Came today of the first time. great space with lots of short trails, the longest loop is only about 4K. beautiful oaks and rolling hills with wildflowers. parking available for about 20+ cars with a $8 day pass. water and bathrooms on site. wide paths with loose dirt. A easy trip west from Petaluma. read more

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A great place to hike. A small pond and a lot of short trails. A lot of green grass and hills. Best to hike when it's cool because there is little shade. Wear a hat as well. read more

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Great county park, situated on the outskirts of town. Accessible from two entry points (one paid and one not), Helen Putnam is situation along the rolling hill with multiple trails intertwining. Would classify trails to be generally mild. Great 360 views once at the peak, especially facing due west at sunset. Only one bathroom facility (2 stalls) located in paid parking lot (main entrance). read more

Lovely trails that are well kept! There's a creek and playground at the parking lot. Nice midpoint is a lake where one can sit, picnic about and fish. There's many entrances and exits. Views are beautiful! read more

Helen Putnam Regional Park - Hiking Near Me - Petaluma, California

This was a very relaxing and easy hike. We saw people of all ages hiking on the weekend. The hills were still green so I would take advantage of hiking this area after the rain and before summer hits. There are nice scenic views when you get to the outlook. Parking is plentiful and is $7 for all day. We got lucky and someone gave us their parking ticket as they were leaving! read more

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Helen Putnam Regional Park is an excellent place to go walking, hiking, and trail running. There was plenty of parking. 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 in the views! read more

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My family and I have been hiking Helen Putnam Regional Park for a couple of decades and it never disappoints. The frog/fish pond is healthier than ever, with young native trees dotting its surrounds. Vistas are great and there's a decent amount of native plant info along paved trails to keep scouting for elusives. With plenty of open space and many trails, a half hour hike starting at the Oxford trailhead will give you a great 2-mile workout. (Oxford to main paved trail to Filigree trail to Pomo trail to main paved trail loop. That includes walking to and from your car on Windsor Rd : ) For those of you on the north east side of Petaluma (farthest opposite section of Petaluma) it's worth the 15 min drive. Free parking on Windsor Rd; steep hike up from Oxford Ct--and/OR--definitely a climate-positive move to get a year-round park pass and park at any of Helen Putnam's pass-only entrances--as well as over 55 Sonoma County Regional Parks. read more

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Helen Putnam Regional Park was a favorite running/hiking spot for many years. I hadn't been for several years, but I came back on New Year's Eve for some hiking and exploring. I'm so glad that I did! There are more open trails and lots of benches and picnic areas than they had in years past. Parking is $7, and the park is dog-friendly. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. They have plenty of trash cans located throughout the park, which is helpful in terms of keeping the trails clean. One thing that really stood out was we ran into many other dog owners, and all of their dogs except for one were on leash, respectful, and under voice control. If you hike with a dog locally, you probably know that is often not the case. The overall vibe was friendly and welcoming, and I feel comfortable bringing my dog back here to hike again. There's a small pond where fishing is permitted, and there's a lot of wildlife to observe. We saw hawks and a falcon out hunting. There are restrooms by the parking lot. The park is well-maintained, has lots of clear signage on the trails, and lovely views from the top. I hope to come back in the spring to look at wildflowers. read more

Helen Putnam Regional Park - Hiking Near Me - Petaluma, California

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Checked out Helen Putnam Reg Pk, Petaluma Wed 5/4/22. Warm day so I wasn't feeling like hiking much. We did maybe 5 miles. There are some hills there. Some views were ok, nothing special. I liked seeing the wildflowers, and they had herds of sheep there to eat invasive weeds, support local agriculture, reduce fire fuels. They are so cute and they had 2 guard dogs for the large herds. Worth going if you live nearby. Parking is $7, there were pit toilets instead of the regular bathrooms when I was there 5/4/22. read more

