Northern California Wine Country
Guest Contributor Edition – Joel Singer
Many of you already know that wine is one of my passions. I enjoy drinking it of course, but also learning about the process of making it and visiting locations where the grapes are grown and wine is made. This passion has led me to visit Northern California, specifically Sonoma and Napa Counties numerous times.
While the wine, wineries, vineyards and restaurants are certainly a main reason to visit this area, these are not the only reasons. When visiting this area one should not miss the natural wonders and scenery located in the numerous State Parks within Sonoma County. The topography of this area includes Mountains, valleys, forests and shorelines where one can soak in the great outdoors.
Sonoma County alone has fifty Regional and State Parks that encompass over 60,000 acres. Some of the more notable parks include Jack London State Park, Sonoma Coast State Park and Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve.
Jack London State Park near the town of Glen Ellen, is located on the eastern slope of Sonoma Mountain, is the former home of author and novelist Jack London. He wrote a number of his books while residing on the property. The park includes a number of historic buildings, a museum, lake and over 25 miles of hiking trails.
Sonoma Coast State Park located on the Sonoma coast is comprised of sandy beaches, secluded coves, rugged headlands and rocky coastline. The park occupies 17 miles along the Pacific Coast from Bodega Head to Vista Trail, just north of the town of Jenner. This park is ideal for beachcombing, hiking and enjoying a picnic. You might even sight a migrating gray whale during season. The Sonoma Coast, however, is not for swimming as the strong rip currents, heavy surf and ground swells are extremely dangerous.
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, a temperate rainforest, located north of the town of Guerneville, was established to preserve 805 acres of coast redwood trees. This park offers numerous hiking trails with difficulty ranging from an easy 1-mile trail to a strenuous 3-mile hike. The stars of this park are of course the redwood trees in The Grove which include The Parsons Grove Tree, the tallest in the grove at over 300 feet tall, The Colonel Armstrong Tree, the oldest, which is estimated to be over 1,400 years old and The Icicle Tree with unusual burl formations.
Each of these parks offer hiking trails where you can get some exercise, enjoy the beauty of nature in peaceful surroundings and behold at the wonder of our Earth. Remember to check with each park before you go, as many parks in the area have had hours reduced due to the pandemic and wildfire activity.
