Trail to Northern Loop Trail to Fiddleneck Trail.

Note: Use the interactive map above for reference, or download this route to your mobile device via the AllTrails app to follow along — even without cell service. (Cell service can be spotty at the park, so be sure to do this in advance.) The Fiddleneck and Northern Loop trails are open to for equestrians, hikers and bikers. Creek Trail is open to all users, except for one short .1-mile section, which is open to hikers only.

  • From the main parking lot, head west on the Fiddleneck Trail, named for some of the wildflowers you might see along this trail in springtime. You'll be crossing grassland that are seasonally grazed by livestock so be sure to leave gates as you find them and keep dogs on leash. 
  • The trail climbs slightly, rewarding with views of rolling grasslands. You'll see part of the 18-hole disc golf course here and may even see some players. 
  • At the junction with Lupine Trail, take a right and continue .3 miles to a slight ascent on Northern Loop Trail.
  • Continue on Fiddleneck Trail for close to .25 miles, as it descends into oak woodlands, crossing seasonal creeks.  
  • Veer right at the junction with Northern Loop Trail for a slight ascent with additional views. 

  • Follow North Loop Trail until it becomes Creek Trail and begins to parallel Crane Creek. You can take a spur trail down to look to the water or find a shady bench under an oak tree for a peaceful pause or to enjoy a picnic. 

  • Stay on Creek Trail to make your way back to the parking lot.
  • You can easily extend your outing by taking connecting trails across the interior or along the edges of the park. 

Trail details

  • Degree of difficulty: Easy
  • Elevation gain: 150 feet
  • Trail length: 1.4 miles

Poppies at Crane creek

Know before you go

  • Cattle graze seasonally at Crane Creek to reduce fire risk and promote biodiversity. View tips for hiking and biking in parks where cattle graze. Please keep dogs on leash and leave gates as you find them.
  • We encourage park visitors to Leave No Trace. Treat wildflowers and other living plants with respect. Picking, carving, hacking or peeling plants and trees can harm or kill them. See SoCoParks.org/LNT for more information. 
  • Most trails cross open grasslands and offer limited shade, so they're best explored in spring, winter and fall or during early mornings or evenings in the summer. Visit the Crane Creek Regional Park webpage for more tips. 
  • Parking fee required; parking is free for Regional Parks members

Published May 2025.