Sonoma County, California

Sonoma County, California, offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures. The top must-visit is the Pomo Canyon Trail. This 6-mile round trip trail features a stunning redwood grove and panoramic views of the Russian River. It's moderately challenging, making it suitable for most hikers. If you're a fan of bird-watching, the Bodega Head Trail is perfect. This 1.7-mile loop trail offers views of the Pacific Ocean and is a prime spot for whale watching. For a unique adventure, try kayaking on the Russian River. It's a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery and spot local wildlife. These are just a few of the top outdoor activities and attractions in and near Sonoma County.

Top Spots in and near Sonoma County

Santa Rosa, California
Hike Crane Creek Regional Park

4.0

3.5 mi

With multiple loops of varying length, this park is great for anyone looking for a casual hike around a beautiful area in the foothills of Rohnert Park. Crane Creek has nice secluded picnic areas next to the creek in the cover of willow, alder, buckeye and bay trees. There's also an 18-hole disc ...
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Santa Rosa, California
Taylor Mountain Loop

4.2

4.86 mi / 1076 ft gain

From the northern entrance to the park, you can access an 18-hole disc golf course as well as a number of trails. The Eastern Trail takes you up a steep 1,000 feet to the top of Taylor Mountain, where you can see most of Sonoma County laid out before you. Mt. St. Helena is visible in the distance...
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Glen Ellen, California
Wolf House in Jack London SP

There is a museum in "The House of Happy Walls" which Mrs. London built in redwood grove find park information, exhibits and a small sales area there. A nearby trail leads to Jack London’s grave and to the remains of "Wolf House," London’s dream house which was destroyed by fire in 1913. The par...
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Glen Ellen, California
Sonoma Ridge Trail

9.2 mi / 1955 ft gain

Sonoma Ridge Trail is a beautiful 9.2-mile out-and-back hike located near Glen Ellen, California. This hike is moderately difficult, with about 1955 feet in elevation change. 95% of the trail is covered in forest shade. Important Notes:Bikes and Horses are permitted on the trails. Dogs are NOT p...
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Santa Rosa, California
Hiking, Swimming, and Fishing in Wine Country

5.0

Annadel State Park is located in the historic Valley of the Moon, just 60 miles north of San Francisco, in Sonoma. This popular 5,200 acre park features a wonderful variety of options to explore, boasting views of the Sonoma Valley, rolling meadows of wildflowers, and direct access to 26 acre Lak...
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Glen Ellen, California
Corridor Ridge Loop Trail

4.0

2.48 mi / 289 ft gain

Corridor Ridge Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Glen Ellen, California.
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Santa Rosa, California
Hood Mountain Summit Via Lower and Upper Johnson Ridge Trails

5.95 mi / 2054 ft gain

Hood Mountain Summit via the Lower Johnson and Upper Johnson Ridge Trails is a 6 mile out-and-back trek located in Santa Rosa, CA. The trailhead starts at the Pythian Road parking lot, accessed from Highway 12. The hike takes 3.5 to 4 hours to complete and is considered strenuous. All trails are...
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Santa Rosa, California
Joe Rodota Trail

4.0

12.67 mi / 174 ft gain

Joe Rodota Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Sebastopol, California.
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Kenwood, California
Pony Gate-Canyon Loop

4.0

2.17 mi / 568 ft gain

The Pony Gate-Canyon Loop within Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is a new favorite of mine on my list of family and kid-friendly hikes. Our little girls did great with this hike and loved it. If you can get moving early in the day and begin your hike around breakfast time, you might find there are few...
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Petaluma, California
Hike Helen Putnam Regional Park

4.0

6 mi / 550 ft gain

A 216-acre park, Helen Putnam offers 9 trails that are relatively short but can be combined however you wish. Go 2 miles or 10 miles. Loop in and out, up or around. I take a different route every time I hike here.For a good 6-mile hike, begin at the southwest corner, where the parking lot and res...
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Saint Helena, California
Bald Mountain

5.0

5.24 mi / 1526 ft gain

Park at the top of Adobe Canyon Road in the gravel parking lot to the left of the ranger kiosk. There is a $7.00 parking fee. There are many options for routes to the top; the easiest of which is mostly paved (although still steep in parts). To take this route, head north out of the trailhead pa...
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Sebastopol, California
Laguna de Santa Rosa Loop Trail

4.0

3.95 mi / 115 ft gain

Laguna de Santa Rosa Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Sebastopol, California.
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Sebastopol, California
Ives Park

4.0

Ives Park is the oldest park in Sebastopol, California, and is located only 2 blocks from downtown Sebastopol. The park has many picnic tables with barbecues, a baseball diamond, a playground, and a community pool. Amenities: Parking for the park is on the street surrounding the park. There is ...
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Santa Rosa, California
Gunsight Rock via Hood Mountain Trail

5.0

7.91 mi / 2372 ft gain

Hike to Gunsight Rock through Hood Mountain Regional Park to get a view overlooking Sonoma and Napa Valley. In order to get to the trailhead take Highway 12 to Los Alamos Rd, the road will then turn into Timberline Dr, this will take you to the trailhead. There is a parking fee of $8. From the p...
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Santa Rosa, California
Santa Rosa Creek Trail: Willowside Road to Fulton Road

4.2 mi / 46 ft gain

Santa Rosa Creek Trail: Willowside Road to Fulton Road is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Sebastopol, California.
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Sonoma, California
Sonoma Valley Wine Tour Bike Ride

This 12 mile bike path starts at a rental shop in Sonoma Country called Sonoma Valley Bike Tours and Rentals. Follow the trail through the quaint residential area and into the back country vineyards and dirt trails. This ride can be anything between a hardcore 2 hour cycling workout with a few in...
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