Most Sonoma County locals enjoy the county’s regional parks for the wonderful opportunities to get fresh air, exercise and see the beautiful landscape of the North Bay. However, besides the scenic hiking trails, the parks offer several other recreational activities that allow people to feel a part of the community.

Photography Contests

The Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation hosts photography contests as fundraisers, with differing themes, guidelines and prizes that encourage visitors to embrace their creativity by capturing moments, pets and wildlife around the parks.

Some of the themes involve visiting specific parks such as Spring Lake Regional Park in honor of its 50th anniversary, celebrating the transition into spring, or putting a spotlight on furry companions. The park service uses the funds raised from the entrance

fee and voting process to improve and maintain the park.

The prizes for high ranking photos vary between a membership at Session Climbing Gym, an annual regional park membership, free prints from Shutterbug, coasters depicting the beauty of our regional parks and cash.

Sonoma County Regional Park Executive Director Melissa Kelly said the contests influence visitors’ ever-changing perception of the parks. “The Parks Foundation photography contests encourage participants to look at our spectacular regional parks with fresh eyes. The contests also remind folks who are looking at the photos of the many ways beauty manifests in our parks,” Kelly said.

Camping

Camping allows for a deeper connection with nature than a simple day hike, and Sonoma County offers over 50 regional parks and beaches with more than 200 year-round campsites. Options include tent camping, RVs, and trailers, while Spring Lake also features cabins accommodating up to eight people, equipped with sleeping platforms, grills, tables, and food lockers. Guests should bring bedding and lighting.

Sonoma County’s diverse camping environments range from coastal sites like Doran Regional Park, with ocean views and beach activities, to family-friendly Spring Lake with seasonal swimming. Stillwater Cove offers shaded spots under towering redwoods, and Hood Mountain boasts 19 miles of hiking trails for adventurers.

Campsites are designed to provide seclusion and tranquility, offering campers a chance to immerse themselves in nature.

Boating and Fishing

Fishing and boating culture attracts enthusiasts across the various county locations. Helen Putnam, Foothill and Riverfront park, as well as the 72-acre Spring Lake offer inland fishing, which attract blue gills, bass and sunfish, according to the Sonoma Regional Parks website.

Specifically along the Russian River where year-round fishing is possible, Riverfront Park’s Lake Benoist and Lake Wilson, notorious for their Bass, offer visitors a serene spot surrounded in redwood trees to fish.

Accompanying the bigger of the two lakes, Lake Benoist, a 2-mile trail loops around the lake and offers a way to get to a small gravel beach along the Russian River, also known for its fishing spots. These lakes offer good spots for canoeing and kayaking as well, where guests make their way further into the water to fish.

Sonoma County offers several developed boat launches at Regional Parks, with fees of $4 for trailered boats or free for members.

Key locations include Doran Regional Park and Westside Regional Park in Bodega Bay, both with wheelchair-accessible kayak launches, and several spots along the Russian River, such as Cloverdale River Park and Guerneville River Park, which cater to small craft and non-motorized watercraft.

Steelhead Beach Regional Park offers a gravel launch for various boats, while Wohler Bridge provides seasonal access for small craft. In Santa Rosa, Spring Lake Regional Park offers launches for boats up to 16 feet and electric motors only, with additional kayak rentals available during the summer at the Violetti Road entrance.

For those near Southern Sonoma County, the Hudeman Slough Boat Launch provides access to the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Additionally, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding are popular at Spring Lake, where they offer rentals during the summer.

Disc Golf

Disc golf enthusiasts are also flocking to Sonoma County’s regional parks. Crane Creek Regional Park and Taylor Mountain, located in Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa respectively, offer disc golf these courses separately from their hiking paths. With varying courses set against stunning backdrops of rolling hills, vineyards and creek beds, these parks offer beautiful settings for both seasoned and novice players.

Disc golf in Sonoma County has its devoted contingent of players, making courses a community experience. Crane Creek’s disc golf course is 18 holes, and spans from Fiddleneck trail to the namesake of the park. Taylor Mountain’s 18-hole course is paired with 7 miles of hiking trails, with new trails to be added, and a children’s play area. Both courses differ in terrain, making for straight forward shots, and more technical shots through trees, allowing a plethora of people to enjoy.

Whether it’s capturing the beauty of the parks through photography, enjoying a peaceful camping getaway, or engaging in outdoor activities like boating, fishing, or disc golf, Sonoma County’s regional parks offer something for everyone. With diverse landscapes ranging from coastal views to towering redwoods, and a variety of recreational opportunities, these parks foster a sense of community and connection to nature.