Sonoma County Regional Parks says Crane Creek Regional Park covers 128 acres of rolling grassland and oaks east of Rohnert Park, with Crane Creek flowing through the middle. Ridges offer sweeping views of the countryside, and the meadows are covered with wildflowers in spring.
A short history
According to Wikipedia, Robert Crane homesteaded the land in 1852, and the county bought it in 1975 with Land and Water Conservation Fund grant money. A 1991 botanical study found serious damage to the wildflower meadows, which led to bikes and horses being kept out of the meadow areas.
Trails
The county says the park has 3.5 miles of trails. Multi-use trails loop around the edge, and hiking-only trails cross the middle and run along the creek. The easiest routes follow Crane Creek under mature oaks. The Fiddleneck and Hawk Ridge trails climb to views from the top of the eastern hill.
- The Fiddleneck, Buckeye and Northern Loop trails are open to hikers, bikers and equestrians. The rest of the trails are for hikers only.
- The Creek Trail has a compacted gravel surface with gentle grades and is wheelchair accessible.
- Suggested loops run from 0.5 miles on Fiddleneck and Hawk Ridge to 1.9 miles on Creek, Buckeye and Fiddleneck.
Disc golf and a trail under construction
The park has an 18-hole disc golf course. The county says construction has begun on the 1.8-mile Copeland Creek Trail, which will connect the park to Petaluma Hill Road. Visitors must stay out of the fenced construction zone, and baskets 13 and 14 are temporarily closed. The rest of the park remains open.
Before you go
The park is open 7 a.m. to sunset. Parking is $8 or free for members, and dogs on leash are allowed. There are pit toilets and picnic tables but no drinking fountain, so bring water. Cattle graze the park seasonally to reduce fire risk.