October 2025 Newsletter
Fall for the coast
Fall is a perfect time to explore the Bluff Top Trail on the northern Sonoma Coast, when summer fog is gone and the air is crisp. This mostly level, 8-mile out-and-back trail has plenty of dramatic ocean views and opportunities to spot wildlife as it winds along the windswept bluffs to Gualala Point Regional Park's wide sandy beach. If you'd like a shorter trek, set your own pace and turn back whenever you're ready.
Fetch some fresh air
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 of Sonoma County's regional parks, trails and beaches. In fact, because most of the area's state parks don't allow dogs on trails, your regional parks are the North Bay's best destinations for hiking with your pet. Here are a few of our favorite parks with dog-friendly trails.
Happy tails, happy trails
We love seeing your dogs on the trails – and we love it even more when they're safely on leash! Unleashed dogs can startle other visitors, disturb wildlife or get hurt themselves. It's especially important at parks such as Tolay Lake and Taylor Mountain, where cattle graze along the trails. Watch this short video to see why leashing up keeps parks welcoming for everyone and your pups safe. For some off-leash playtime, visit one of our many enclosed dog parks.
Featured events:
Winging it Wednesday
On Wednesday, Oct. 29, 8:30-10:30 a.m., gather with other bird lovers to explore Tolay Lake Regional Park, a park known for raptors. All are welcome whether you're a long-time birder or new to the pastime. Free; registration required.
Colgan Creek Cleanup
Join us for a creek cleanup in Santa Rosa as part of North Bay Zero Waste Week! On Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., help us protect wildlife, improve water quality and keep our trails and creeks beautiful. Free; registration required.
Senior Saunter
Gather at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, to saunter along the Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail with other older adults on this low-impact hike through this beautiful area. Free; no registration required.
Stewardship workday
Be a steward of nature and help preserve our parks. On Thursday, Oct. 23, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., join our Natural Resources team at Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Preserve and get your hands dirty by removing invasive plants, protecting young plants and installing fences. Free; registration required.
Get a sneak peek at Wright Hill
Be among the first to explore one of your future coastal parks, Wright Hill Regional Park and Open Space Preserve, on Nov. 8 and 15. Enjoy a self-guided hike of up to 4.5 miles, taking in the rolling grasslands with sweeping views, forested gullies and dramatic rock outcroppings. Staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions about the property - a key link in a chain of protected lands between Bodega Bay and Jenner - and to share information about our plans to open it permanently. Free; registration required. Space is limited.
Thru-hike with the Sugar Shuttle
On Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 1 and 2, challenge yourself with a 9-mile trek between North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park and Preserve and Jack London State Historic Park (or vice versa), and use the Sugar Shuttle to avoid parking a car at both parks. Operated by Team Sugarloaf, the free, seasonal shuttle will run every 30 minutes from 8 to 10:55 a.m. on those days.
The hike takes about four to five hours and includes 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Reserve your spot for $10 (refunded on the day of the ride), as there's only space for five riders per shuttle.
Free holiday parking for veterans
Veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families are invited to park for free at all regional parks on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11. A special pass isn't needed, but visitors should be ready to show proof of veteran or active-duty status. The free parking is offered with the support of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to honor the contributions of service members.
Sign up early for Thanksgiving Camp
Registration is open now for our two-day kids camp during Thanksgiving week, Nov. 24 and 25, at Spring Lake Regional Park's Environmental Discovery Center. Campers ages 7-11 can create nature-inspired arts and crafts, enjoy indoor games and hike the trails. Camp runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day. Cost is $170 (Sonoma County residents); $172 (out of county). Registration required.
Hood Mountain Hazy supports parks
Fogbelt Brewing Company has crafted a limited-release hazy IPA to support the Sonoma County Parks Foundation, which helps fund park improvements and programs. Hood Mountain Hazy is on tap at Fogbelt's taprooms in Santa Rosa and Healdsburg and available in cans at the taprooms and some local stores. And you can find pint glasses, coasters and posters featuring the label's artwork at the Parks Foundation's online store.
Upcoming holiday closures
Our Santa Rosa office will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day and Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27 and 28, for Thanksgiving. All parks will remain open.
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