FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 – POMO CANYON – Former Sierra Club hiking leader, George Small, will lead us on this moderate hike from Shell Beach to the Pomo Canyon camping area where we’ll stop for lunch before we head back to the beach. The hike is 6+ miles with a few challenging ups and downs. The views of the ocean are spectacular, and hiking through the redwoods is awesome. Bring a lunch and meet at Park ‘n Ride at 9:00 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12 – McCORMICK ADDITION – SUGARLOAF - This strenuous 6-mile ^^Peakbagger hike has lots of ups and downs for a total of 1450 feet in elevation gain, featuring splendid views and the Grandmother Oak, the largest Coast Live Oak in Sonoma County. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring lunch with plenty of water to drink. Meet at Park ‘n Ride at 9:00 a.m. With time out for lunch, we can be back in town by 2:00 p.m.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 – BIG RIDGE TRAIL – From our starting point off West Dry Creek Road, we will hike on paved road 4-5 miles. Some sections are steep, but overall it’s a moderate hike. This hike can be tailored to the group if some wish to hike to the end of Brack Road. Bring a lunch and meet at Doris Golden’s at 9:00 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26 – QUICKSILVER CAMPGROUND FROM SOUTH LAKE TRAILHEAD – In spite of this being the day before Thanksgiving, in true ^^Peakbagger fashion, we can do this quick 5-mile trek and be back in town in time to get our pies in the oven. Meet at Doris’s at 9:00 a.m. to carpool with water and a snack.

EVERY FRIDAY – MAGNOLIA LOOP – This is a favorite walk suitable for just about everyone who can walk 3 miles. It takes about one hour and we meet at Alderbrook Winery at 9:00 a.m. Bring a friend and enjoy the fall colors in the vineyard. What a nice way to work off all that turkey on the 28th. See you there.

Now that the weather is a bit cooler, we hope you will join us for a hike. October is a nice time to be on the trail; the leaves are starting to turn and the views are spectacular. We meet either at Doris Golden’s, 400 Dry Creek Road, or Park ‘n Ride on Healdsburg Ave. on the south end of town.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 – FOOTHILL PARK – Sally Lyle will lead this short hike (less than 2.5 miles) with a couple of moderately steep climbs. Bring water and a snack and meet at Park ’n Ride at 9:00 a.m. We’ll be back in town by 11:00 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8 – BALD MOUNTAIN LOOP – Ann Mahoney will lead this more strenuous ^^Peakbagger hike in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park between Santa Rosa and Kenwood. It is a 6.5-mile loop with a 1500-foot elevation gain. Meet at Park ‘n Ride to carpool at 9:00 a.m. and bring a lunch and a good supply of water. Please let Ann know if you are coming.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14 – YORTY CREEK – Join Heidi Blumenthal for this popular hike on a paved road from Cloverdale to the Yorty Creek arm of Lake Sonoma and back. This is a moderate hike of 6+ miles with some “good” ups and downs. Bring a lunch to eat at the lake and meet at Doris’s at 9:00 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22 – HALF-A-CANOE LOOP, LAKE SONOMA – From the trailhead at No- Name Flat this somewhat strenuous ^^Peakbagger hike will take a 5-mile loop past Bummer Peak, down past Lone Pine Camp and back up to the trailhead. The elevation gain for the loop is about 1200 ft. Bring a lunch and lots of water and meet at Doris’ at 9:00 a.m.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30 – SHILOH REGIONAL PARK – This nearby park, just east of Windsor, offers miles of trails that pass through fern-lined creek sides, along ponds and up to vista points offering panoramic views of Sonoma County. We hike about 3 miles, with moderate elevation gain, so bring water and a snack. You will be back in town by noon. Meet at Park ‘n Ride, south of town, at 9:00 a.m.

EVERY FRIDAY – MAGNOLIA LOOP – Meet at Alderbrook Winery just west of highway 101 off Westside Rd. at 9:00 a.m. to walk this 3-mile loop on a paved road through vineyards and rose gardens. Bring a friend and enjoy a nice morning in the fresh air.

If you have questions about a hike this month, email me or the leader of that hike.

