Hike Helen Putnam Regional Park
Details
Distance
6 miles
Elevation Gain
550 ft
Route Type
Loop
Added by Bethany Newman
Nearly 6 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails meander through grasslands and oak savannah. In springtime, there is an abundance of native wildflowers too. Picnic area and large pond are located near the park's south entrance, just three miles from downtown Petaluma.
A 216-acre park, Helen Putnam offers 9 trails that are relatively short but can be combined however you wish. Go 2 miles or 10 miles. Loop in and out, up or around. I take a different route every time I hike here.
For a good 6-mile hike, begin at the southwest corner, where the parking lot and restrooms are located. Veer right to get on the Ridge Trail and wind up and around the pond, and then continue to the South Loop Trail. Turn right onto the South Loop trail, which will eventually bring you back to the Ridge Trail. Turn right to continue onto the Fillaree trail. Turn left to take Pomo trail, then right to take the Panorama trail. Follow it down and around, then veer left to take the Arroyo trail back up. When you get back to the Panorama trail, turn right, and then soon after turn right again to take the Savannah trail. It will loop you back down near the parking lot, at which point you get back on the Ridge Trail and continue meandering and looping through the park until you've had enough!
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Reviews
Leave a ReviewOaks and more oaks
Beautiful forests are interspersed with grassy meadows. Some gorgeous old live oaks thrive here along with younger forests. A predominant plant in the understory is poison oak. Trails are maintained well enough to allow one to avoid it. A plethora of trails crisscross the park, some quite steep. I especially enjoyed the South Loop trail.
4.0
Popular and Dog Friendly
Lots of trails to explore with your dog. So beautiful here!
4.0
Pretty Spot.
Great spot to walk the pups. Nice view of the Petaluma Hills.
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.