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 meandering across rolling grasslands and under oak woodlands. Benches and picnic tables invite visitors to pause, take in ridgetop views or listen to the gentle babble of the namesake creek. Nestled in the foothills east of the city and Sonoma State University, this 128-acre park feels worlds away.

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

The park is especially beautiful in spring, when hillsides are green and meadows are covered with bright displays of California poppies, buttercups, milkmaids, tidy tips and other wildflowers. Its seasonal creek - shaded by willow, alder, buckeye, and bay trees - cultivates a rich habitat for birds and wildlife. The park’s many native oaks also bloom in spring, 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, ridgetop views and a peaceful creekside stretch. Fiddleneck Trail offers open views of hillsides and spring blooms. The Northern Loop Trail gently climbs to a ridgeline with sweeping views of Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa, while the Creek Trail is dotted with oak trees and spur trails leading 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 phone 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 equestrians, hikers and bikers. Creek Trail is open to all users, except for one short .1-mile section open to hikers only.

From the parking lot, head west on Fiddleneck Trail, named for some of the wildflowers you might see. You'll cross grasslands seasonally grazed by livestock, so be sure to leave gates as you find them and keep dogs on leash.
The trail climbs slightly, and you'll see part of the 18-hole disc golf course and may even see some players.
At the junction with Lupine Trail, take a left to continue on Fiddleneck Trail for .1 miles, as it descends into oak woodlands, crossing seasonal creeks. 
Veer left at the junction with Northern Loop Trail for a slight ascent with additional views.
Follow Northern Loop Trail until it becomes Creek Trail and begins to parallel Crane Creek. You can take a spur trail down 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, or take the Suunset Trail to the park summit.

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.
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 page for more tips.
Parking fee required; parking is free for Regional Parks members

Published May 2025.