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Named after the iconic Helen Putnam who was the mayor of Petaluma from 1965 until 1979, and County Supervisor of southern Sonoma County from 1979 - 1984. The park was officially dedicated in 1985. I'm staying in the Petaluma area and arrived here via ebike. Gorgeous weather and perfect for trailing whether by bike or walking. The hills were lush and green. Such a gorgeous park and perfect to have lunch. There is a playground section near the parking area. It was an easy hike to the top of the ridge where we had great views of the Petaluma Valley. The path I decided on went past a large pond. The hill climb is great way to feel like you've gotten a wonderful workout. It's such a wonderful hike, different levels and perfect for anyone. This historic park is huge with views of stunning, gentle rolling hills and amazing trails. These incredible views allow you to spot birds and other wild animals. Highly recommended! read more

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I had a nice bike ride here a little while back. I came early on a Sunday morning, and while I was one of the first ones in the parking lot when I arrived, it was pretty much filled to the brim by the time I finished. There's a good amount of parking here in relation to the size of the park (small/medium), and you have to pay (card only, I'm forgetting how much it cost). When I was there, the bathrooms were closed due to covid, but there was one open porta potty in the parking lot. On to the park! Due to the hills, this is a good place for a workout for sure! They vary from easy to pretty steep. The terrain is either paved or dirt. And beware, one of the downhill trails has a lot of loose dirt/gravel, so it could easily be a place you could fishtail or lose traction. I came close to spilling once. Overall, this is a good place for a workout. The park is on the small side, though, so don't expect a ton of miles unless you do multiples crosses or loops. read more

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This park is great for every athletic level. The paths weave together and apart so the hike can be as short or as long as you want. It can get crowded on the weekends but luckily you can always follow the path in a different direction and lead yourself away if you want. There's a few different entrances to the park so make sure you know where you parked and how to get back to your car at the end of the hike! read more

I had not been to Helen Putnam in a few years and wow, it has changed! For the better that is. More trails have opened up as well as picnic tables & benches. I appreciate having many more options as to which trails to explore. Beautiful views and landscape. read more

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I loved this park! It was just outside the main drag of Petaluma but felt removed and serene while out on those trails. It is a great, accessible park that overlooks the Petaluma valley and offers some great trails to enjoy which are both paved and not paved. The parking lot is generous for this size park so bring your park pass or buy a day use parking pass; there are options outside the park along the road, but keep in mind our fees help maintain these beautiful parks. There are bathrooms at the base of the park in parking lot but no others in the park that I saw. I loved this park and was glad to explore as it was my first time this past weekend. It's a short and sweet hike that has some rolling hills, packing in some punch, and getting great views. The trails are well maintained both on the paved sections and the trails. Dog friendly which is nice for those that want to include Fido on the adventures. I loved the meandering trails that linked together to add or cut mileage depending on what your goals are for the trek. Nice benches and tables scattered all over in the park to take advantage of the lovely view. Great little park that was the perfect spot for a lovely hike and picnic. read more

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The first time I ever laid eyes on this regional park, I couldn't help but stare in awe at its sheer size and scale. Wide open spaces as far as the eyes can see welcomes eager visitors with open arms. My first visit to this magical place was during a Yelp hiking event. A group of about 20 adventurers strapped on their hiking boots and braved the trek and climb to see some incredible views. Now that was a year ago and even now I still have the same feeling of excitement visiting as I did back that first time. There are so many paths, so many adventures one could take to explore this incredible vast expanse of a land that one would never get bored no matter how many visits it may be. So for those whose hearts yearn for an escape from the realities of the world, be transported even but for a brief moment to somewhere far and away, and reinvigorate oneself, Helen Putnam Regional Park is the right choice. Now only if we could do away with the $7 parking fee, then all would be right in the world. read more

Helen Putnam Regional Park - Petaluma downtown in the distant - Hiking Near Me - Petaluma, California

