Helen Putnam Hike with dogs

Time for a South County hike. Helen Putnam Regional Park is a compact wilderness park featuring beautiful oak savanna, grasslands, and ridges with panoramic views of the Petaluma Valley to the east and the Chileno Valley to the west.

Where We Meet
Helen Putnam Park Chileno Valley parking lot
411 Chileno Valley Road
Petaluma, CA 94952
Give yourself enough time to arrive, use the restroom & pay park fee. It often takes longer than you think.

The Hike
Ridge, Filaree, Pomo, Panorama and Savanna trails - a loop hike
Length - +/-4.75 miles/+/-7.6 kilometers
Elevation change - +/-500 feet/+/-152 meters
Difficulty - 5/10 - easy
Exposures - 70% sun / 30 % shade - poison oak, ticks/insects and views.
Bring plenty of water. At least 34 oz./1 liter!
Dogs - Yes, well behaved and on a leash.
Facilities at trail head - shade, picnic tables and toilets
Cost - $5 cash.
Parking - $8 Sonoma County Regional Parks fee, free with Regional Park pass or limited parking on Chileno Valley Rd.
Remember to wear appropriate hiking shoes, bring plenty of water for your dog too, a hat, snack, layered clothing.
Please Do Not Use Any scented products the day of a group hike!
Of course we will all look out for each other but ultimately, hikers are responsible for their own safety and well-being during hikes.

After Hike Gathering?
Stellina Pronto
Italian cafe and bakery offering sweet and savory.
23 Kentucky St, Petaluma, CA 94952
(707) 789-9556
stellinapronto.com

When We Meet
Sunday August 24, 2025
*Start Time May Change Based On Weather*
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
If your plans change after you sign up even if you're on the waitlist, please update your RSVP.
Do Not Attend if you are sick, running a fever, were exposed to or have tested positive for Covid-19 or Any other contagion!
Hike may be changed, postponed or cancelled in case of excessive heat, rain, smoke/AQI, illness, zombie apocalypse etc... Check your email the night before for any possible changes.

Notice to New Hikers Only
After six years and approaching 300 guided hikes I'm adding a new rule for New Hikers Only Effective Immediately. In my experience New Hikers have a 90% chance of not showing up (No Show) to a hike they have rsvp'd to attend. The new rule is "When a New Hiker (never hiked with me before) doesn't show up (No Show) to their first hike with the group, they will be removed (not banned) from the group immediately." When a New Hiker does attend then the current No Show policy applies after that point.