Sonoma County Regional Parks calls Spring Lake one of the county's most popular parks. Wikipedia says the 320-acre park in southeastern Santa Rosa is centered on the Santa Rosa Creek Reservoir.
Walking and riding
The county says the park has nearly 10 miles of trails. The headline route is the Spring Lake Loop, a 2.3-mile paved loop around the lake that is mostly flat, with a short climb up to the main dam. It works for walkers, runners and cyclists and is partly ADA accessible. Unpaved trails such as Fisherman's Trail and the 2.6-mile Horse Loop offer quieter routes. An 18-stop parcourse runs along the loop.
Trails connect to Howarth Park and to Trione-Annadel State Park. Wikipedia notes that equestrian trails follow the reservoir's edge into Annadel and that bird-watchers come for geese, egrets, herons, hawks and woodpeckers.
On the water
The county says gas engines are not allowed on the lake, and every boater and paddler must wear a flotation device. A year-round paved ramp at the Newanga Avenue entrance handles boats up to 16 feet, plus kayaks and paddleboards. Kayak and paddleboard rentals at the Violetti Road entrance run only from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Anglers can catch largemouth bass, sunfish and catfish year-round with a license if they are 16 or older.
The swimming lagoon, with its lifeguards and inflatable water park, is also a Memorial Day to Labor Day attraction. Swimming there is free.
Camping and practical details
There are 31 campsites in oak woodland above the lake, including three with sleeping cabins, plus a group site. RVs can be up to 31 feet, and reservations open six months ahead. The Environmental Discovery Center has hands-on natural history exhibits for kids. The park is open 7 a.m. to sunset. Parking is $8 in fall, winter and spring and $12 in summer, and free for members. Leashed dogs are allowed everywhere except the swimming lagoon.