Water Bark for Dogs at Spring Lake Regional Park
Dogs can run, splash, and swim without their leashes at the annual Water Bark event, held on weekends each September in the lagoon at Spring Lake Regional Park in Santa Rosa. Water Bark is the must-do tail-wagging event for our four-legged friends in Sonoma County, California. Here’s everything you need to know.
While Spring Lake Regional Park swimming lagoon is open (for humans!) from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, after Labor Day is when Water Bark makes its annual splash. Since 2014, the swimming lagoon has transformed into a weekend pooch paradise, where dogs are free to swim and play off-leash. A temporary fence is set up to keep dogs close at hand, and the lagoon water gets slightly chlorinated and filtered to ensure it’s free of blue-green algae and safe for dogs.
Water Bark admission is a small fee per dog, and the park requires a nominal parking fee (free for Sonoma County regional park members). This doggone good time is a fundraiser for the Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation, which supports more than 50 dog-friendly parks and trails in the Sonoma County Regional Parks system.
Make it an extra fun weekend when you kick back at dog-friendly lodging nearby. Your pet is welcome at the iconic Flamingo Resort, the distinctively retro The Astro Motel, and the casually elegant Hotel E.
Find more fun things to do with your dog in Sonoma County, when you discover Where to Go With Your Pet in Sonoma County, Pet-Friendly Restaurants With Treats for Your Dog in Sonoma Wine Country, and Dog-Friendly Hikes, Parks & Beaches in Sonoma County.
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.
Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodriguez
Have fun, do good! Take a break, feel better! Travel to Sonoma County for any of the reasons people visit…
Sonoma County comes alive in the fall with festivals that celebrate the best of its art and agriculture. Think fresh…
It’s time to get those summer calendars organized because an amazing lineup of food and wine festivals are getting ready…
Pliny the Younger, Russian River Brewing Company’s super-hoppy triple India pale ale, gets released in March, is available into April,…
Contrary to popular belief, wine-tasting doesn’t have to exclude your extended family, both human and animal. Happily, Sonoma County has…
Sonoma County is known for its craft beer scene and for being dog-friendly. You and your pups can have a…
From green-themed races and festive parades to delicious Irish fare and drink, Sonoma County goes all out to celebrate St….
In 1980, a group of Santa Rosa women formed the National Women’s History Project after noticing an absence of women…
Dungeness crab is a sumptuous, seasonal treat that is highly anticipated (and celebrated) in winter at the height of the…
For folks traveling with furry friends, finding a destination with pet-friendly things to do can be a deciding factor. Throughout…
You only celebrate your birthday once a year so why not make it a day to remember? Sonoma County is…
The beauty of harvest in Wine Country takes a spooky turn with an array of Halloween events to suit enthusiasts…
Every summer, visitors flock to Sonoma County for Taste of Sonoma, an invitation to sample wines from more than 100+…
Visitors of the canine kind are welcome across Sonoma County, California, at dog-friendly restaurant patios, dog-friendly hotels, and dog-friendly beaches…
With warm days and cool nights, summer in Sonoma County boasts a full calendar of wonderful outdoor concerts, festivals, and…
Get close to nature with your favorite canine in tow at the numerous Sonoma County campgrounds that welcome your four-legged…
One of the best things about summer in Sonoma County — beyond the wonderful warm weather and longer daylight hours — is the…
Romance is in full swing in Sonoma Wine Country with many imaginative events and activities for celebrating your loved one….
For many of us, our pets hold a cherished place in our hearts, accompanying us during our travels, relaxation, and…
Wine, food, music, and art celebrations — Sonoma County has you covered with a wide array of fun happenings all…
THIS IS WINE COUNTRY.
Share your experience using #SonomaCounty or #LifeOpensUp