Lake Sonoma South Lake Trail

 The hike starts at the Gilliam Creek Trailhead, halfway up Armstrong Woods Road on the way to Bullfrog Pond. There is an $8 fee to enter the park, to be paid at the ranger kiosk as you enter Armstrong woods. Begin hiking by descending the Gilliam Creek Trail. The descent is long and steep in the beginning and leads you down to Schoolhouse Creek, at which point the slope becomes more gradual. K...

The Parson Jones Tree is the tallest tree in the reserve, measuring more than 310 feet (94 m) in height. This is longer than the length of a football field!  Named after a lumberman who chose to preserve this portion of the park in the 1870s, the Colonel Armstrong Tree is the oldest tree in the grove, estimated to be over 1400 years old.  I think one of the best things about this place is how a...

This park most resembles Muir Woods, and if you're looking to get out of the tourist trap, head to Armstrong Redwoods and make a day of it. This 3-mile hike takes off from the sign pointing to East Ridge Trail. As you begin a slight climb up the trail, you'll be under the cover of the redwoods, so sun won't be too big of an issue. Stay on this trail for approximately 1.25 miles, where you'll re...

Starting at Burke's Canoe in Forestville, CA this is a 10-mile self-guided canoe trip down the Russian River.  You can rent your canoe from Burke's and launch from their beach.  Burke's will also pick you up 10 miles down-river and shuttle you back to their parking lot.This canoe trip features lots of little beaches where you can park your canoe and take a break from paddling to have a picnic, ...

The main boulder is right there on the water. You literally have to watch out for the waves coming up on the shore otherwise they might wipe out your camp. But it's an awesome spot with even more awesome routes. There's also a traverse along the back wall if you're looking for something a little bit more mellow. And apparently there is another bouldering spot around the bend. Note that it can g...

The Kortum Trail in the Sonoma Coast State Park connects Goat Rock with Wrights Beach, winding along the top of the sea cliffs and affording incredible views of the California Coast and its numerous sea rocks and arches.  To get there take the Pacific Coast Highway / Highway 1 to either Wright's Beach or the Goat Rock Parking lot overlooking the Russian River (not the lower one next to Goat Roc...