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Armstrong Woods and Austin Creek State Recreation Area:
The most unique forest and grasslands hikes are within Armstrong Woods State Park and the adjacent Austin Creek State Recreation Area, located in Guerneville, just two miles north of downtown. Easy, flat trails provide an introduction to the serene, magical beauty of old growth redwood forest, including the Parson Jones Tree, 310 feet tall, and the Colonel Armstrong Tree, more than 1,400 years old, and over 14' in diameter. A ridge loop of five miles provides a more strenuous hike, along with a stunning view of the redwood forests from the ridge.

For more vigorous hikes, the graceful, yet remote and rugged canyons and deep forests of Austin Creek State Recreation Area offer a wide variety of trails. With over twenty miles of trails covering 6200 acres of wilderness, hikers can experience grasslands, chaparral, conifer forests, oak woodland, and riparian habitats, home to a wide range of birds and animals. Terrain tends to be steep here, with an 1100 foot climb; trails range from 5.6 to 10 miles.

The Visitor Center at the entrance of Armstrong Woods provides detailed maps of the hiking trails in this area. Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted on the trails. They are permitted on the paved roads.

Lake Sonoma:
Sonoma County's largest recreational area, Lake Sonoma offers 1800 acres of pristine, steep rolling hills with 40 miles of trails, surrounding the 2700 acre lake. Redwood, fir, and oak forests alternate with grasslands, which are covered with an abundance of wildflowers in the spring.

Woodland Ridge Loop: Families and those looking for a short introduction to the area might start with the Woodland Ridge Loop. A pleasant 1.25 mile trail goes through redwood forest, oak forest with beautiful views of the Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys, and then through madrone, manzanita, and oak woodlands. In the spring, the hills are alive with California poppy, Indian warrior, Indian pink, blue dicks, and grass nut wildflowers. Four kinds of oak trees grow here, all producing acorns which provided the staple for the Pomo Indian diet. This trail starts from the gravel parking lot south of the Visitor Center and takes about an hour.

Half-a-Canoe Loop: This five mile loop is accessed by taking Rock Pile Road from the Visitor Center to the trail head parking lot, 2.4 miles past the Steward Point Road intersection. Described as a roller coaster trail, mountain bikers favor this run, so be on the lookout for them as they travel fast. Wild turkey, grouse, and quail frequent this area and wildflowers are abundant on the steep grassland hills. In spring, the trail crosses several creeks and there are views of Lake Sonoma at several points along the way.

A wheelchair accessible walk leads through the Visitor Center, about ¼ mile round trip, to the Fish Hatchery. A map of the hiking trails is available at the Visitor Center at the base of the lake.

Ragle Ranch Regional Park:
Once you get past the manicured lawns of the urban park, there is a lovely wilderness hike. Take Hwy 116 east from Guerneville, turn right on Mill Station Road and left on Ragle Ranch Road. The park entrance is on the right. There is a day use fee. Park in the northwest corner of the parking lot where the trail begins with a paved path. This 1 5/8 mile trek will take about an hour and will take you through oak woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands along the Atascadero Creek.

Joe Rodota/West Country Trail:
This five mile paved and level trail explores the Laguna de Santa Rosa and farmlands, following an old railway track. Pick up the trail on Petaluma Avenue, between Fannan and Abbott Avenues in Sebastopol.

http://www.russianriveroutdoors.com/hiking-forestgrass.html - updated: Monday, May 26, 2008 1:27:21 PM