Lake Sonoma hike & Diavola's Pizza

Join me in celebrating the autumnal equinox (Sept. 22) with a hike at Lake Sonoma and some delicious Diavola's pizza. We'll hike through a magical madrone forest, take in beautiful expansive views of the Mayacama Mountain range as well as the Dry Creek and Warm Springs arms of Lake Sonoma. We will visit some of the largest manzanita and madrone trees I've seen. Best for individuals and dogs with at least a moderate level of fitness.

Where We Meet/Important Directions
Little Flat Parking (A large gravel parking lot)
From Hwy 101 take Dry Creek Road west towards Lake Sonoma. Go up the hill and across the bridge over the lake. Pay Attention, it's the first right turn into "Little Flat" parking lot.
Give yourself plenty of time to arrive. It's often farther than you think.

The Hike
Dry Creek, No Name, North Slope and Bummer trails - a loop hike
Length - 5 miles/8 kilometers
Elevation change - 900 feet/274 meters
Difficulty - 7 out of 10 some short steep rocky sections
Must be sure footed (confident and competent)!
Exposures - 30 % sun/70% shade - creek crossings, rocky, muddy poison oak, ticks/insects.
Bring plenty of water. At least 68 oz./2 liters!
Dogs - Yes, must be healthy, well behaved and on a leash.
Facilities at trail head - None - Port O Potti about 1.5 miles in.
Cost - $5 cash
Parking - After a 5 year hiatus, Lake Sonoma will begin charging a $7 day-use fee beginning April 1st 2025. The flyer on this post (link below) shows the QR system we'll be using at trailheads, boat launch, Yorty Creek etc. The Overlook, Visitor Center, vistas, and Warms Springs Recreation area will be free. Passes will be available for purchase at the Visitor Center. See link below.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064865461323
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
Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria
21021 Geyserville Ave
Geyserville
(707) 814-0111
https://www.diavolapizzeria.com/

When We Meet
Saturday September 27, 2025
8:30 am - 11:30 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 300+ guided hikes I've added 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.