Spring Lake Park

Park Overview

Spring Lake Regional Park is a 320-acre public park located in southeastern Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California. The park is centered around a 72-acre reservoir that functions as both a recreational area and a flood control project managed by the Sonoma County Water Agency.

The park offers a diverse range of natural environments, including oak-studded woodlands, grasslands, and meadows. Wildlife is abundant in the park, with visitors often spotting deer, river otters, bobcats, turtles, beavers, coyotes, muskrats, mink, and a variety of bird species. Birding enthusiasts will find the park particularly rewarding, with opportunities to spot green herons, black-crowned night herons, egrets, swans, and many songbirds.

Trails and Connectivity

Spring Lake Regional Park features nearly 10 miles of trails, including the popular 2.3-mile paved Spring Lake Loop Trail that encircles the lake. This multi-use trail accommodates walkers, runners, and cyclists, offering views of forested hillsides. The loop is approximately 80% shaded, making it comfortable even on warm days.

The paved path includes interactive exercise stations along the way, offering visitors opportunities to enhance their workout. Numerous benches are placed strategically around the trail, providing spots to rest and enjoy the scenic views.

The park connects to adjacent Trione-Annadel State Park and Santa Rosa's Howarth Park, creating an extensive network of recreational trails. This connectivity allows visitors to extend their hiking, biking, or horseback riding adventures into these neighboring parks.

Shoreline of Spring Lake reflecting blue skies and surrounding trees

Photo: bryce_edwards (CC BY 2.0)

Water Recreation

One of the park's main attractions is the swimming lagoon, which is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The lagoon area includes a sandy beach, lawns shaded by redwoods, and an inflatable water park.

The water park features floating slides, climbing walls, bridges, balance beams, and other play structures. Tickets for the water park can be purchased online, and life vests are provided and required for all participants. Children must be at least 6 years old and 42 inches tall to use the water features.

Fishing and non-motorized boating are permitted on Spring Lake year-round. The lake is stocked with trout in cooler months and offers warm water fishing for bass and other species throughout the year. Electric motors are allowed, but gas-powered engines are prohibited. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available during seasonal operation.

Picnic and BBQ Areas

The park offers numerous picnic areas scattered throughout its grounds, many featuring tables with built-in metal BBQ grills. Several areas are shaded by magnificent oak trees, providing comfortable spots for family gatherings and social events.

Larger picnic areas can be reserved for group events, making Spring Lake an ideal venue for family reunions, birthday celebrations, and other gatherings. Water fountains are available throughout the park, with some designed for refilling water bottles.

Canada goose resting on a rock at the calm waters of Spring Lake

Photo: seanmfreese (CC BY 2.0)

Educational Resources

The park houses an Environmental Discovery Center, which offers interactive exhibits about Sonoma County's plants, animals, and natural resources. The center includes educational programs for children, families, and schools, focusing on environmental conservation and stewardship.

Camping Facilities

Camping is available in the park, with 31 campsites set in an oak woodland above the lake. The campground is open seven days a week from May 1 through September 30, and on weekends and holidays during the rest of the year. The sites accommodate both tents and RVs, offering a convenient camping experience within city limits.

Dog-Friendly Features

Spring Lake Regional Park welcomes dogs on leashes (maximum 6-foot leash). The paved loop trail and many other areas of the park are popular spots for dog walking. Each September, the park hosts a special Water Bark event where dogs are allowed to swim in the lagoon after the regular swimming season ends.