[imagebrowser id=68] I'm surprised that it took me this long to check out Samuel P. Taylor State Park. On trips to Point Reyes and elsewhere in Marin County, I would often pass signs for it and wonder if it's worth a hike. It is. On a recent day that [...]
[imagebrowser id=67] Now is a great time to do that trail trifecta that starts and ends at Stinson Beach. Judging from the crowds on two of the trails, you - or someone you know - has likely done it. Of course I'm referring to the loop of Steep Ravine, Dipsea [...]
For a park that is only six months old, Mount Konocti has quite a history. Go way back to the active days of the Clear Lake volcanic field when the 4,300-feet-high mountain was probably formed. The result was a series of hills that surround Clear Lake in Lake County and [...]
Wildflowers abound this time of year, and so do free, guided hikes by area groups that are aimed at identifying and exploring cool wildflowers. Below is information from the Sonoma County Regional Parks and from the Sonoma Land Trust, each of which is sponsoring a series of walks [...]
Years ago, someone told me that one of the best short hikes in Sonoma County was the trek to Pomo Canyon. I had forgotten about that insight until this past weekend when I ventured there for the first time. That person, and I can't remember the source (sorry!), wasn't kidding. [...]
Many people around here, myself included, equate 'Lagunitas' with one thing: that amazing brewery in Petaluma that actually started out in west Marin County. I didn't know that there was a Lake Lagunitas until I hiked by it last weekend as part of a trek around three Marin lakes that [...]
There are lots of fundraisers happening this winter and spring, all in support of area parks, but this one may be the most picturesque: A Santa Rosa gallery this Saturday night will be the spot for a art show to benefit the effort to keep Annadel State Park open. The [...]
Right now, Tolay Lake looks more like a shallow stream. And the park seems to be a collection of a few old agricultural buildings. On both counts, looks can be deceiving. Welcome to Sonoma County's second largest regional park, and one that could one day even be much larger when [...]
Sharing this news from the ever-active Sonoma County Regional Parks: RAINDROP EXHIBIT, FAMILY HIKES AT SPRING LAKE’S ENVIRONMENTAL DISCOVERY CENTER “Down the Drain: A Raindrop’s Journey from Cloud to Creek” opens today (Feb. 15) at the Environmental Discovery Center at Spring Lake Regional Park. This exhibit offers families a fun, [...]
Ken Johnson of North Coast Fire and EMS Training, an area group which offers courses in wilderness first aid and advanced rescues, among other topics, sent along this guest post on how to stay safe while hiking. As someone who has been on hikes where medical assistance has come into [...]
About once a year, I hike the Palisades trail. It's the collection of post-volcanic rock formations adjacent to Mount St. Helena and overlooking Calistoga. It's not a summertime hike to be sure as much of it is exposed and high up, meaning you will absolutely bake in a [...]
A Buffalo 
, New York native, I spent half of my life hibernating indoors, but for the past five years I have basked in the thrilling opportunity to enjoy year round hiking on the many trails of beautiful Northern California. In this blog I will continue in the tradition of trailhead, to recap the hikes I have taken and share the insights of my fellow hikers. Along with day hikes, I am also interested in dog friendly trails, and backpacking trips as well. Please feel free to offer suggestions of where I should hike next, or share tales of where you have explored. . Guest blog entries are extremely welcome as are your photos from your own hikes.