County of Sonoma
Chanslor Ranch

Head to Chanslor Ranch for a cool Sonoma Coast trail

If your idea of the Sonoma Coast is all sandy beaches and dramatic sea cliffs, Chanslor Ranch might surprise you. Just north of Bodega Bay, this scenic park offers miles of trails through rolling grasslands, a horse ranch and tidal wetlands. One outing can take you from windswept ridgelines with sweeping views of Bodega Bay, Bodega Head and the Pacific Ocean down to the quiet shoreline of Salmon Creek, with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching along the way.

Salmon Creek view from Chanslor Ranch

Spring through fall is a great time to visit Chanslor Ranch. Spring brings vibrant green coastal grasslands dotted with wildflowers, while late summer and fall often offer clearer skies for expansive coastal views. When inland temperatures climb, the cool Pacific breezes make this park a great option for a hike or ride. However, fog and wind are still common on the Sonoma Coast, even in summer, so come prepared with layers for changing conditions.

Bring your binoculars

Salmon Creek and its tidal wetlands are part of the Pacific Flyway and a stop for migratory shorebirds and other waterfowl. Depending on the season, you might spot great blue herons, snowy egrets, shorebirds feeding in the marsh or hawks and other raptors soaring overhead.

Horseback riding at Chanslor Ranch

Hikers, horses and conservation

Before opening as a public park in 2024, Chanslor Ranch was a longtime guest ranch that offered trail rides and horse boarding. A commercial stable continues to operate within the park, so hikers and equestrians share the trails (bicycles are not allowed.) Please practice proper trail etiquette when visiting: Keep dogs on leash, hikers yield to horses and step to the side of the trail when riders approach, giving them plenty of room to pass.

Rich in natural resources, the ranch had been eyed for conservation for decades, and in 2023 Sonoma County Ag + Open Space worked with the landowner to purchase and permanently protect the property, with plans to soon transfer ownership and management to Sonoma County Regional Parks. 

View of Bodega Harbor from Chanslor Ranch

Try this route from hilltop to creek side

For a comprehensive tour of Chanslor Ranch, this approximately 4-mile route connects two of the park’s defining landscapes. It begins with a steady climb to the open ridgeline and views from Coleman Hill, then descends toward the wetlands of Salmon Creek.  

Route details

  • Degree of difficulty: Difficult
  • Elevation gain: 915 feet
  • Route length: approx. 4 miles

Route directions

Suggested loop: Vista Loop Trail to Coleman Hill and Salmon Creek returning via Osprey Trail (AllTrails link) 

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.)  

  1. From the parking lot, head east on Vista Loop Trail, keeping the horse stables on your right. The trail begins climbing almost immediately.
  2. Keep right as the trail climbs. Views open across Bodega Bay, Bodega Harbor and Bodega Head. On a clear day, you may also see south toward Tomales Bay and Point Reyes.
  3. After approximately 1.25 miles of climbing, turn right onto Coleman Hill Trail, a short spur trail to the summit. The steep, half-mile climb leads to the 682-foot summit, with panoramic views of Bodega Bay, Bodega Head, the Pacific Ocean, Salmon Creek and the surrounding coastline. Pause for a snack at the picnic tables and scan the coast with binoculars.
  4. Retrace your steps to Vista Loop Trail, then turn right and continue downhill toward Salmon Creek Trail. Turn right again at the Salmon Creek Trail junction.
  5. The trail becomes rockier as it descends. At the fork, bear left to reach the creek rather than continuing along Salmon Creek Trail.
  6. Follow the spur trail a short way to the shoreline of Salmon Creek. This is a good spot to pause for lunch. On a warm day, you may spot some intrepid kayakers and standup paddlers paddling up from Salmon Creek State Beach. Swimming is not recommended, and lifeguards are not on duty.
  7. After lunch, retrace your steps up Salmon Creek Trail, then turn right onto Osprey Trail.
  8. Osprey Trail overlooks Salmon Creek and its wetlands, with views upstream, down to the water and across Highway 1 toward Salmon Creek State Beach. Keep your binoculars handy for wildlife and waterfowl.
  9. After approximately half a mile, reconnect with Vista Loop Trail and follow it back to the parking lot. 

Know before you go

  • Open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset. Parking is free (during ownership transition).
  • Hikers yield to equestrians. Keep dogs on leash at all times.
  • Trails at Chanslor are exposed with little shade, so be sure to bring sun protection and water. There is no drinking water at the park.
  • Download a trail map or learn more before your visit at SoCoParks.org/Chanslor.