Sonoma County Regional Parks › Learn › Newsletter › June 2025 Newsletter

June 2025 Newsletter

Sand, sun and fun!

Summer's here, and it's time to get outside and explore! Enjoy a coastal paddle or tide pool talk, preview a future park or catch the sunset on a trail. Also, limited spots are still available in our outdoor summer camps. Click the buttons below for more info.

A young boy looks closely through a magnifying glass during an outdoor activity, with "Summer camps" text overlayed.

An older woman in hiking gear touches a large moss-covered tree during a nature walk, with "Seniors" text overlayed.

A black and white photo of the Watson School, a white, single-story 1900s schoolhouse with a bell tower, and a white picket fence in front. The word "History" is superimposed in large white letters across the center of the image.

A close-up, low-angle shot of a dog's face. The dog has brown and black fur, and its whiskers are visible. The background is blurred green, suggesting grass or foliage. The words "Dog Friendly" are superimposed in large white letters across the image.

A woman and a young girl are looking up through binoculars in a bright, outdoor setting with blurred green foliage in the background.The word "Birding" is superimposed in large white letters across the center of the image.

A group of three hikers on a dirt trail. A man in the foreground, wearing a camouflage shirt and a cap, is pointing into the distance. The word "Hikes" is superimposed in large white letters across the center of the image.

A person with short, reddish-brown hair is seen from behind, holding a large Progress Pride flag draped over their shoulders. The words "LGBTQIA2S+" are superimposed in large white letters across the center of the image.

A first-person perspective from inside a red kayak on Spring Lake. Two feet, wearing dark sandals, are visible at the bow of the kayak. The word "Paddling" is superimposed in large white letters over the water.

A person with light brown hair tied back is wearing a plaid shirt, jeans, and blue gloves, and is using a long-handled tool to work on a dirt path. Another person is visible in the background, also working on the path. The path is surrounded by trees and dry leaves. The word "Volunteer" is superimposed in large white letters across the center of the image.

Glide into summer on a SUP

Looking to soak up the sun, stay cool and get a great workout while you're at it? Stand-up paddleboarding, also known as SUP, is a fun, beginner-friendly way to explore the parks while building core strength and balance. Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned pro, find your perfect day on the water at one of these launch points.

Thru-hike with the Sugar Shuttle

Challenge yourself to a hike from Hood Mountain Regional Park & Preserve to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park (or vice versa) – and use the Sugar Shuttle to avoid staging two cars. Operated by Team Sugarloaf, the free, seasonal shuttle runs between the parks June 14 and 15, departing every 30 minutes from 8 to 10:55 a.m. The 7.4-mile one-way hike up and over Hood Mountain takes about four hours and includes 2,300 feet of elevation gain. Reserve your spot for $10 (refunded on the day of the ride).

Plan your Spring Lake fun

Swimming: Spring Lake's swimming lagoon is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, with lifeguards on duty and free life jackets available. Swimming is free; no reservations needed.

Water Park: Part playground and part obstacle course, the lagoon's inflatable Water Park is for kids (at least 6 years old and 42 inches tall) and adults who like to make a splash – and a hop, flip and a jump! Tickets are $7-$12, depending on the session. Reservations are recommended. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Boat rentals: On the lake, paddleboards and single and tandem kayaks can be rented ($15-$20 per hour) from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended.

Children wearing life jackets playing on a large inflatable structure in a water park. The words "Water Park Tickets" are superimposed on the image.

Two people in a yellow kayak on the water, one holding a yellow paddle. The words "Boat & SUP Rentals" are superimposed on the image.

Ride the River Shuttle

Headed to the Russian River this summer? Avoid full parking lots by riding the Regional Parks River Shuttle on weekends and holidays. The shuttle runs from El Molino High School in Forestville to Steelhead and Sunset beaches. All-day tickets are only $5, and kids 18 and younger ride free.

A sweeping view of dry, golden hills with scattered green trees, overlooking a distant city under a clear blue sky.

Summer solstice hike

Are you curious about new trails at Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve? Join us on June 21, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., for a hike along Colgan Creek and up to the East Knoll summit, where we'll celebrate the summer solstice with nearly 360 degree views. Registration required.

Two people are silhouetted, sitting on the ground with their backs to the viewer, facing a bright, glowing campfire. Other blurred figures are visible in the background around the fire.

Community campfire at Doran Beach

Gather with us for a cozy campfire at the Doran Regional Park amphitheater from 8-9:30 p.m. July 3. Enjoy skits, interactive songs and fun science facts under the stars. S'mores fixings will be provided; registration required.

Parking fee increases to $8

Starting July 1, the day-use parking fee at most regional parks increases from $7 to $8. This is the first time in a decade that we've adjusted parking fees systemwide, and the revenue will help fund park maintenance and staffing. (The seasonal parking rates at Russian River parks and Spring Lake are $10-$12 through Sept. 7.) The cost of a parks membership - which provides 12 months of free parking - is not changing. Learn more at SoCoParks.org/Member.

Going green: A new way to keep the coast clean

Our litter pick-up stations at Doran Regional Park now feature reusable buckets and grabbers – no more disposable bags or gloves. This smart change reduces single-use plastic waste and let's visitors easily contribute to a cleaner beach.

Here’s how you can help: Grab a bucket, pick up any trash you find, dispose of the trash in the nearest trash can and return your tools when you’re done.

You can also help protect the coast by bringing fewer single-use items when you visit, picking up your pet's waste and packing out your trash. These small actions help protect wildlife and keep the coast beautiful and healthy for everyone. Discover more ways to get involved at CleanerCoast.org.

Getting bear-wise: Sharing the parks

We’re seeing a lot of bear activity across in northern coastal parks, such as this curious black bear at Stillwater Cove Regional Park. To keep both bears and people safe, please help us by properly managing food sources when picnicking or camping. Always secure your trash in park garbage bins, and never burn food scraps in your campfire. Make sure all food and scented items are properly stowed in designated food lockers or bear-proof containers. Let's be good neighbors to our wild friends - find more essential tips for being bear-wise at SoCoParks.org/BearAware.

Upcoming holiday closures

Our Santa Rosa office will be closed on Friday, July 4. All parks will be open.

Sonoma County Regional Parks
400 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 100, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 565-2041
ParksMarketing@Sonoma-County.org

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