Five Awesome Sonoma County Parks

Sonoma County, California, has a beautifully diverse landscape and more than 40 impressive state and regional parks for the public to enjoy. These breathtaking places are one of the many reasons people flock to Sonoma County, as these protected parks are perfect for nature lovers, hikers, beachgoers, and all who relish gorgeous views and the mild year-round climate.

If you ask people what their favorite park is, you’re sure to get plenty of answers, as there are so many natural wonders in this one, inviting place. From coastal cliffs and hidden coves to serene lakes, lush rivers, and towering redwoods — here are just a few scenic parks to visit in Sonoma Wine Country.

Lake Sonoma Recreation Area, Geyserville

Nestled in the beautiful foothills, Lake Sonoma is surrounded by world-famous vineyards and acres of protected land for hiking, camping, horseback riding, and seasonal hunting or fishing. The lake itself invites splashing, swimming, and boating, while more than 50 miles of picturesque shoreline is perfect for birdwatching and picnicking.

There’s even a Visitor Center & Fish Hatchery here where you can discover the interesting history of the Warm Springs Dam and the lake’s role in flood control and irrigation.

While you’re here, check out the charming town of Geyserville, and for an excellent spot to dine, don’t miss Catelli’s. Your taste buds will thank you.

Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa

Spring Lake is a 320-acre hidden gem with trails for walking, hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding, plus camping, fishing, and picnic areas with barbecues.

The big draw is the 74-acre lake and a three-acre swimming lagoon with an inflatable, floating Water Park in warm months. There’s even a fun Environmental Discovery Center with natural history displays and hands-on exhibits designed primarily for elementary school-age kids.

The trails and beautiful open spaces of Spring Lake Regional Park connect with another popular preserve to explore: Trione-Annadel State Park.

Crane Creek Regional Park, Rohnert Park

Tucked in the rolling grassland meadows in the Sonoma Mountain foothills, the 128-acre Crane Creek Regional Park is open year-round. A seasonal creek comes to life in the winter and spring, and impressive wildflowers are abundant. The open space is framed with trees like California buckeye, white alder, and black oak.

Bring a picnic and feast your eyes on the views. Picnic tables are located throughout the park. Dogs are allowed on a six-foot leash.

Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve and Salt Point State Park

Located 20 miles north of Jenner, these side-by-side state parks offer nature lovers an amazing array.

Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve is a riot of color when the spectacular flowers burst into bloom around May each year. Five miles of hiking trails offer a short loop trail through clusters of impressive rhododendrons, redwood, and ferns carpeting the canyons where seasonal streams abound. In this pristine reserve, you may also spot Pacific wax myrtle and California Huckleberry. No dogs or bikes are allowed on the trails.

Salt Point State Park consists of 6,000 acres of wooded uplands and coastal bluffs. The rhythm of the pounding surf punctuates a hike along rocky promontories. Enjoy panoramic views, picnicking, horseback riding, fishing, skin and SCUBA diving, camping, and even a pygmy forest.

Hike down to Stump Beach, a steep-sided cove fed by a small creek. From there, more than six miles of rugged coastline and an underwater park await. Across the creek, 20 miles of amazing bluffside hiking trails beckon.

Tolay Lake Regional Park, Petaluma

From Tolay Lake Regional Park, you’ll get magnificent views of the rolling hills that lead to San Pablo Bay and beyond, including San Francisco, Mt. Diablo, Mt. St. Helena, and Mt. Tamalpais. These beautiful natural lands are preserved for visitors to hike, cycle, or just relax and take in the views.

For more scenic spots to explore, don’t miss two of Sonoma County’s most popular protected places:

• Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Guerneville
• Sonoma Coast State Park in Bodega Bay

Get the FREE Sonoma County Digital Inspiration Guide. Together, we can protect and preserve the beauty and natural resources of Sonoma County for generations to come. Check out our page on Sustainable Travel, and look over the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.