How to gain access to Willow Creek, a part of Sonoma Coast State Park? Sit through an orientation meeting sponsored by LandPaths, “who works in partnership with California State Parks to manage access and volunteer stewardship.” This information is printed on my 2015 Permit, which I received after completing my meeting held at Willow Creek. The “in’s an out’s” of access and general rules were discussed and a combination code for the locked gate was given. The speaker provided a map and suggested hikes along with inside information about the history of the area.
I receive email updates from LandPaths, which contain information about upcoming hikes, orientations and other news. It is a great way to stay informed about all that LandPaths has to offer. This particular area, next to Duncans Mills, has several entrances and tons of hiking, biking and horsetails. On the day of the event, my grandson and I hiked on an old logging road trail called, Islands in the Sky Vista Loop. This trail takes you up 1,000 feet, a steep climb for anyone. There were trees, ferns, wildflowers and of course, poison oak. Please note that I have included a picture to help you identify this plant. I plan on another great hike which was suggested by our speaker. This trail takes you to Shell Beach. The trail starts at the old Pomo Canyon Environmental Campground and is called the Pomo Canyon Trail. It is a 9 to 10 mile hike, so I will have to arrange a whole day for this outdoor adventure. Off of Coleman Valley Road is another gated entrance, it is a bit tricky to locate, but well worth the trouble. I’m told there is a sweet hike with a great view and the trail is flat and easy to navigate. I’m looking forward to trying out this trail. Also, this year, a new area has opened up called, Seed Orchard. This is accessible through the same Willow Creek Permit issued by LandPaths.
I hope that you get a chance to check out this sublime outdoor area, which is too beautiful for words. For more information regarding LandPaths, please follow this link. LandPaths.org. Their mission is to, “foster a love of the land in Sonoma County.” Check it out, you will not be disappointed.
5 Things You Might Not Know:
- Poison Oak. Watch out for this plant. According to Dummies.com, “….. poison oak leaves also cluster in sets of three. The edges of the solid green leaves, while reminiscent of an oak tree, are less dramatic. Poison oak is most often seen in shrub form, but it can also grow as a vine.”
- LandPaths works with 17 schools helping kids in low-income areas to learn and experience the outdoors.
- “Groups can volunteer to work on a variety of tasks pertaining to preserve and natural resource management” at LandPaths. Contact Erin Mullen at erin@landpaths.org or 707-544-7284 ext. 23.
- Sonoma Hiking Trails has a website with information on the Willow Creek Area. Sonoma Hiking Trails at Willow Creek.
- Click for the Official Willow Creek web site.
Rose Colored Glasses 
I’ve heard of the Landpaths Willow Creek orientation and stewardship program that you wrote about. I love the Pomo Canyon park and the hikes that can be done there, I was out there last weekend and did a 15 mile sweep through the whole area. There’s just nothing else like the ocean views, redwoods, and cattle manicured lawn that seems to go on forever along the ridge. Nice choice of places to blog about. cs5711
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A 15 mile hike, you put me to shame. I’m exhausted just thinking it. I really wish the Pomo Canyon park would open up again for camping….ah..wishful thinking! Thanks for the comment. cs5711
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My in laws property runs right up to the trail. So I’ve hiked around out here many times. I also grew up in Occidental and took Willow creek road to the coast to go surfing at Goat Rock all the time. It was a rugged road back then but my VW bus could handle anything! Thanks for bringing back some great memories. cs5711
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Lucky you to have grown up in such a beautiful area. I’m a transplant from southern California. But, I did have a VW Bus at one time. My husband and I traveled the coast from Mexico to Santa Barbara surfing…..well he surfed, I watched.
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