Riverfront Park with dogs

It's finally dry enough to go all the way around Lake Benoist. We'll start with a short climb to a ridge and back down into the redwoods. Then it's an easy stroll around the lake and time in the redwood grove. What once was a gravel quarry adjacent to the Russian River is now a beautiful 300 acre park with two serene lakes for fishing or kayaking, a walking trail and shaded picnic areas. All levels; beginner hikers and well behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.

Where We Meet
Riverfront Regional Park
7821 Eastside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Give yourself enough time to arrive, use the restroom & pay park fee. It often takes longer than you think.

The Hike
Mostly flat - A lollipop route
Length - +/-4 miles/+/-6.4 kilometers
Elevation change - +/-200 feet/+/-61 meters
Difficulty - 3 out of 10 - Easy
Exposures - 35 % sun/65% shade - poison oak, ticks/insects.
Bring plenty of water. At least 34 oz. /1 liter.
Dogs - Yes, well behaved and on a leash.
Facilities at trail head - Picnic tables, shade and toilettes.
Cost - Suggested $5 cash donation. No one turned away!
Parking - $12 Regional Parks fee on all river parks during the summer.
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.

When We Meet
Sunday September 7, 2025
830 am - 1100 am
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, rescheduled 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 over 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.