Bee pollinating a flower on Blackberry Trail.

Bee pollinating a flower on Blackberry Trail.

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.

Towhee Trail, Ragle Ranch Regional Park

Rolling grasslands, Ragle Ranch Regional Park

The trail is nicely groomed, crossing wetlands, meadows, and streams. All of the small bridges are in good condition and ready for the masses.

Quaint little bridge on Blackberry Trail.

Quaint little bridge on Blackberry Trail.

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.

Intersection of Towhee and Blackberry trails.

Intersection of Towhee and Blackberry trails.

Old Oak Detour, Ragle Ranch Regional Park.

Old Oak Detour, Ragle Ranch Regional Park.

Wonderful shady spots along the way, help to keep a good portion of the trail cool.

Sylvester stands in attention, on Blackberry Trail.

Sylvester stands in attention, on Blackberry Trail.

Sandy soil makes for a comfortable surface to run on.

Blackberry Trail, Ragle Ranch Regional Park .

Blackberry Trail, Ragle Ranch Regional Park .

Benches like this one, crossing a stream, make for nice picnic spots.

Hey Sylvester, these benches are for sitting on, not climbing!

Hey Sylvester, these benches are for sitting on, not climbing!

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.

Towhee Trail, Ragle Ranch Regional Park

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.

Stopping for a quick sniff, Riverfront Regional Park

Stopping for a quick sniff, Foothill Regional Park.

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