Shiloh Ranch Regional Park

 Shiloh Ranch Regional Park is a beautiful slice of land in the hills in Northeast Santa Rosa.  I have been there many times when my life brings me to that corner of the county, and I have always enjoyed the experience.  


It is part of the Sonoma County Regional Parks, so parking is $7 unless you have an annual pass.  There is plenty of parking on the street that is free and many take advantage of that.   It appears that all trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers and horses.  

I got one daughter to go with me in conjunction with an appointment nearby, but we had limited time, so we took the easiest trail:  The Creekside Trail.  This trail ran alongside a creekbed that was mostly empty (MORE RAIN PLEASE!) and was a lovely undulating trail through mossy oak woodlands.  It is 1 1/4 miles, and we went out and back for a 2 1/2 mile hike.  There are other, much more strenuous and longer hikes that take you up to the top of hills and ridges and give fabulous views over Santa Rosa and wine country.  I've taken these in the past, and they are lovely...and challenging!






It is so nice to see this part of the County getting more green and lush!  I am enjoying my hikes over here much more.   

There was much evidence of fire at the end of the trail - something I see a lot of when hiking in the north eastern section of the county.  This park was impacted by the 2017 Tubbs fire, the first of several years of fires that have impacted our community greatly.  Hopefully we will get a respite this year.



In the next two days, I have plans to go to Jack London State Park & Robert Louis Stevenson State Park.  Two parks that I've never been to, so I'm excited to make new discoveries with friends that live close by and use the parks frequently.



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