Wild Trail Hiking Series

Join us for a five-part fall hiking series exploring the beauty and diversity of Sonoma County’s parks. Each Saturday hike offers a new landscape to discover. The series ranges from easy strolls to challenging summit climbs, with Hike Three taking place at Sonoma Development Center for a ridge-line adventure, not at Jack London. Whether you’re here for the history, the views, or the fresh air, this is the perfect way to experience Wine Country on foot.

Hike One – Historic Trails, Sept. 6, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Start location is at Jack London State Historic Park. Meet in the Ranch parking lot (turn right after the kiosk). A great way to warm up for the season, this hike will take you through the historic sites and trails of the park. Explore both sides of the property to discover Jack London’s Beauty Ranch, London Lake, and the Wolf House ruins. This is an easy-to-moderate hike, about four-and-a-half miles round-trip.

Hike Two – Ancient Redwood, Sept. 13, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The start location is at Jack London State Historic Park. Meet in the Ranch parking lot (turn right after the kiosk). Wander through the redwoods and sunny oak woodlands along the park’s three Bridge Trails —Upper, Lower, and Fallen. The journey will lead you to the majestic ancient redwood, fondly known as the Grandmother Tree. This moderate hike is about six miles round-trip.

Hike Three – Historic Orchard, Sept. 20, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Begins off-site at Sonoma Developmental Center. Follow the blue shores of Fern Lake before arriving at the Historic Orchard. Learn about the history of the land and the fascinating fruit-bearing crops that still grow there today. This moderate-to-difficult hike is about seven miles round-trip.

Hike Four – Ridge, Sept. 27, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Begins at Jack London State Historic Park. Meet in the Ranch parking lot (turn right after the kiosk). Gain elevation and a deeper appreciation for the park’s diverse habitats as you hike. You’ll also cover part of the ever-growing Bay Area Ridge Trail. This moderate-to-difficult hike is about twelve miles round-trip.

Hike Five – Summit, Oct. 4, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Starts at Jack London State Historic Park. Meet in the Ranch parking lot (turn right after the kiosk). End the hiking series with a trek to the park summit. Climb Sonoma Mountain to take in breathtaking views, celebrate with your fellow hikers, and earn your WILD One title. This difficult hike is about ten miles round-trip.