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SONOMA VACATION RENTALS, CALIFORNIA

Sonoma Vacation Rental, California

Outdoor Recreation in Sonoma

 
There is so much to do in Sonoma, from multi-use nature trails to fishing. Enjoy a visit to a petrified forest, a redwood forest, the beach at the ocean or on a lake or simply sit and watch the geyser faithfully spout on time.
 
  • Foothill Regional Park
  • Don Clausen Fish Hatchery
  • Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve and Austin Creek State Recreation Area
  • Walking and Hiking
  • Mountain Biking and Horseback Riding
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    Foothill Regional Park
    Nature lovers can visit the Foothill Regional Park in nearby Windsor. The nearly 200-acre natural preserve has 3 small lakes that are only open to fishing, though no swimming, boating or wading is allowed in the lakes. Bass and bluegill are often the catch of the day. The park also has multi-use nature trails where hiking, biking and horseback riding are allowed. The park is open from sunrise to sunset; specific closing hours are posted at the park. There is a $4 entry fee for each vehicle. Pets are allowed; however, they must be on a 6-foot leash at all times.
     
    Don Clausen Fish Hatchery
    The Don Clausen Fish Hatchery Lake at Lake Sonoma was built to replace and enhance salmon and steelhead spawning grounds. Group tours of the hatchery are available during spawning season, from January to April. Call ahead to schedule a tour.
     
    Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve and Austin Creek State Recreation Area
    Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve and Austin Creek State Recreation Area are home to the majestic coastal redwood trees. Armstrong Redwoods includes a visitor center, large outdoor amphitheater, self-guided nature trails and a variety of picnic facilities. Austin Creek State Recreation Area is adjacent to Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve and is accessed through the same entrance. A paradise for the hiker and equestrian, Austin Creek rewards the explorer with 20 miles of trails and panoramic wilderness views.

    Combinations of trails are available at Armstrong Redwoods. The Discovery Trail is a wheelchair accessible pathway with interpretive panels in Braille and tree hugging platforms. The Armstrong Nature Trail is a self-guided trail through the Grove. It is also wheelchair accessible. Guides are available at the visitor center.

    Other trails include the Pioneer Trail, East Ridge Trail, Gilliam Creek Trail, Austin Creek Trail and the Pool Ridge Trail. Some hikes begin in Armstrong Redwoods and take you to Austin Creek State Recreation Area. The East Ridge Trail, the Pool Ridge Trail and the East Austin Creek Trail are open to equestrians. Trailers can be parked in the front parking lot. Horse rentals are available through a private company adjacent to Armstrong Redwoods. All of Austin Creek's trails are open to horses, although horse trailers are not permitted beyond the picnic area.

    Dogs are not allowed on any trails in Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve or Austin Creek State Recreation Area. Bicycles are allowed on service roads only. Please respect all private property and no trespassing signs when hiking, stay on designated trails, and do not cross low-level fencing.

    Day use fees are $6 per vehicle with a $1 discount for senior citizens.

     
    Walking and Hiking
    Hikers can explore the trails at the Foothill Regional Park and the nearly 40 miles of trail at the Lake Sonoma Recreational Area located near Geyserville. There are easy trails for walkers and steep and difficult ones for the more seasoned hikers. You can also try the trails in the Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve and the Austin Creek State Recreation Area.

    Petaluma, the southernmost city in Sonoma County, has many Victorian Era residential and commercial buildings were left unharmed by the 1906 earthquake. To view this wonderful historic district, take one of the numerous walking tours or simply stroll the city’s parks.

     
    Mountain Biking and Horseback Riding
    The 40 miles of trail in the Foothill Regional Park are great for biking or horseback riding too. The terrain goes over lakesides, gentle hills and mountain slopes, giving the rider an exhilarating experience. Bike rentals and horse stables are in plenty at Sonoma. Or, take a wine country bike tour, whether self-guided or not, this is a sure way to see the beautiful scenery of the valley. Several organized tours are available.

    At Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve, horseback riding is allowed on the East Ridge Trail, the Pool Ridge Trail and the East Austin Creek Trail. Trailers can be parked in the front parking lot. Horse rentals are available through a private company adjacent to Armstrong Redwoods. All of the Austin Creek State Recreation Area trails are open to horses, although horse trailers are not permitted beyond the picnic area.

     
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