Outdoor Activities

Best Parks for California Wildflower Walks

California Poppies grow with abundance in Sonoma County; Photo by Sierra Downey

The beautiful setting of Sonoma County, California, makes it easy to enjoy nature on a walk in one of the many protected parks that burst with colorful wildflowers each spring. The Sonoma County Regional Parks system also offers free, guided walks. For details, check the Regional Parks calendar.

Here are some of the best parks with trails to enjoy the season’s prettiest blooms.

1. Sonoma Valley Regional Park, Glen Ellen

Pink and yellow wildflowers bloom in Sonoma Valley Regional Park — Sonoma Valley Regional Park, located in the town of Glen Ellen, California

In March and April, the 162-acre Sonoma Valley Regional Park is typically full of wildflowers. The walk begins on a paved, ADA-accessible path that continues on a dirt trail. The hike leaves from the parking lot. If you have a dog, you’ll be pleased to learn that a one-acre fenced-off portion of the park is the Elizabeth Perrone Dog Park. The parks department offers an online map of Sonoma Valley Regional Park.

2. Crane Creek Regional Park, Rohnert Park

A child wearing a pink hat bends down to pick wildflowers in a field with cows in the distance — Crane Creek Regional Park, located in Rohnert Park, California

With its broad grassy meadows and bubbling seasonal creek, the 128-acre Crane Creek Regional Park is known for its brilliant display of California poppies and is a great place to enjoy spring wildflowers. You’ll find picnic tables throughout the park. You can access an online map of Crane Creek Regional Park.

3. Steelhead Beach Regional Park, Forestville

Sonoma Coast flowers — Sonoma Coast wildflowers in Sonoma County, California

The beautiful, natural ecosystem at Steelhead Beach Regional Park, running beside the Russian River, offers the chance to see riparian plants and river wildlife. Bring lunch, as the park contains a picnic area with barbecue grills. Check out the online map of Steelhead Beach Regional Park.

4. Foothill Regional Park, Windsor

With three ponds and tree-shaded trails, the 211-acre Foothill Regional Park hosts a diverse variety of wildflowers in spring. Three Lakes Trail is a compacted gravel, wheelchair-accessible trail. Here’s a handy online map of Foothill Regional Park.

5. Helen Putnam Regional Park, Petaluma

Helen Putnam Regional Park in Petaluma, California

Fabulous views, sweeping meadows sprinkled with wildflowers, a gazebo, a children’s play area, and a large fishing pond … what could be better? View an online map of Helen Putnam Regional Park.

6. Riverfront Regional Park, Healdsburg

Riverfront Regional Park in Healdsburg, California

This 216-acre park next to the Russian River offers lots of wildflowers and some easy hikes that are great for kids. Bring lunch, as the park has a great picnic area with barbecue grills, a volleyball court, and a horseshoe pit. Check out the two small lakes where bass fishing is permissible. Access an online map of Riverfront Regional Park.

You can also view a map of all Sonoma County Regional Parks. With a Regional Parks membership, get special perks and support the beautiful public spaces in Sonoma County.

For more options, consider the many state parks in Sonoma County.

Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodriguez