Blog

Ocean spray and dramatic views on the Bluff Top Trail to Gualala Point

September 22, 2025

Explore the Bluff Top Trail on Sonoma County’s north coast, a scenic 8-mile round-trip hike linking Walk On Beach at The Sea Ranch to Gualala Point Regional Park. This easy to moderate trail follows windswept coastal bluffs with sweeping ocean views, grassy meadows and shady cypress groves. Parking is free at Walk On Beach and available with a fee or parks membership at Gualala Point. Dogs on leash are welcome.

Three trails that make Taylor Mountain feel like a whole new park

Explore eight miles of new trails at Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve in Santa Rosa, California. Hike through shaded oak woodlands, seasonal creek canyons and across scenic ridgelines with sweeping views of Bennett Valley, Sonoma Mountain and Santa Rosa. This guide highlights three hiking routes —easy, moderate, and challenging — including the Colgan Creek Loop, East Knoll overlook, and a full ridge circuit via Panorama and Cooper Ridge trails.

Riverside meander on the Makahmo Trail in Cloverdale

Cloverdale River Park, nestled along the Russian River in northern Sonoma County, offers a scenic and accessible outdoor experience. The park’s main path, the 1-mile Makahmo Trail, is a paved, relatively flat route ideal for birding, wildlife viewing, and enjoying forested hillside views. With ADA-accessible parking, restrooms, and picnic areas, the trail accommodates strollers and wheelchairs, though some river access points remain unpaved. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll through cottonwood and buckeye groves, cross a seasonal creek, and relax at riverside picnic spots. Leashed dogs are welcome, and the park also provides non-motorized boat access.

Perfect Sonoma County fall hikes

In Sonoma County, fall brings colorful trees and vineyards, the hope for rain, and saying goodbye to the intense summer heat. It’s a great time of year to get out from under the shady trees and explore some sunny trails that offer sweeping views of the changing landscape.

Dog-friendly trails in Sonoma County

There's nothing like going on a hike with your best friend. And if your best friend happens to be a dog, no worries. Dogs on leash are welcome at nearly all Sonoma County Regional Parks. In fact, because most of the area's state parks don't allow dogs on trails, Sonoma County's regional parks are the North Bay's best destinations for hiking with your pet.

Autumn is ideal for visiting the Sonoma Coast

Fall is a special time to get outdoors in Sonoma County, and one of the best features of the season is the spectacular weather along the Sonoma Coast. Autumn is ideal for visiting beaches in Bodega Bay, The Sea Ranch, and Gualala.