Hike or bike Sonoma County’s scenic West County Trail

By Regional Parks staff

Sonoma County's natural beauty shines brightest in spring and fall, making these seasons ideal for exploring the West County Regional Trail, a former railroad right-of-way turned multi-use trail, linking the rural West County towns of Sebastopol, Graton and Forestville. 

Whether you're an avid cyclist or a leisurely walker, the 4.8-mile mostly paved pathway, separated from the traffic of Highway 116, offers natural splendor and small-town charm any time of year, but it’s particularly vibrant when dressed in spring blooms and greenery or the earthy hues of autumn. It also offers connections to trails that run through Santa Rosa for an extended car-free adventure.  

From Forestville to Graton 

For a picturesque introduction to the trail, start from downtown Forestville, for a 4.8-mile out and back to Green Valley Road near Graton. Parking is available at downtown Forestville and Ross Station Road trailhead. The trailhead in Forestville has picnic tables for a picnic under the oak trees after your ride or hike.  

Trail directions:

Suggested loop: Forestville to Green Valley Road, Manzana 

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.

• Begin your walk at the community trailhead in downtown Forestville. Head south on the dirt path, winding through oaks that soon open onto views of vineyards. After the trail crosses a raised wooden boardwalk, take a right turn onto the paved trail.  
• Continuing on the paved trail, you will notice a large recycled-water pond on your left, which is home to a variety of birds throughout the year.  
• After crossing two bridges, you’ll reach the Ross Branch Road trailhead, where you’ll find a few picnic tables, benches, and parking spots. This is the approximate halfway point for this walk. Beyond Ross Branch Road, you’ll be treated to views of a berry farm, vineyards, and horse pastures.  
• After crossing the private Ross Lane, the trail takes you past Graton’s recycled-water ponds, then leaves the route of the former railway and takes a sharp right turn, becoming dirt.  
• You are now in Atascadero Creek Ecological Reserve, a biologically important wetland. The Atascadero Creek watershed hosts a variety of animals such as deer, raccoons, squirrels and rabbits, while also providing a home to endangered species like steelhead trout, freshwater shrimp, and the Pitkin marsh lily, whose survival depends on the preservation of their habitat.  

 A boardwalk keeps you above the sensitive habitat until you reach the end of your walk at Green Valley Road. Turn around and retrace your steps back to Forestville. 

Trail details

• Degree of difficulty: Easy/Moderate
• Elevation gain: 144 Feet 
• Hike length: 4.8 miles round trip 

Connect to Santa Rosa 

For a longer adventure, continue 2.2 miles south to Graton and Sebastopol, where you can connect to the Joe Rodota Trail to Santa Rosa. The full West County-Joe Rodota system spans 14 miles from Forestville to Santa Rosa.  With access points located along Highway 116 and various side streets, you can customize your route to suit your preferences and interests. Whether you're craving a scenic detour through the countryside, or a pit stop at a local winery or apple farm, the possibilities are endless.  

More information and trail map. 

Know before you go 

• Parking is free at the following locations: downtown Forestville near the trailhead, Ross Station Road trailhead, and Graton Road trailhead. 
• Dogs on leash are welcome on the trail. 
• During the rainy season, parts of the trail may be temporarily closed due to flooding. Please respect closure signs and detours.
• For more information about hiking and biking trails, visit our  Find a Park  page.