Helen Putnam Regional Park

What a lovely walk! Go there and sit on the top of the hill and just relax! Absolutely loved jt. It is about 1hr walk if u don't make stops lol

Perfect for a day out! Tons of hiking options. Parking can get busy on weekends.

The first and only time I have visited Helen Putnam Regional Park was over the winter season. It was a spontaneous and accidental finding. As I was trying to share the beauty within Sonoma county to my friends I ended up finding an unexpected treasure of nature. With the cold and wet season at the time, my group and I didn’t stay long nor did we explore much of the park, but what we did see was quite spectacular. There’s green hills shown in a panoramic view. The people that walk around here are so friendly. Even the people with dogs. If you decide to explore this park during the fall and winter season I would make sure to come prepared. Wear shoes that you’re okay getting muddy in and wear a warm jacket. The wind gets strong especially the higher you go. There are two entrances alongside Chileno Valley Road. The first entrance is on a black concrete road. As you drive down you will see on the right side is a line of parking spots that look toward the children’s playground. There are trees that hug this area. On the other side of these parking spots is a set of restrooms and if you walk further down you run into a walking trail. The second parking lot is all gravel and it leads straight to the main hiking trail with the wooden steps. There are nine trails total in this regional park. Some of the trails continue with the wide views of the green hills, some lead to water and ponds, and others you find yourself amongst the forest of California oak trees. The walk to Overlook Point is short and the first trail you encounter up the steps. It has the wide view of the hills. You go from the parking lot and follow on the dirt trail which then leads you up some wooden and steep steps. Once you reach the top you’re at the Overlook Point view which contains a couple of benches and picnic table next to a big and shady tree. This trail isn’t ideal for those with wheelchair disability. However, there are smoother trails that are better suited for the disabled. This park invites equestrians, cyclists, and hikers. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash. There is fishing at the pond there which is called Cattail Pond. The park is open from 7am-sunset. The parking fee is $7 unless you’re a member within the Sonoma County Regional parks which in that case is free. To the beautiful people of Sonoma County and visitors abroad this 216 acre regional park is worth the short exercise and sightseeing! You will definitely find yourself with stunning views and among a kind and natured-oriented community. I would definitely put this one on the list of places to visit!

My favorite hiking spot in Petaluma. Parking is easy and it’s rarely ever overly-crowded. I was SO excited to see the bathrooms are now open instead of the porta potties that were there for the last few years. There’s a lovely fishing pond with a couple of benches where you can picnic. Lots of ticks so make sure to check yourself and your furry friends. A bunch of different short trails. It’s not a very long hike whichever trail you take (I think the total distance is only 6 miles).

Helen Putnam Regional Park is an excellent place to go walking, hiking, and trail running. There was plenty of parking. It is located in a more remote part of Petaluma. There is a parking fee and if you have the Regional Parks pass it is free. The views of the lush rolling hills are beautiful and peaceful. There are plenty of trails all around the park so you have lots of options. The trails are also clearly marked. There is a lake as well. We saw cows in the distance and across from the parking lot saw donkeys. The trails are dog friendly so feel free to bring your four legged furry friends. Everyone seemed friendly and there were plenty of benches along the way if you want to enjoy a picnic or simply sit down and soak in the views!