Sunday morning, after a quick stop at the Sebastopol Farmer’s Market, Sylvester and I headed out to Ragle Ranch Regional Park for a trail run. The Regional Parks Challenge guidebook recommends a perimeter hike on the 1.50 mile, Blackberry trail. Visiting on the weekend, the picnic tables were packed, but the trails were not too busy. Sylvester and I covered the entire trail, in about a half hour of running and stopping occasionally for a sniff and photo. The trail is easy, and flat. A spur off Blackberry, up to Hilltop trail can add an easy climb onto your hike, offering views of the rolling grasslands.
The trail is nicely groomed, crossing wetlands, meadows, and streams. All of the small bridges are in good condition and ready for the masses.
Sylvester and I got a little lost at the beginning of the trail , venturing off Towhee Trail, but were pleasantly surprised to run into a 125 year old Live Oak on the property. It is a great tree, but fragile due to its age, so please be sure not to climb it.
Wonderful shady spots along the way, help to keep a good portion of the trail cool.
Sandy soil makes for a comfortable surface to run on.
Benches like this one, crossing a stream, make for nice picnic spots.
Despite the trails, this 157 acre park, features soccer fields,tennis and volleyball courts, baseball diamonds, spots for picnicking, and one of the best off leash areas for dogs in the county. I highly recommend the Blackberry trail if you are looking for a quick hike, that can be accomplished by the whole family.
BTW I ran Foothill again this week, so mark that as Trail #3 in my trail conquering adventure.
Here is a quick shot from that hike.