Sonoma County State Parks

Sonoma County has so much extraordinary geography, from the Pacific Ocean, rivers, and lakes, to mountains, and California redwoods, that it may seem impossible to experience it all. But there is in fact a fun and easy way to experience everything: Visit Sonoma County’s 11 state parks, as each occupies unique terrain in this famous Northern California region, just north of San Francisco.

Whether you crave a day at the beach, a mountain hike, fascinating California history, an observatory with telescopes, fishing, horseback riding, bird-watching, accessible trails, ranger-led tours, or backcountry camping, use this helpful list of California State Parks in Sonoma County.

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Guerneville

This small, protected park is absolutely worth a visit as the 520-acre natural reserve is a haven for many stately Sequoia sempervirens — the famed redwood tree that can stand more than 250 feet tall and live more than 1,000 years.

Austin Creek State Recreation Area, Guerneville

With nearly 6,000 acres and 20 miles of trails that run through meadows and woodlands and across rolling hills, Austin Creek State Recreation Area is a recreational dream. It’s also adjacent to the Armstrong Redwoods Reserve with its majestic groves of redwood trees.

Fort Ross State Historic Park, Jenner

Beautifully situated on the northern coast of Sonoma County, Fort Ross State Historic Park is rich with interesting history about the Russian-American settlement that thrived here with the fur trade from 1812-1841.

Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve, Jenner

This pristine reserve contains 317 forested acres and many wild rhododendrons that burst into colorful bloom with brilliant pink blossoms every spring. In every season, this scenic forest invites visitors into its cool, serene canopy of greens. For more details, read Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve.

Salt Point State Park, Jenner

With 20 miles of hiking trails and more than six miles of rugged coastline, this is a fine place to be. Enjoy picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, skin and scuba diving, and camping. You can even walk through Sonoma County’s pygmy forest!

Jack London State Historic Park, Glen Ellen

Tour the home and farm buildings of the adventurous early 20^th-century writer Jack London and his wife. Learn about London’s progressive, well-preserved ranch and discover the cottage where he wrote, a small museum, hiking trails, and more.

Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, Petaluma

Dating from the 1830s-1840s, Petaluma Adobe (then known as Rancho Petaluma) was the largest privately owned building in the state and the headquarters of a working ranch owned by one of the state’s most important figures, General Mariano Vallejo. Today, the building is decorated authentic period style and welcomes visitors to learn about California before it became part of the U.S.

Sonoma Coast State Park, Bodega Bay

With tide-pooling, bird and whale watching, coastal cliffs, driftwood, and sand — the invigorating seaside is calling. Separated by rock bluffs and headlands, this series of beaches stretches 17 miles from Bodega Head to north of Jenner and features more than a dozen scenic points along the coast off Highway 1. 

Sonoma State Historic Park, Sonoma

In the charming town of Sonoma, dotted along the historic plaza, you can visit interesting sites like the northernmost Franciscan Mission, General Vallejo’s home, and discover the birthplace of the California State Bear Flag.

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Kenwood

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park contains the headwaters of Sonoma Creek, with 25 splendid miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. Sugarloaf also includes the Robert Ferguson Observatory, dedicated to public stargazing and education on select weekends throughout the year for both night and solar viewing.

Trione-Annadel State Park, Santa Rosa

Trione-Annadel is an outdoor lover’s paradise, offering almost 5,000 acres of rolling hills and 35 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Wildflowers peak in spring, but many blooms continue into January. A fishing lake is perfect for anglers, and sensational views attract photographers. 

Find all state and regional parks in Sonoma County.

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Together, we can protect and preserve the beauty and natural resources of Sonoma County for generations to come. Check out our page on Sustainable Travel, and look over the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.

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Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodriguez