Description:

Join Landpaths docent Bruce Schneider for a spring hike to observe the flora and especially the wildflowers at the Lafferty ranch in the Sonoma mountains near Petaluma. Special guest Roger Raiche, self-taught botanist and fellow with the California native plant society will accompany us to provide identification and insight. This date should be very near to the peak of the wildflower blooming season so the entire countryside should be a beautiful, lush green making for a wonderful experience of the height of spring

Registration in advance is required. Lafferty Ranch is only open to the public during special guided outings with LandPaths and the City of Petaluma. 
Directions: Driving directions, parking details, and exact location of Lafferty Ranch will be sent 2 to 3 days before the event by the outings field specialist. Parking at Lafferty is extremely limited. You must be registered for the outing to attend. No drop-ins, please! Space is limited to those who register in advance. 

Details:  

• Space is limited so register as soon as you can. 
• The hike will be led by Lafferty Docents, Bruce Schneider and Joy Robinson  
• You will be asked to sign a liability waiver upon arrival 
• No restrooms available. This is a rustic property. Please plan accordingly. 
• You will recieve a confirmation email upon registration. If you do not recieve an email then you are not registered for the outing. 
• 2-3 days before the outimg you will recieve an email from the lead facilitator with the exact location, driving directions, and parking information. 
• Please note that there are no dogs or smoking allowed at Lafferty Ranch. 
• Carpooling is reccomended if possible. 

Difficulty:

From the parking area to the upper meadow and back. Approx 2.5 miles and 500-foot elevation gain.

About the area:

This 270-acre property is the only publicly owned land on the west side of Sonoma Mountain. Under contract with the City of Petaluma, Landpaths has been leading hikes on the land to introduce groups to its history and natural features since the summer of 2022. The hiking terrain ranges from broad, gentle meadows to steep challenging hillsides. We’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Petaluma Valley, stretching southwards to Mt. Tamalpais and Mt. Diablo, all the way to San Francisco. The trail passes through groves of venerable oak and bay trees along the Adobe Creek, with a total elevation gain of 500’. You'll enjoy panoramic vistas, and a babbling, perennial stream. The hike will be above the creek up to a vista point at the mid-point meadow, where we will stop to enjoy the panoramic views and snacks before returning to our cars.  

What to bring: 

• Your own water bottle, bring enough water for you and your family. Your own food, and bag for waste   
• We recommend wearing LONG pants (against ticks)
• Comfortable sturdy hiking shoes that can get dirty and can handle muddy terrain.
• Lots of layers: hat and whatever else you will need to be comfortable being out in the colder weather.
• Hiking poles are reccomended for the rocky, slipper and sometimes uneven terrain in certain parts of the trail.     

How to sign up: 

Click here! 

• call Roxy at 707-544-7284 ext 103 or
• email her at roxy@landpaths.org

this event is possible thanks to ​​​​​​