Best Bird Watching Area Santa Rosa Near Me

4worldlovers: The Cotati Creek Critters have put together a walk route that explores the southern-most reaches of the Laguna. Download the Headwaters Loop Walk description and route map.

This 1.2 mile trail was created as part of the Southern Laguna Restoration project, a collaboration between the Sonoma County Water Agency and the Laguna Foundation that improved water flow in the Laguna, widened the riparian zone (thus increased wildlife habitat!) and creates a healthy future for the natural communities that include all of us. More than 4800 native plants and approximately 15,000 native grass seedlings have been planted over 30 acres. Here is a great opportunity to get to know some of the plants early in their life cycles so you can witness their growth and watch nature in action over time! How to Get There: The trail head is located just west of the intersection of Rohnert Park Expressway and Stony Point Road. The parking area is on the west side of Stony Point Road, south of the bridge that goes over the Laguna. View map

Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail- Regional Park website has more details

The Laguna de Santa Rosa trail is Regional Parks’ newest trail, offering a unique opportunity to see the biologically diverse landscape of Sonoma County’s largest freshwater wetland. The trail runs on the east side of the Laguna channel between Highway 12 and Occidental Road, with trailheads and parking areas located off of both roads. A 1.8-mile multi-use trail is open to hikers, cyclists and equestrians and includes an overlook area with benches and Laguna and vineyard views. Paved with crushed stone, the trail is fully accessible for wheelchair users. An unpaved .6-mile pedestrian-only path loops off of that segment toward the riparian cover along the channel. View Map

This is the best place to access the Laguna itself. You can walk the gravel trails past ponds and marshes to the seasonal bridge, or sit on benches under towering valley oaks and Oregon ash. A two mile hike encircles the entire area. Trails are accessible to walkers and wheelchairs but not bikes. Dogs allowed on leash. How to Get There: From the first stoplight on Highway 12 upon entering Sebastopol, turn north on Morris Street and proceed to the Sebastopol Community Center, where there is plenty of parking. The Preserve entrance borders the Sebastopol Community Center and Youth Annex. Trails Map

Laguna Uplands is a small gem in Sebastopol’s backyard located just behind Palm Drive Hospital. The views overlook the Laguna, across the Santa Rosa Plain to Sonoma Mtn. and Mt. St. Helena. A short trail leads to a memorial bench and a perfect spot to contemplate the beauty of the Laguna area. No bikes. How to Get There: From Highway 116, turn east on Palm Avenue and follow to the end of the street. Park in front of the property or along the street, but be careful not to block the neighbors.

4worldlovers: Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail in Bodega Bay is a 1.19-mile multi-use path that loops along a saltwater marsh just north of Doran Regional Park and offers excellent bird-watching. The trail circles two freshwater ponds along Bodega Harbor and overlooks marshland that provides year-round habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds.

The trail is gravel, generally flat, and moderately accessible for wheelchairs. It offers a connection to Doran Regional Park via the Cheney Creek Trail. Parking is available in a lot along Highway 1.

The trail is a segment of the planned Bodega Bay Bike and Pedestrian Trail connecting Doran Regional Park to the Coastal Prairie Trail, as well as the larger California Coastal Trail network of public trails along the 1200-mile California coastline.

4worldlovers:
All picnic tables are on a first come first serve basis.


For information regarding park permits, please visit our website here or contact the Park Permits Desk at 707-543-3294 or parkpermits@srcity.org.

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4worldlovers: Audubon Canyon Ranch connects nature, people, and science for a more resilient world.