Spring Lake Park

Park Overview

Nestled in southeastern Santa Rosa, Spring Lake Regional Park sprawls across 320 acres of Sonoma County's beautiful landscape. At its heart lies a 72-acre reservoir that does double duty as a serene recreational spot and practical flood control project managed by the Sonoma County Water Agency.

The park is a tapestry of natural environments - oak-studded woodlands, open grasslands, and peaceful meadows. Wildlife thrives here, and you'll likely encounter some of the local residents during your visit: deer grazing in meadows, playful river otters, elusive bobcats, sunbathing turtles, industrious beavers, wily coyotes, muskrats, mink, and a chorus of birds. Birding enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise, with green herons, black-crowned night herons, elegant egrets, majestic swans, and melodious songbirds all calling the park home.

Trails and Connectivity

With nearly 10 miles of trails to explore, Spring Lake offers plenty of room to roam. The 2.3-mile paved Spring Lake Loop Trail circles the lake and stands out as a local favorite. This well-maintained path welcomes walkers, joggers, and cyclists alike, offering gorgeous views of forested hillsides. About 80% of the loop sits under a natural canopy, making it a cool retreat even on warm California days.

As you make your way around, you can find interactive exercise stations that let you mix up your workout routine. Need a breather? Benches positioned throughout the trail provide perfect spots to pause and soak in the scenery.

Spring Lake connects to neighboring Trione-Annadel State Park and Santa Rosa's Howarth Park. This creates an expansive trail network where you can extend your hiking, biking, or horseback riding adventures beyond park boundaries.

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

Photo: Sean Freese (CC BY 2.0)

Water Recreation

The park's swimming lagoon draws crowds from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. This popular spot features a sandy beach, lawns shaded by towering redwoods, and an inflatable water park that's a hit with the kids (and plenty of adults too!).

The water park features floating slides, climbing walls, bridges, balance beams, and various play structures. You can purchase tickets online, and life vests (provided) are mandatory for everyone. Just note that children must be at least 6 years old and 42 inches tall to join the aquatic fun.

Year-round fishing and non-motorized boating are permitted on Spring Lake. Anglers can target trout during cooler months, while bass and other warm water species bite all year long. Electric motors are welcome, but leave the gas-powered engines at home. During the warmer seasons, kayak and paddleboard rentals let you explore the lake even if you don't own watercraft.

Picnic and BBQ Areas

Scattered around the grounds are numerous picnic spots, many featuring tables with convenient built-in metal BBQ grills. Magnificent oak trees provide natural shade over several areas, creating perfect settings for family meals and social gatherings.

Planning something bigger? Larger picnic areas can be reserved for group events, making this an ideal spot for family reunions, birthday celebrations, or casual get-togethers. Water fountains are available across the park, including some designed specifically for refilling water bottles.

Shoreline of Spring Lake reflecting blue skies and surrounding trees

Photo: Bryce Edwards (CC BY 2.0)

Educational Resources

The park's Environmental Discovery Center offers a hands-on learning experience about Sonoma County's diverse ecosystem. Interactive exhibits highlight local plants, animals, and natural resources. The center runs educational programs for children, families, and schools, emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation and responsible stewardship.

Camping Facilities

Want to extend your stay? The park features 31 campsites tucked into an oak woodland above the lake. The campground operates seven days a week from May 1 through September 30, then switches to weekends and holidays for the remainder of the year. Sites accommodate both tents and RVs, offering a unique camping experience that feels worlds away despite being within city limits.

Dog-Friendly Features

Four-legged family members are welcome at Spring Lake Regional Park, provided they stay on leash (maximum 6-foot). The paved loop trail and many other areas make for perfect dog walking routes. If your pup loves swimming, mark your calendar for September's annual Water Bark event, when dogs get exclusive access to the lagoon after the human swimming season ends.