Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail

Laguna De Santa Rosa Trail is a stunning freshwater wetland walk and the largest wetland in Sonoma County. I’ve explored this trail in both winter and spring, and each season offers its own appeal. In spring, be prepared for muddy paths and puddles, so bring shoes you don’t mind getting dirty in. Even the parking lot has its share of potholes. Despite that, the trail is alive with vibrant green grasslands, open skies, and the fresh, clean scent of nature. Winter transforms the landscape into something more darkly calm yet equally beautiful. It's a season of brisk icy air yet refreshing. The trail is a mix of grasslands with scattered oak and eucalyptus trees. On clear days, you can spot Mount Saint Helena from the Highway 12 entrance and vineyards if you enter through Occidental Road. It stretches 1.8 miles and eventually leads to Kelly Pond, a perfect spot for bird watchers. There are two access points: one at 5420 Occidental Road, which has 8 parking spaces, bike racks, and a portable restroom, and another at 6303 Highway 12, which features 12 parking spaces, bike racks, three spaces for horse trailers, and trash/recycling bins. Both entrances are wheelchair-accessible, and the trail itself is mostly flat with gentle slopes, making it easy and enjoyable for walkers of all ages. Dogs are welcome except on the pedestrian-only segment, and there are picnic tables for families, although there’s no playground. This trail is perfect for a leisurely walk, whether you’re starting or ending your day. It offers enough time to soak in the scenery without being too strenuous. To the beautiful people of Sonoma County and visitors abroad if you’re looking for a new trail or just passing through, I recommend exploring the Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail. It’s a beautiful slice of nature waiting to be discovered.

A unique walking trail in marshlands that changes scenery throughout the year. During the winter it floods and it's hard to imagine people were once walking on the trail before. The trail goes through the Laguna and marsh and grassland and you can catch some birds and backdrops of vineyards and unique views of changing landscapes. Wear good hiking boots (preferably ones you don't mind getting dirty) as depending on the time of year it can get wet. My dog loves zippin' along this trail and of course doesn't mind getting dirty :) It's mainly flat with twists and turns and great for daily strolls or a fun adventure. Easy parking on both ends of the trail (either accessed off Hwy 12 or Occidental Road). Catch the Strawberry Man just a quick drive up Hwy 12 for an amazing basket of strawberries on your way out! These pictures were taken on the Fall Solstice during sunset.

Even though I have driven past this trail just outside Sebastopol, California hundreds of times, I had never once stopped to explore the 1.8 mile trail running between Highway 12 and Occidental Road. As I walked the trail in the hot afternoon sun, I was amazed with the scenery that I have missed out on. I will definitely be back. I’m especially looking forward to exploring it this winter when it will transform into a flooded, marshy landscape

Great walk it’s very mild but with beautiful scenery during this time of year.

Such a special place. Testament to the power of restoration. Path fir people w dogs. And separate path no dogs, ecologically sensitive.

Nice park but flat and not much variety of things to see. Good birding and people float kayaks in the Laguna in the winter.

Nice walking/biking trail.not too long.

It's simply a quiet, open space which includes shaded lanes and paths. Really a quiet place that feels very private even with others sharing the landscape.