July 2026 Newsletter
Enjoy the river, responsibly
The Russian River is one of Sonoma County's favorite places to swim, paddle and relax, but it's also a vital ecosystem that depends on all of us. In this video, produced with NorCal Public Media, you'll learn about resources for safe, easy river access and simple ways to help protect this treasured waterway. Whether you're a longtime river enthusiast or planning your first visit, you'll find tips to make the most of your time on the river. Watch the video and plan your river adventure at SoCoParks.org.
Summer swim spots
Head to Healdsburg
The swimming beach on the Russian River at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach is open for the summer! The seasonal dam is up, swim areas are clearly marked and lifeguards are on duty daily through Labor Day. Free loaner life jackets are also available. Bring a picnic and come wade, swim or paddle. Tube rentals are available through Russian River Tubes and Kayaks.
Take a dip at the Spring Lake lagoon
Spring Lake's swimming lagoon is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Swimming is free, lifeguards are on duty and free loaner life jackets are available. The Spring Lake Café is open; check the website for hours.
You can also challenge yourself on the Water Park's floating obstacle course, rent a tube in the swimming lagoon or explore the lake by kayak or paddleboard. Stop by the Environmental Discovery Center to learn more about local wildlife and nature. Plan your visit at SoCoParks.org/SpringLake.
Please note: The summer parking fee at Spring Lake Regional Park, Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach, Cloverdale River Park, Del Rio Woods Regional Park, Riverfront Regional Park, Steelhead, and Sunset beaches is $12, returning to $8 after Sept. 13. Parking is free for Sonoma County Regional Parks members.
Ride the River Shuttle
If you're heading to Steelhead or Sunset river beaches, avoid full parking lots by riding the Regional Parks River Shuttle. The shuttle runs from El Molino High School in Forestville to Steelhead and Sunset beaches on weekends and holidays. All-day tickets are only $5, and kids and teens 18 and younger ride free.
Find your cool
Craving a shady spot? Summertime means trading sun-baked trails for cool creek corridors, towering redwoods and shady oak woodlands. We've rounded up seven of our favorite hikes for staying cool this summer, from the fern-lined River Mountain Trail at Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Open Space Preserve (pictured above) to peaceful forest paths at Shiloh Ranch Regional Park and a creekside meander at Stillwater Cove Regional Park. They're the perfect excuse to lace up your boots and head for the trees. Read the blog and find your next shady escape.
Parks sales tax renewal on November ballot
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has approved placing a measure on the Nov. 3 ballot asking voters whether to continue the existing sales tax that supports regional and city parks throughout Sonoma County. If approved by two-thirds of voters, the measure would extend the one-eighth-cent sales tax that local voters approved in 2018 as Measure M. Funding would continue to be invested in in park operations, maintenance, improvements and programs countywide. Read the press release and learn more about the November measure and Measure M investments.
Featured events
Watson School open house and art making
Spend the day at Running Fence Watson School Historic Park on Saturday, Aug. 8. Tour the normally closed interior of the historic 1856 Watson School during a free open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., then get creative at a junk journaling workshop from 3 to 5 p.m. using collage, found materials and nature-inspired keepsakes. Open house: free; no registration required. Workshop: registration required.
Preview new parklands
Be among the first to explore two future parks this summer: Wright Hill Ranch Regional Park and Preserve on Saturdays, July 11, July 25 and Aug. 15, and Mark West Creek Regional Park and Preserve on Saturday, Aug. 8. Enjoy self-guided hikes through meadows and redwood groves while staff and volunteers answer questions about each property and share updates on plans to open them to the public permanently. Cost: $5 (Sonoma County residents); $7 (out of county); registration required.
Make art in the garden
Let the beauty of Larson Park's community garden awaken your child’s inner artist on Wednesday, July 22, 10 a.m. to noon. Kids ages 4 to 8 and their grown-ups are invited to draw, make art and explore the garden together during this interactive bilingual program. No art experience is needed, and families are welcome to bring snacks for a picnic afterward. Se habla español. Free; registration recommended.
Camp clean in bear country
Headed to the north coast this summer? At Gualala Point Regional Park, you'll notice our new wildlife-resistant food lockers at the campground, making it easier to store coolers, food and other scented items safely away from wildlife. Funded in part by the Sonoma County Parks Foundation, these new lockers help keep curious raccoons, black bears and other wildlife from getting into human food, reducing human-wildlife conflicts and helping keep both people and wildlife safe.
Sonoma County is bear country so brush up on our Bear Aware tips before your next camping trip and help protect Sonoma County's wildlife, big and small.
Who's a Top Dog?
The Sonoma County Park Foundation's "Top Dog" Photo Contest is on now! Snap your best dog pic and enter before July 31 for a chance to win prizes, get featured in the Park Foundation's 2027 Top Dog calendar, and support your favorite regional parks in the process. This contest is open to everyone, and all votes and calendar preorders help fund Regional Parks trail improvements, youth programs and climate action. The first 200 entries receive a coupon for a free Natural Farms 12" Bully Stick at Pawsarotti’s in Santa Rosa.
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