This was my first visit to Helen Putnam Regional Park, and it certainly won't be my last. This park is just a few miles outside of downtown Petaluma, but you'll feel like you're miles away. Heck, you won't even feel like you're in California... you'll feel like you're in Ireland or some other magical European countryside. There's a lot of gorgeous scenery and wildlife to find here. Fortunately, the trails aren't too challenging. Our hike was approximately 3 miles. There were definitely some hills to climb, but nothing too strenuous. Even if you're not exactly a weekend warrior, you should be able to explore the area without too many problems. However, on the date my crew and I visited the park, it was the morning after a big rain shower. So be prepared for some muddy, slippery terrain. What I really love about this park is that it's super dog-friendly (as long as your four-legged friend is on leash). Plus, there are picnic tables scattered around the area if you want to relax and enjoy a bite to eat and/or relax and absorb the views. My group and I set up camp by a peaceful pond and indulged in some bagels and mimosas. Fortunately, they have plenty of garbage cans to dispose of your trash. Word of advice: their parking area can be somewhat limited. Plus, they also charge a $7 parking fee. If you want to save a few dollars, then I recommend you park across the street and then walk into the park. All in all, Helen Putnam Regional Park is a gem. We're so lucky to have it in our backyard! read more

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This is a great hike for hiking, great views. Only downside is that I wish they didn't charge for parking ($7), but other than that, great place to hike in Petaluma, with or without dogs. read more

A beautiful park with hiking and biking (plus it's dog friendly) moments away from downtown Petaluma and walkable from the west side (or midtown if you're feeling a little ambitious). Obviously 5 stars. Lovely views from the top of the hill and so many shaded areas to stroll (or jog if that's your jam). We're so lucky to have this spot in the neighborhood. read more

Another gorgeous Sonoma County regional park. This is a smaller regional park compared to others. These are dog friendly trials so please bring Fido with you. The trails are short and all seem to intersect with each other. Very simple for the beginner or the advanced hikers can take the trail on the left of the parking lot and head straight up! There is a paved trail next to the bathrooms (You cant miss it ). Its perfect for a wheel chair or stroller and heads up to the lake which is less than a mile away. Keep going up from the lake and you will hit the Panorama trail. Turn left on the Panorama and be prepared to have your breath taken away. The Panorama trail is photographers favorite place to shoot. With the sun setting and the glow takes over the hills of cascading light, it's the perfect place to sit and set your mind free. Too bad I live in Santa Rosa because it's a ways to drive out to this cute little park deep in the westside cutties. I will be back for sure ! read more

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The Petaluma High school cross country team officially endorses this park. It's got some nice hills, amazing trails, and even better views. 10/10 would recommend. read more

So close to downtown Petaluma, Helen Putnam park is a great place to take a hike with trails and beautiful views!

Helen Putnam is the only half way decent trail area in Petaluma. This doesn't make it good though. It's too small and too steep. If you want to jog 5 miles you'll have to retrace your steps 3 times. And if you're a beginning jogger you won't be able to jog the whole way as most of the trails are steep, with just a very small plateau area at the top. If you park in the parking lot on Chileno it's like $95 or something. But if you park on Oxford off of Windsor on the opposite side you can get to the trails for FREE. read more

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Park is creating new trails and upgrading old ones. Get an annual pass, saves $.

Great trails but $7 (parking fee) for an hour hike is way too much to come here regularly like I would like.

This was a nice park to walk around for some exercise. I wouldn't necessarily make a special trip, but it was nice to get out and stretch your legs. Dogs on leashes are allowed. read more

What a beautiful place for a hike! There are easy hills for strolling (both paved and unpaved paths) as well as climbs for visitors who really want a workout. We saw a lot of people with their dogs and even a few on horseback! Lucked out with the weather -- beautiful view toward Petaluma. Easy to find. Sites out of town maybe 5 minutes or so. $7 to park in their lot, but free along the highway downaways. read more