^^Peakbagger hikes are for those who want more challenge, more elevation gain and to move at a faster pace.

Dust off those boots, get out the sunscreen and water bottle, it’s hiking time again. Join us for some good exercise, lots of fresh air, lovely flora, occasional fauna, and provocative and timely conversations. **Peakbagger hikes are scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. These challenging hikes are for those who prefer walking at a pretty good pace, about 2 miles an hour, and will involve more elevation gain and distance. We meet at 9:00 a.m. at either Doris Golden’s house, 400 Dry Creek Road…OR…Park ‘n Ride near Giorgio’s Restaurant to carpool. We request you bring some dollars to share with the drivers, depending upon the distance driven. We will collect the money and distribute it to the drivers before we leave the parking area. Friends and spouses are always welcome to join us.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 – RIVERFRONT PARK

This is an easy, somewhat level, 2+ mile loop around Lake Benoist and a nice way to kick off a new year of hiking. Come enjoy the early morning peace and quiet of this regional park. For those who’d like more of a challenge, after your first go-around, reverse your steps and experience the beauty from another angle. Bring water and meet at Park ‘n Ride to carpool. You’re sure to be back in town by 11:00 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 –RITCHEY CANYON

This **Peakbagger hike will explore Ritchey Canyon in the Bothe-Napa State Park. This is a 6.5 mile round trip hike through lush redwoods through a steep upper canyon to the site homesteaded by the Traverso family in 1884 where we’ll snack on the fruit of their abandoned orchard. The elevation gain is 1200 ft. Bring good boots, water, and a lunch and meet at Park ‘n Ride at 9:00 a.m.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 – MILL CREEK TO MANNING FLAT

Doris Golden will lead us on this moderate 6 mile hike with minimal elevation gain on a private road which crosses a number of shallow streams. We will either walk across on stones or wade right through the water. If you’d like, bring along some water shoes for the stream crossings. Meet at Doris’ at 9:00 a.m. and bring water and a lunch.

Liz Loebel (lizloebel@gmail.com) will lead this **Peakbagger hike to Ledson Marsh. The trail ascends moderately on the Lawndale Trail through forest and meadow. The climb eases after a mile, and then descends to Ledson Marsh. From there we will hike the Ridge Trail and loop around the marsh, returning via the Lawndale Trail. The entire hike will be about 7 miles. Bring water, a lunch and sturdy boots and meet at Park ‘n Ride at 9:00 a.m.

This is a favorite walk suitable for just about everyone who can walk 3 miles. It takes about one hour and starts at Alderbrook Winery at 9:00 a.m. Note: This walk is set up for anyone who feels like going. Sometimes people show up, sometimes they don’t. I encourage you to meet a friend or two there, that way you’d be sure to have company on your walk.

EVERY FRIDAY - MAGNOLIA LOOP - Meet at Alderbrook Winery at 9:00 to walk the 3-mile loop on a paved road. Bring a friend and enjoy a good conversation.

• South Shore to Island View Camp, Lake Sonoma
• Half-a-Canoe Loop, Lake Sonoma
• Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

• Foothill Park (moderate)
• Pomo Canyon (moderate)
• Armstrong Woods (moderate)

• Willow Creek, Armstrong Woods (moderate)
• Bummer Peak, St. Helena (moderate)
• S. Lake Trailead, Lake Sonoma (moderate)

• Geyser Peak (steep)
• Jack London (easy-moderate)
• Big Ridge (moderate)

• Yorty Creek (moderate)
• Kortum Trail(easy-moderate)
• Pine Mountain Rd. (moderate)

• Pine Mountain Rd. (easy-moderate)
• Riverfront Park (easy)
• Geyser Peak (moderate-steep)

• Fitch Mountain (a workout)
• Sugarloaf Ridge State Park (moderate)
• Shiloh (moderate)

• Mill Crk-Manning Flat (easy-moderate)
• Pena Creek
• Annadel State Park (moderate with a few steep climbs)

• Riverfront Park (easy)
• Bald Mountain Loop (strenuous)
• Bummer Peak (moderate)