Helen Putnam Regional Park — Attraction in California

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...

This is a beautiful piece of land located on the edge of town with easy access. The terrain is hilly, wooded, and well managed. There is one trail through the park which is paved, easy for wheels. The remaining trails are unpaved and varying in degrees of smooth and uneven surfaces. This is not the park for someone who wants a nice flat stroll, but if you're looking for a little inclined exercise, it's the perfect spot.

Lots of green most times of the year, many tree varieties, grasses, shrubbery growing wild. Beautiful vistas with sitting benches throughout the park to relax and take in gorgeous views looking down on Petaluma or out over surrounding hillsides. There are also picnic tables in a few places, so it's a very nice spot to have a lunch in nature. There is even a small pond at the top of the first hill, which adds to the quaintness of this piece of land.

At the main entrance there is a parking lot. A fee of $7, as it's a county park. There is also an separate equine parking area for trailers with horses. A convenient located restroom starts the base of the trails and a children's playground area. For those who take issue with paying for a walk, you can park out on the road and walk in or go the the back side of the park and walk in through the neighborhood entrance.

The only con I'd note is that the trails are not well marked and the posted land map doesn't do you much good when you aren't standing in front of it. That said, the trails all pretty much end up coming back to the main one and it's a fairly small park, so you can only get so lost.

All in all, a very convenient, clean and beautiful hour walk...

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...