Lake Sonoma

 Want a great way to spend the day on a warm, winter Saturday in Sonoma County (especially during a pandemic)?   Go hiking at Lake Sonoma.   We did this with a group of friends, and it was gorgeous, fun and a great workout!

The 45-minute drive to the lake was absolutely gorgeous, especially this time of year as things are getting green from the rain.   The lake is man-made and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and this is their description, "Created by the construction of Warm Springs Dam in 1983, the lake provides for flood control, irrigation and recreation. When full, the lake has a surface area of more than 2,700 acres and 50 miles of shoreline, forming the perfect setting for a wealth of recreational activities. We invite you to hike, swim, ride, boat, camp, fish, or hunt at our beautiful lake."

My friend, Tina, suggested that we hike the "Half a Canoe Loop Trail".  Evidently, when they were creating this trail, they uncovered half a canoe.  Many of the trails have funny names like "Bummer Trail" and "Huff 'n Puff Trail", etc.  We assembled a group of 3 families, and we all met at the Lone Rock parking lot on Rock Pile Road in Geyserville.  There were not many other people out hiking, so we mostly had the place to ourselves occasionally passing other groups.   I calculated the trail to be about 4.25 miles long, and it is a long descent down to the lake, then a long ascent back up.  It is listed as a moderate trail, which I agree with.  I was super happy that I had my poles to help me especially on the long ascent.  Around every corner, we were treated with gorgeous views of the lake and the hills.  As the day went on, and the sun light became more golden, it looked even more beautiful!  Here are some photos:

Of note:  The trails are open to mountain biking and horses.  There is a prolific population of wild pigs in this area, and pig hunting is allowed on part of the land during specific months.  I have never seen a wild pig, but we certainly saw signs of them!  I was also told that in the summer rattlesnakes are quite common here as well, and it is very hot in the summer.

A lovely day was had by all, and there are many other trails that I'd like to check out here in the future!