A Press Democrat Blog

Trailhead

A blog about Bay Area hiking…. mostly

Two ways to explore Pepperwood Preserve

Wednesday, at 8:59 by

Sharing news about two upcoming hiking events at Pepperwood Preserve, the 3,120-acre nature preserve just northeast of Santa Rosa. It’s home to literally hundreds of plant and animal species and is worth exploring. From the Pepperwood folks: June 1 (9am to 3pm) $25 – Newcomers: Exploring Pepperwood’s Homestead History – Arthur Dawson, historical ecologist and authority on the landscape history of eastern Sonoma County, will lead us on a journey through time exploring Pepperwood for clues about the people who… Read More »

Woods to waves, to aid hospital camp stays for kids

Thursday, at 10:30 by

I see a lot of charity runs and bike rides but not a lot of charity hikes, so here’s one. Plus, since I just did a Woods-to-Waves hike last weekend, I like the scope of this one. It’s a trek from St. Dorothy’s Rest, an Episcopal camp and retreat center in Camp Meeker, to the Pacific Ocean. Participants can choose whether to go for 2, 12.5 or 14.6 miles. The ending point is the Shell Beach parking lot. Your choice… Read More »

Spring Hike and Picnic at Buckeye Knob, Sonoma Mountain

Saturday, at 4:08 by

News from the Sonoma Ecology Center:   “The public is invited to attend a Spring Hike and Picnic at Buckeye Knob, located near the top of Sonoma Mountain, on Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Buckeye Knob (also known as the Eliot property) is a privately owned property protected in perpetuity through a conservation easement purchased by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (the District) in 2004. The 71- acre property is located… Read More »

Earth Day hikes and more

Monday, at 2:06 by

Plenty of chances to hike on this ‘Earth Day’ weekend (the day is technically Monday, April 22, but that may not be an ideal outdoors day for your schedule): – Pepperwood Preserve, Sunday, April 21.  Guided and self-guided hikes. All-day festival (9 am to 4 pm.) In their words: “Take in 360° views of Sonoma County on a driving tour of Pepperwood or enjoy a wildflower walk with local botanists. View artist Pamela Glasscock’s spectacular watercolor renditions of wildflowers featured… Read More »

Wildflower Walks in Regional Parks Begin March 23

Thursday, at 3:11 by

Passing this along from the Sonoma County Regional Parks: “Each spring, Regional Park volunteers lead a series of free wildflower walks in parks throughout Sonoma County. The first walk of 2013 is scheduled for March 23 at Sonoma Valley Regional Park in Glen Ellen, with additional hikes planned in other parks on the following four Saturdays. Master Gardener Phil Dean, who has led nature walks in the county for nearly a decade, will identify and talk about the various flowers… Read More »

Trailhead heroes all around

Wednesday, at 10:35 by

With the first weekend of March ahead and a forecast of more spring-like temperatures ahead, many, including myself, will be out hiking more and more. When I stop and think about all the options for outdoors activities, especially walks and hikes, in this area, it is staggering. In addition to the well-known network of city, regional and state parks, there are lots of other open space places to explore. These places are protected through easements, extensive deals, legacy bequests or… Read More »

Dogs, hikes, trees, and miscellany

Wednesday, at 11:47 by

Monday’s snow aside (yes, Virginia, it did snow in Sonoma County – see photos here), the hiking trails around the North Bay are getting crowded these days. No surprise, given the early mustard blooms and other things starting to come to life. In contrast from some of my mega-hikes of recent years, I’m doing quite a bit of smaller hikes, giving me a chance to explore some city and county parks around the region and often combine two or three… Read More »

Spring hikes a-plenty

Wednesday, at 3:44 by

Yes, ignore the calendar, it’s time for spring hikes. And around Wine Country, there are plenty of scenic opportunities to find a trail, even if you’re not into the back-breaking 15-mile rugged ones (hey, they’re not that bad!)  and just want a pleasant diversion from wine tasting or other weekend exploits. Here’s a good update from the PD’s informative Entertainment site on four different ones that are happening over the next few months, from Spring Lake to Point Reyes to the… Read More »

Glen Ellen author on best Sacramento area hikes

Tuesday, at 4:11 by

Glen Ellen author and veteran outdoors writer Tracy Salcedo-Chourre has a new book on the best Sacramento area hikes. Whenever I hear from local hikers, I like to ask them about their favorite hike. Tracy picked one that I just did a couple of months ago, coincidentally. “It’s tough to sift through to a favorite trail among all the great hikes on my home turf, but I am partial to the Lawndale loop in Annadel State Park. Start at the… Read More »

Volunteer: Milk thistle removal

Thursday, at 4:30 by

The folks at Audubon Canyon Ranch are hosting a volunteer workday soon in case you want to get your hands dirty and do some good. It will take place at their Mayacamas Mountain Sanctuary property about seven miles northeast of Healdsburg on Wednesday, Feb. 13, from 1 to 4 p.m.   Here’s the official info: “Invasives work day. Join Dave Self and Sherry Adams for a half day of restoration. We will focus on manual removal of milk thistle. This introduced… Read More »

Brunch and benefit hike at Sugarloaf

Tuesday, at 10:27 by

Haven’t been to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in a while? One of the area’s best hiking groups – Bill & Dave Hikes – is leading a benefit hike and brunch to the top of Bald Mountain. It will be this Saturday morning, Jan. 26, and your reward for making it to the top of the mountain will be a picnic brunch from of Vineyards Inn in Kenwood. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday and a worthy cause. For… Read More »

Volunteer at Olompali SP

Monday, at 6:35 by

If you’ve never been to Olompali State Park, that small but interesting park just south of Petaluma, there’s no time like the present. An opportunity to pass along: “The California State Parks Foundation is seeking volunteers at Olompali State Historic Park (view a map). This work day will focus on the beautification of the park entrance. Projects include: refreshing the park entry sign, clearing weeds, and repairing split rail fencing. Teens 16 and up are welcome if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The… Read More »