Spring Lake Park

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, which serves 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.

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 park also connects to adjacent Trione-Annadel State Park and Santa Rosa's Howarth Park, creating an extensive network of recreational trails.

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.

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 throughout the year. Electric motors are allowed, but gas-powered engines are prohibited.

The park also 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 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.

Spring Lake Regional Park is open daily from 7 a.m. until sunset, providing a valuable recreational resource for both local residents and visitors to Sonoma County.