Activities

10 Great Places to See California Wildflowers in Sonoma County

Yellow flowers at the Sonoma Coast

Kissed by winter rains, spring in Sonoma County means an array of colorful wildflowers like orange poppies, blue iris, purple lupine, snowy milkmaids, yellow buttercups, wild roses, and more. See the splendor that is California wildflowers right here in Sonoma Wine Country, where you’ll spot dazzling blooms anywhere you go, especially along these gorgeous walks guaranteed to brighten your day.

1. Stillwater Cove Regional Park, Jenner

Part of the sunflower family, two species of mule’s ears are found in Sonoma County. — Part of the sunflower family, two species of mule’s ears are found in Sonoma County, California

Stillwater Cove is known for spectacular wildflower displays located on the ruggedly beautiful Sonoma coast. These include many rare varieties, such as striped coral root, trillium, redwood violet, and thimbleberry. Stillwater Cove’s 3.19 miles of trails wind beside creeks, beneath soaring redwoods, and through lush fern canyons. (A short trail detour can bring you to the historic Fort Ross Schoolhouse, built in 1885.)

2. Crane Creek Regional Park, Rohnert Park

A young girl looks at wildflowers with cows nearby at Crane Creek Regional Park, Sonoma County — Crane Creek Regional Park, located in Rohnert Park, California

Broad grassy meadows, 3.5 miles of trails, and a bubbling seasonal creek make this 128-acre park a great place to enjoy Sonoma County wildflowers. Indeed, Crane Creek Regional Park is known for its brilliant display of cheery orange poppies, the official California state flower. Picnic tables are located throughout the park, and there’s also an 18-hole disc golf course.

3. Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve, Sonoma County Coast

Pink rhododendrons bloom at Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve, Jenner — Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve, Sonoma Coast

Spring is a beautiful time to bask in the glory of the Reserve’s spectacular rhododendron blooms — vibrant pink California wildflowers that seem to glow against the green forest of second-growth redwoods, Douglas fir, and tanbark oak. Five miles of hiking trails weave through the rustic Reserve, and when the spring streams run, you’ll also see lots of ferns and coastal-loving Sonoma County wildflowers.

4. Steelhead Beach Regional Park, Forestville

The thriving ecosystem running along the Russian River offers the chance to see unique riparian plants, Sonoma County wildflowers, and river wildlife. Feast your eyes on forests, scrub thickets, and salmon habitats. Bring lunch, as the park contains a picnic area with barbecue grills.

5. Sonoma Valley Regional Park, Glen Ellen

A path winds below oak trees at Sonoma Valley Regional Park, Glen Ellen — Sonoma Valley Regional Park, located in Glen Ellen, California

In spring, the 162-acre Sonoma Valley Regional Park usually bursts at the seams with California wildflowers. The walk begins on a 1.2-mile paved, ADA-accessible path and, from there, continues on a dirt trail.

6. Sonoma Coast State Park, from Bodega Bay to Jenner

Wildflowers bloom along the coast at Shell Beach in the Sonoma Coast State Park — Shell Beach, Jenner, California

In the breathtaking beauty of the Sonoma Coast State Park, you’ll find Shell Beach — the starting point for two trails with ample spring flowers. Kortum Trail proceeds straight along cliff tops to Goat Rock, a beloved landmark with a beautiful beach for tide-pooling. It’s a relatively easy hike, about five miles round trip.

Pomo Canyon Trail leaves Shell Beach and heads east, crossing Highway 1 and traveling upward into a redwood forest with a waterfall. This is a moderate hike, approximately 7 miles round trip.

7. Riverfront Regional Park, Healdsburg

An easy hike with lots of Sonoma County wildflowers, the 3.12-mile trail at this family-friendly park along the Russian River is great for small kids. Bring lunch as there’s a picnic area with BBQs. Riverfront Regional Park also has a volleyball court and a horseshoe pit, plus bass fishing in two small lakes.

8. Taylor Mountain Regional Park, Santa Rosa

People walk along a green hill — Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve, Santa Rosa, California

Offering stunning views of the Santa Rosa Plain, this 1,100-acre site has four miles of trails along two routes and is renowned for Sonoma County wildflower displays.

9. Foothill Regional Park, Windsor

Wildflowers bloom in a field at Foothill Regional Park, Windsor — Foothill Regional Park, located in Windsor, California

Home to 6.8 miles of tree-shaded trails and three small fishing lakes, this 211-acre regional park hosts a variety of California wildflowers in early spring, including lots of sky-blue lupines as well as poppies, sun cups, shooting stars, and other spring blooms.

10. Helen Putnam Regional Park, Petaluma

This 216-acre park offers 6 miles of trails with ridgetops that offer far-ranging views. In spring, the sweeping meadows are liberally sprinkled with California wildflowers, and throughout the year, you can enjoy the gazebo, children’s play area, and large fishing pond.

The Respectful Way to Visit Sonoma County Wildflowers

Visit the natural beauty Sonoma County offers in a way that is good for the earth. View our page on Sustainable Travel and browse these best practices: Leave No Trace Seven Principles. Together, we can protect and preserve the beauty and natural resources of Sonoma County for generations to come.

Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodriguez