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Winter is no exception. With more rain, our hills and pastures become green, a beautiful backdrop for a cold weather adventure.
A great winter hike can be at Helen Putnam Regional Park, located just west of Petaluma. Whether it is a crisp clear day, or overcast with a steady drizzle, this park is large enough to let you escape the bustle of everyday life and yet it’s just a short drive from downtown Petaluma. Many of the trails here are moderate and easy to walk even in damp conditions. If it’s really raining you can always stick to the paved Ridge Trail or the wide Panorama Trail. Running along a ridge, the Panorama trail boast views of West Marin open space to the east and the Petaluma River Watershed to the west.
Another easily accessible property is Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve, just southeast of Santa Rosa off Kawana Springs Road or our new entrance off Petaluma Hill. The terrain here is a bit steeper, but it’s easy to find peace and solitude among oak woodlands and meadows while enjoying sweeping views of the Santa Rosa Plain.
Wherever you decide to hike this winter season, be sure to consider not only the current weather conditions but also forecast and changes that can occur while you’re out. Know your route ahead of time by checking online park maps, and give a call to the county or state park offices to get trail condition updates or other details. If you’re planning on taking a long hike, it’s always a good idea to tell someone ahead of time what route you plan to take and when you’re planning to return. Keep in mind that it can get dark quickly since the days are much shorter this time of year. Dress in layers to maintain a comfortable temperature, and either wear or pack your wet weather gear along with you so you can stay comfortable if the weather changes. And as with any season in the parks, bring plenty of water and if necessary, food or light snacks to keep you going.
Find more information about the hiking trails in our Sonoma County Parks HERE.
