3095 CA-1
Bodega Bay, CA

Sonoma County is home to more than 50 regional parks and 11 state parks, from Gualala in the north to Bodega Bay in the south, and from the Pacific Ocean in the west to Sonoma Valley in the east. They’re all exceptionally beautiful and most offer plenty to do, so it’s often difficult to choose one park to visit. But ask yourself this: Do you prefer a dirt trail to a paved path, and an isolated cove to a groomed beach? Do you smile rather than scowl when a wave crashing on a nearby rock covers you with salt spray? Does your heart leap at the sight of nature untrammeled? If so, you’d probably be happiest visiting one of the county’s ‘wild parks,’ where the land has been barely – or even never – touched.

17000 Armstrong Woods Rd
Guerneville, CA

Sonoma County contains such extraordinary geographical diversity – including the Pacific Ocean, rivers, lakes, beaches, coastal cliffs, mountains, valleys and California redwood forests (even pygmy forests)-that it seems impossible to experience all it offers. But there’s actually a fun and easy way to try: Just visit Sonoma County’s 11 state parks, each of which occupies unique terrain in this famous Northern California region, just north of San Francisco. 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.

7821 Eastside Rd
Healdsburg, CA

Sonoma County’s thriving regional park system consists of more than 50 parks — including trails and open spaces — and encompasses nearly 60,000 acres. Parks run the length and breadth of the county, from Gualala to Bodega Bay, and from the Pacific Ocean to the Sonoma Valley. And it’s all there to be enjoyed by you. 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.

Sonoma County, CA

Sonoma County is blessed with three rivers: the Russian River, which runs through a large portion of the county and is arguably the most well known; the Gualala River, on the northern border separating Sonoma from Mendocino County; and the Petaluma River, which connects to San Pablo Bay and thence to the San Francisco Bay in the south. 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.

2400 London Ranch Rd
Glen Ellen, CA

Comprising 1,768 square miles and stretching for 55 miles along the Pacific Ocean, Sonoma County is big. This gorgeous region is also an ecological paradise containing countless microclimates and an immense diversity of species. So, in a county this huge, stunning, and varied … how do you even begin to figure out where to go for a hike? It’s easy with this guide.

Sonoma County

California, United States

With its beautiful regional and California state parks, Sonoma County makes it easy to “get green” by simply getting out into nature on a walk or hike. In the spring, the parks burst with colorful wildflowers. The Sonoma County Regional Parks system offers a variety of guided walks each spring. The hikes are free, but require a nominal parking fee of $7 (or free with a Regional Parks membership). For details, check the Regional Parks calendar.

25050 CA-1
Jenner, CA

Learn about sea life along the Northern California Coast. At the Bodega Marine Laboratory, which is part of the University of California Davis, go on a docent-led tour on Fridays between 2 and 4 p.m. See many marine aquarium displays full of colorful local fish and invertebrates. Find the Bodega Marine Laboratory in Bodega Bay off Highway 1. Look for a sign directing you to Bodega Head Marina and Westside Park. Follow the sign and turn right at the bottom of the hill. The Lab is closed during college holidays. 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.