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Best river hikes in Sonoma County
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Best river hikes in Sonoma County

Go with the flow on these riverside adventures! From gentle streams to powerful rapids, these hikes offer constant companionship with the sound of rushing water.

Here are some great hikes to explore in Sonoma County.

Most popular hikes

1

Easy

Chanslor Ranch

Sonoma County, California · star 4.5 (2) · 249 m · Est. 3 min

2

Medium

Shiloh Ranch Regional Park Loop - Creekside Trail

Sonoma County, California · star 4.7 (6) · 6.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 36 min

3

Medium

Cobblestone Trail, Rough-Go Trail and Two Quarry Trail Loop

Sonoma County, California · star 4.5 (4) · 20.1 km · Est. 4 hrs 54 min

4

Easy

Walk along Copeland Creek

Sonoma County, California · star 4.7 (3) · 4.0 km · Est. 49 min

5

Medium

Hot Spot Loop Trail and San Andreas Fault Interpretive Trail

Sonoma County, California · star 4.6 (5) · 2.1 km · Est. 38 min

6

Easy

Cloverdale River Park - Makahmo Trail

Sonoma County, California · star 4.8 (4) · 3.8 km · Est. 46 min

7

Difficult

Pool Ridge and East Ridge Loop Trail

Sonoma County, California · star 4.0 (3) · 8.6 km · Est. 2 hrs 43 min

8

Easy

Riverfront Regional Park Loop

Sonoma County, California · star 4.4 (5) · 3.6 km · Est. 46 min

9

Easy

Willow Creek Road

Sonoma County, California · star 4.5 (2) · 15.1 km · Est. 3 hrs 38 min

10

Medium

Full Monty Trail and Willow Ridgetop

Sonoma County, California · star 4.8 (5) · 12.9 km · Est. 3 hrs 49 min

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Reviews for river hikes in Sonoma County

Dr. Thaddeus Hoppe avatar

Chanslor Ranch

CampNavigator52 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Loni Rath avatar

Shiloh Ranch Regional Park Loop - Creekside Trail

RangeTracker14 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Marth Strosin avatar

Cobblestone Trail, Rough-Go Trail and Two Quarry Trail Loop

RamblerAdventurer93 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Clifford Walsh DDS avatar

Walk along Copeland Creek

RockyBushwalker13 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Msgr. Haywood Langosh avatar

Hot Spot Loop Trail and San Andreas Fault Interpretive Trail

TundraHavenranger71 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes in Sonoma County

What is the climate like for hiking in California?

California's vast geography results in diverse climates. Coastal regions, with their mild, Mediterranean climate, offer year-round hiking opportunities, though winter rains may muddy trails. In contrast, the inland valleys and desert regions are best hiked from October to April, as summer temperatures can be prohibitive.
The Sierra Nevada, famous for its mountains and forests, is popular in summer and fall. However, winter brings heavy snowfall, making trails inaccessible. Meanwhile, the pleasant climate of Southern California allows for hiking throughout the year, with cooler, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
To summarize, California's diverse climate offers year-round hiking opportunities, varying by region. Visit www.parks.ca.gov for more detailed information about specific trails and their recommended seasons.

Do I need a permit to hike in California?

Permits for hiking in California, particularly in wilderness areas or for overnight trips, are often required. Managed by the National Park Service, Forest Service, or Bureau of Land Management, permit processes vary. For more information, visit respective agency websites or www.recreation.gov for federal lands.

Is wild camping allowed in California?

Wild camping in California is generally permitted in national forests and Bureau of Land Management lands. However, restrictions apply, such as the requirement of a campfire permit. Always follow "Leave No Trace" principles. Detailed regulations can be found on agency websites like www.fs.usda.gov

Are there mountain rescue services in California?

In case of a hiking emergency in California, dial 911. Also, the California Office of Emergency Services coordinates search and rescue. The Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) has several units in California, with information available at www.mra.org. Always plan ahead and hike safely.

Are there dangerous plants in California?

California's flora varies widely, from coastal scrub and redwood forests to desert plants and alpine flora in the Sierra Nevada. This diversity can affect hiking experiences and trail conditions. For detailed information on California's flora, visit the California Native Plant Society website: www.cnps.org

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in California?

California's diverse habitats host a wide range of wildlife, from harmless squirrels to larger mammals like black bears. Ticks and mosquitoes may pose minor nuisances to hikers. Be aware of potential encounters, particularly with venomous snakes in desert areas. For more, visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/

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