Sweeping vistas of rolling golden (most of the year, anyway) hills, lovely old oaks, hawks, falcons, bluebirds... Helen Putnam and the surrounding trails and paths offer a scenic, safe, quiet and uncrowded opportunity to stretch your legs and take in the view. The hike up is steep but once you're up in the dirt trail network, things get a bit less vertical while still offering a decent hike workout as you traverse small ups and downs, banks and curves. The poison oak is prolific out here, so stick to the trail and be mindful of your shoes, later -- urushiol oil is tenacious and long-lived. If you dare to trek across Windsor to the water tower path, that's a slightly more open-air and paved environment to append your excursion, or take all on its own. My only complaint here is that there's a fair bit of erosion on some of the pathways and the resulting exposure of small roots requires a watchful eye, or you may find yourself taking a 'nice trip this fall'. :) There's much to see, with the darting lizards, soaring birds, whispering grass, gnarled oaks and blooming wildflowers. read more

Helen Putnam Regional Park - You'd never know the grass was greener (!) just last month! - Hiking Near Me - Petaluma, California

I enjoy coming here in the hours before sunset. When the hills are golden, the sun exacerbates the hue and it is so calming. I like the trails here because there is always some sort of incline on the paths; some are very steep! Parking is $7 in the lot but there is also a small amount of free parking along the main road. (I don't like parking in the residential area.) The Sonoma County Parks parking pass is $69/yr, valid at over 50 different parks. GO OUTSIDE and see this place! read more

Helen Putnam Regional Park - This picnic table is on the Savannah trail. So peaceful and romantic. - Hiking Near Me - Petaluma, California

Oftentimes on a Saturday I'll start the weekend out by putting in an hour at 24 Hour Fitness on Petaluma Boulevard. While that is fine and well for getting my steps in, I often find myself wanting a little bit in terms of my floor count. Yes, I could walk up and down the stairs of the gym itself (I do), or maybe even hit the stair machine (yawn), but ideally I'd be doing it outdoors. Nearby Novato has some 50+ trailheads, seemingly all of which have bountiful pastures for which a hiker can roam. Petaluma is about the same size, but I suppose one of the costs of having a far more vibrant downtown is the fact that the hiking opportunities are a lot more sparse. This regional park attempts to satisfy everybody's needs - as long as you have even a cursory interest in outdoor walking, you'll find what you want. A paved road that goes from one end to the other. Steep dirt paths, lots of trees and open air. And plenty of vistas - on a clear day you'll have a helluva view of the city below. In fact there are so many trails I can't conceive of anybody losing their way, but knowing humankind, I'm sure that happens far more than I'd contemplate as possible. Two disadvantages: 1) Being the pride and joy of a park (and near only) of the town, while it's well kept-up, it causes parking issues. There is a rather ridiculous fee to park on the west side, while the east side is free but with a plethora of guilt-inducing signs to discourage you. Or one could park a little further away. 2) Yes, there are lots of trails, but the park simply isn't that big. Probably not a big deal for most, but if you want to get distance you're either going to have to repeat or go elsewhere. All in all, a pleasant place to go. read more

Though we only got to hike a couple miles of the trails, this was such a beautiful park! Bear in mind that it costs money to park here if you're driving to the location! We stopped by on a sunny afternoon in September. There was a variety of different trails, but we immediately started out with the steepest one. What a workout! The parking lot had a large map that showed details on each of the trails. I would recommend that you take a photo of it before you start your hike, because there weren't any other maps or diagrams on the trails themselves, so we were a bit confused as to how to get back to the parking lot. As we came towards the end of our chosen trail, there was a pretty pond and someone was fishing there. There was a picnic table overlooking the pond, and I thought this would be a beautiful spot to have a picnic! read more

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Beautiful for a stroll. The green hills were unreal in late March. Hills are just challenging enough to feel like we got a workout but there are enough flat areas to balance it out! $7 parking. Everyone we met in the park was so friendly, too! read more

