June 2026 Newsletter

Find your summer adventure

Paddle under a full moon, watch the sunset from North Sonoma Mountain, meet tide pool creatures at Doran Beach or get a sneak peek at future regional parks like Calabazas Creek, Mark West Creek or Wright Hill.

From volunteer workdays and art programs to guided walks and wildlife outings, our summer events calendar is packed with opportunities to discover something new. Find your next adventure today!

All summer outings

Water Park, swimming lagoon open daily

Looking for an easy summer escape? Spend the day at Spring Lake Regional Park, where you can swim at the lagoon, bounce and splash across the floating Water Park, paddle the lake by kayak or paddleboard and refuel at the Spring Lake Café.

• Swimming lagoon: Swimming and playing on the beach are free, no reservations needed. Lifeguards on duty and free life jackets are available. All-day tube rentals are $12. Reservations are recommended.
• Water Park: Part playground, part obstacle course, the floating Water Park is open to kids (at least 6 years old and 42 inches tall) and adults. Tickets are $10-$14. Reservations are recommended.
• 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.
• Spring Lake Cafè: Grab burgers, tacos, ice cream, cold drinks and more. Menu and hours at SpringLake.cafe.

Please note: The summer parking fee is $12 or free for Regional Parks members.

Spring Lake Summertime

Your ride to the river

Planning a Russian River float? Leave the parking logistics to us. The Regional Parks River Shuttle offers a simple way to enjoy our recommended tubing route on weekends and holidays, with service between El Molino High School in Forestville and Steelhead and Sunset beaches. Tickets are only $5 at SoCoParks.org/Shuttle (or free for riders 18 and younger).

Please note: Summer parking is $12 at the following river parks: Sunset, Steelhead, Riverfront, Healdsburg Veterans Memorial, Del Rio Woods and Cloverdale. Regional Parks members park for free.

Buy shuttle tickets

Plan your river float

River safety: Take a jacket, leave a jacket

A life jacket is the best way to stay safe on the Russian River, whether you're swimming, paddling or floating. Free life jackets are available to borrow at Del Rio Woods, Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach, Steelhead Beach, Forestville River Access and Sunset Beach. Just borrow one for the day and return it when you're done.

While most river parks are not lifeguarded, the Russian River Patrol, a roving team of Regional Parks lifeguards, visits beaches Fridays through Mondays to share safety information and assist visitors.

Heads up for families: The seasonal dam at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach goes up in early July, creating a calm, swim spot that's lifeguarded daily through Labor Day.

Our free lifejacket loaner program is supported in part by the Sonoma County Parks Foundation and local community donors.

Swim safe on the river

Lifeguarded swim spots

Cool trails, coastal blooms

When summer temperatures rise inland, the Sonoma Coast offers cool breezes, scenic trails and a chance to see wildflowers that linger long after inland blooms have faded. Explore quieter coastal destinations like Chanslor Ranch, Stillwater Cove and Gualala Point regional parks and the Bluff Top Trail (pictured above), where colorful bluff-top blooms can still be found alongside ocean views and cool coastal breezes. Download our wildflower guide, pack a sunhat and make a day of it.

Explore coastal parks

Visit Chanslor Ranch

Paintings for parks

Support your favorite parks, programs and future park improvements while bringing home a piece of local art! Through a partnership with the Sonoma County Parks Foundation, local artist Sergio Lopez has created a collection celebrating some of our favorite places, including Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve (above).

For a limited time, 30% of every purchase from the Sonoma County Regional Parks Collection will directly benefit the Sonoma County Parks Foundation to support your regional parks, trails and programs.

Shop artwork

Upcoming holiday closures

Our Santa Rosa office will be closed on Friday, July 3, for Independence Day (observed). All parks will remain open.