Helen Putnam Regional Park is a wide-open park, and it's unlike most parks in that it has a true wilderness setting. Set just southwest of Petaluma, it has six miles of trails that cut through grassy hillsides and wind through beautiful groves of large heritage oak trees. Hike to the ridge-top trails for stunning panoramic views of southern Sonoma County, creating a picturesque backdrop for any photo.

Even if you aren’t into hiking, there are plenty of areas for biking, horseback riding, and birding. Bring your pooch on a leash and explore the trails together. Want to make a day of it? Pack a picnic and use any of the picnic areas to take a break and catch a breather.

Helen Putnam Regional Park is open from sunrise to sunset, and this park has a $7 per vehicle entry fee. Regional Parks members enter for free.

Helen Putnam Regional Park
411 Chileno Valley Road
Petaluma, CA 94952
707-433-1625
parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Get_Outdoors/Parks/Helen_Putnam_Regional_Park.aspx
www.yelp.com/biz/helen-putnam-regional-park-petaluma

CC-BY-2.0/Markus Spiske / raumrot.com