County of Sonoma
  • Trail sign for Colgan Highlands Trail in Taylor Mountain Regional Park, with a dirt path curving through dry grassland and panoramic views of Santa Rosa and distant hills in the background

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

  • Black Bear - photo credit: Thomas Fuhrmann https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:American_black_bear_%28Ursus_americanus%29_-_Jasper_National_Park_08.jpg

    A (brief) natural history of black bears in Sonoma County

  • Tolay Lake Regional Park in the fall

    Perfect Sonoma County fall hikes

  • Walking the dog at Tolay Lake Regional Park

    Dog-friendly trails in Sonoma County

  • Group watching whales at Gualala Point Regional Park

    Whale watching in Sonoma County parks

  • Blue skies at Doran Regional Park

    Autumn is ideal for visiting the Sonoma Coast

Sonoma County Regional Parks › Learn › Blog

Blog

Categories

All Blog Posts

Trail sign for Colgan Highlands Trail in Taylor Mountain Regional Park, with a dirt path curving through dry grassland and panoramic views of Santa Rosa and distant hills in the background

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.

Tolay Lake Regional Park in the fall

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.

Walking the dog at Tolay Lake Regional Park

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.

Blue skies at Doran Regional Park

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.

Hiking with kids on the Westwind Trail at Helen Putnam Regional Park

Tips for hiking with kids in Sonoma County parks

Thought your hiking days were on hold once you became a parent? Think again! Sonoma County’s Regional Parks provide plenty of safe and doable adventures for little ones. To help you and your kids enjoy your time on the trails, here are some tips for preparing for your adventure and choosing the best parks to explore.