Hiking
bodega head trail
Up for a nice hike? Armstrong Redwoods State Park and Austin Creek State Recreation Area have trails for hikers of every level - from a pleasant, paved stroll through the redwoods, to a more strenuous 10 mile back country loop.
Steelhead Beach in Forestville also has several trails - and is dog-friendly!
There are also lots of trails along the coast to enjoy.
In Bodega Bay, you can enjoy the stunning three-mile Bodega Head Trail that features a beautiful fishermen's memorial, the Bird Walk that is home to thousands of birds through the year, or the steep Pinnacle Gulch/Shorttail Coastal Access Trail that leads to a spectacular view of hidden coves and rock formations.
And, in Jenner, you'll find the pretty blufftop Kortum Trail, famous for its spring wildflowers, the Pomo Canyon Trail that starts at the beach and ends in the redwood-shaded Pomo Canyon, and the Vista Trail, a short loop trail at the northernmost point of Sonoma Coast State Park.
Inland, you can enjoy the West County Trail, 5.5 miles of paved trail running between Sebastopol and Forestville.
armstrong redwoods state park
Armstrong Redwoods State Park/Austin Creek State Recreation Area
17020 Armstrong Woods Road
Guerneville
(707) 869-2015
parks.ca.gov
Hours: 8 am to one hour after official sunset
Parking: $8 per vehicle, $7 per vehicle for seniors. Free to pedestrians and bicyclists. Bus fee for 10-24 passengers is $50.00.
Dogs: Dogs must be controlled on a least at all times during your visit to Armstrong Woods State Park and Austin Creek State Recreation Area. You are only allowed to have your dogs on paved roads, in developed picnic areas, or your Bullfrog Pond campsite. Dogs are not allowed on any dirt trail or dirt road.
Facilities: A picnic area is 3/4 mile from the park entrance. Grills, tables, and restrooms are situated beneath the tall trees and seasonal creeks meander through in the winter months. A group picnic area is available on a reservation basis. Wi-Fi access within about 150 to 200 feet of the Eco Center.
Suggested Walks/Hikes
Armstrong Redwoods/Austin Creek State Recreation Area Park Map
Bird Walk
355 State Highway 1
Bodega Bay
parks.ca.gov
Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
Parking: $8 per vehicle for day use. Special rates apply to trucks carrying more than 9 people.
Dogs: Permitted on leash no longer than 6' in length.
Facilities: Chemical toilet, trail, picnic sites. A paved trail is moderately accessible for the disabled.
Bodega Head Trail
Westshore Road
Bodega Bay
parks.ca.gov
Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
Parking: Free.
Dogs: Permitted on leash no longer than 6' in length.
Facilities: None.
Kortum Trail
Sonoma Coast State Park
Jenner
Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
Parking: At Shell Beach.
Dogs: No dogs permitted. (Sonoma Coast State Park is a protected area for the western snowy plover.)
Facilities: Restrooms at Shell Beach; restrooms and telephone at Wright's Beach.
From Goat Rock to Shell Beach - 2.5 miles
From Shell Beach to Wright's Beach - 1.25 miles
Pinnacle Gulch/Shorttail Coastal Access Trail
20600 Mockingbird
Bodega Bay
parks.ca.gov
Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
Parking: $8 per vehicle for day use. Special rates apply to trucks carrying more than 9 people.
Dogs: Permitted on leash no longer than 6' in length.
Facilities: Restroom facility.
Pomo Canyon Trail
Sonoma Coast State Park
Jenner
Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
Parking: At Shell Beach.
Dogs: No dogs permitted. (Sonoma Coast State Park is a protected area for the western snowy plover.)
Facilities: Restrooms at Shell Beach; picnic tables located near the creek.
From Shell Beach to Pomo Canyon Trail - 3.5 miles
Red Hill Trail Loop - 1.25 miles
Salt Point State Park
Jenner
Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
Parking: $8 per vehicle for day use. Special rates apply to trucks carrying more than 9 people.
Dogs: Dogs must be kept on leash at all times and are not permitted on the trails or on the beaches. They must be kept in a tent or vehicle at night.
Facilities: Restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, and visitor center.
Steelhead Beach
9000 River Road
Forestville
(707) 565-2041
sonoma-county.org
Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
Parking: $6 per vehicle for day use. Special rates apply to buses or trucks carrying more than 9 people.
Dogs: Permitted on a leash no longer than 6' in length. Rabies certificate required.
Facilities: Launch area for small craft (gravel adjacent to river's edge, 4WD recommended). Beach area - no lifeguards on duty. Picnic areas with BBQs. No fires or barbecuing allowed on the beach. Chemical toilet.
Steelhead Beach Park Map (pdf)
Vista Trail
Sonoma Coast State Park
Jenner
Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
Parking: At Vista Point.
Dogs: No dogs permitted. (Sonoma Coast State Park is a protected area for the western snowy plover.)
Facilities: Picnic tables.
West County Trail
Forestville to Sebastopol
(707) 823-7262
sonoma-county.org
Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
Parking in Graton: Off Graton Road behind the old Graton Fire Station (disabled parking available).
Parking in Forestville: Limited parking on the south side of Ross Station Road where trail intersects road and at the west end of Pajaro Lane.
Dogs: Permitted on leash no longer than 6' in length.
Facilities: No restrooms or drinking water is available.
West County Trail Map (pdf)
Willow Creek
Duncans Mills
(707) 823-7262
landpaths.org
Willow Creek is a 3,373-acre property that requires a permit to visit. This permit will allow you to hike, bike or horseback ride on the property. Please visit their website for complete details.