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This 216 acre park offers panoramic views of southern Sonoma County and northern Marin County. The park has trails for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. A gazebo, picnic area, and children's playground are located at the trail head. There is a large pond for fishing. It's not that big, so you have to double back if you want a long hike, but it's very scenic & seems like it's way out in the country when it's not far at all. It's a great place to take your dog, though they're supposed to be on leash. Some are, some aren't, but there is a ranger residence & you will get warned about an off-leash dog. It has restroom facilities & doggie poop bags - a plus for dogs & their peeps when nature calls. Parking in the lot is $5, though you can park for free on the street. Overall, just a nicely maintained, scenic park. read more

I've visited Helen Putnam a few times and it is very beautiful. I wish that it were a little bigger so the hikes here were longer, but I'm so thankful they allow dogs. Gotta love those regional parks! The views are worth the little bit of uphill that's required. It's relatively easy hiking. My reason for taking a star off is that every time I come here it's very packed. We always see tons of people on the trails. It's not my favorite park in Sonoma County but it's local and it's one we'll continue going to for years to come. read more

I fell in love with this trail today. It has a lot of nice shade that makes a hike more enjoyable. There are gorgeous views, particularly on the Panorama trail. I was happy that I could take my dog on the trail. The hike did have some decent hills to get a workout but is very doable with a wide variety of fitness levels. Near the pond there are some picnic benches to have a little picnic. It was nice that there was a bathroom near the beginning of the trail on the west side. I was told that it is free to park on the east side and cost $7 on the west side for parking. I definitely plan to come back. read more

This #Petaluma park has a lot to offer as far as scenery, wildlife and incredible vistas. A pond at the base is thriving with large croaking bullfrogs. Ran into rabbits, quail and deer and several species of birds. If you are hiking just know this is not flatland, and my fitbit indicated I did 30 sets of stairs climbing these hills. Bring plenty of water. I captured some nice photos to share on my flickr account http://www.flickr.com/photos/wdunby/sets/72157634414355274/ read more

I am thankful for such a wonderful park being so close to home. I appreciate the foresight of conservation-minded people who have protected such fabulous places. So far I have only been here twice, though loved it enough after the first visit that I purchased the annual pass to the Sonoma Regional Parks. Well worth it! Not only are the views amazing and trails well maintained, but the preservation is also impressive. Today I enjoyed learning about the various oak species from my friend, Lynn. We saw coastal live oak, black oak, Oregon oak and the majestic valley oak. I also was able to hold a ringneck snake that was a "good sport". The butterflies were amazing today. read more

What a treat! I have been to Helen Putnam twice now and I'm hooked! The park has great views of Petaluma and further. The clear trail signage, good parking and clean restrooms are all bonuses. You do need to have a parking permit or pay for a day pass. Thank you Sonoma County Parks for maintaining this gem! read more

Helen Putnam Regional Park - Hiking Near Me - Petaluma, California

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My favorite of the Sonoma County Parks (also love Hood Mountain, Crane Canyon, and the two in Windsor). The views are absolutely gorgeous (and you get them in all 360 degrees!) whether you're overlooking the Petaluma Valley or the hills east of town. In the early spring the green rolling hills stretch out to the Horizon might lead you to believe you slipped into Scotland. But even during dead grass season it's beautiful, just not quite the same. I have just one complaint: the trails aren't long enough! If you want to make more than an hour out of your hike you'll have to either do laps or criss-cross over the different trails that dominate the main hill. Just a note: there is a $7 fee park your automobile. I don't mind since the Sonoma County Parks are well maintained (and I ponied up the $69 for the annual parking pass). Final world of warning: that first hill is a DOOZY! It'll get your heart rate up. read more

Marty and I took the opportunity to go for a short hike in the park while we were here. We found the trails to be well marked. Sometimes it can be confusing to follow a trail map when you are unfamiliar with the area. Here they have actual posts with the names of the various trails and arrows indicating the direction which made it easy for us. The views from the panorama trail lived up to the name. I look forward to someday exploring the rest of the trails and to seeing how the landscape changes throughout the seasons. The residents of Petaluma are lucky to have this resource in their backyard. read more

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Beautiful sceneries from the top, nice trails, areas for picnic / activity for children, ponds, clean bathrooms and ranger on site. Excellent experience. read more