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

    Crane Creek Canyon Loop

    4.0
    1.4 mi / 154 ft gain
    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

    4.3
    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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  • Santa Rosa, California

    Western Route to Eastern Route Loop

    2.26 mi / 535 ft gain
    The Western Route to Eastern Route Loop in Santa Rosa, California, is a 2.3-mile moderately challenging trail popular for its scenic views and diverse landscape. The loop offers a steady ascent, rewarding hikers with panoramic vistas of Sonoma County and lush natural surroundings. It’s known for ...
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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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  • 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

    Canyon Trail to Spring Creek Trail Loop

    5.0
    7.39 mi / 728 ft gain
    The Canyon Trail to Spring Creek Trail Loop is a popular hiking route in Trione-Annadel State Park in Sonoma County, California. This loop offers a mix of shaded woodland paths and open trails, making it a favorite for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Trail Highlights: Length & Difficulty: A...
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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

    4.5
    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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  • Petaluma, California

    Helen Putnam Northern Loop

    2.52 mi / 348 ft gain
    The Helen Putnam Northern Loop is a scenic hiking trail in Petaluma, California, offering a peaceful outdoor experience with breathtaking views and natural charm. This trail is perfect for hikers seeking a blend of gentle exercise and stunning landscapes. Trail Highlights: Length & Di...
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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

    Helen Putnam Inner Loop

    1.44 mi / 236 ft gain
    The Helen Putnam Inner Loop is a scenic and relatively short hiking trail located in Petaluma, California. This loop offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and accessibility. This trail is ideal for hikers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a shorter adventure with stunning vistas. T...
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  • Petaluma, California

    Helen Putnam Regional Park Loop

    4.0
    4.87 mi / 673 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 4.8-mile hike, begin at the southwest corner, where the parking lot and...
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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
    The Laguna de Santa Rosa Loop Trail offers an enchanting 3.95-mile nature experience just outside of downtown Sebastopol, California. This easy-to-moderate trail provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the largest freshwater wetlands complex on the northern California coast, making...
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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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Camping and Lodging in Sonoma County

San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA Resort
Petaluma, California

San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA Resort

AutoCamp Russian River
Guerneville, California

AutoCamp Russian River

From $149 / night

Oak Shores Day Use Area (Ca)
Napa, California

Oak Shores Day Use Area (Ca)

Warm Springs Rec Area
Geyserville, California

Warm Springs Rec Area

Liberty Glen (Lake Sonoma)
Liberty Glen Campground

Liberty Glen (Lake Sonoma)

Guides, Insights and Stories from Sonoma County

Overnighter on the Sonoma Coast

Overnighter on the Sonoma Coast

Benjamin Canevari

The Emerald Valley: 72 Hours of Food & Adventure in Napa Valley, Winter/Spring Edition

The Emerald Valley: 72 Hours of Food & Adventure in Napa Valley, Winter/Spring Edition

Josiah Roe

Escape to Marin for a Winter Weekend Getaway

Escape to Marin for a Winter Weekend Getaway

Sara Sheehy

5 Backpacking Adventures North of San Francisco in Marin County

5 Backpacking Adventures North of San Francisco in Marin County

Sara Sheehy

4 Paddling Adventures in Marin County

4 Paddling Adventures in Marin County

Outbound

Beyond the Trail: 5 Unique Adventures in Marin County

Beyond the Trail: 5 Unique Adventures in Marin County

Outbound