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Nathanson Creek Preserve

Name: Nathanson Creek Preserve
Rating: 1.67

Type: Trail

Length: 0.65 Mile

Elevation Gain: 28 Feet

Cost: N/A

Rating:

(1.67)3

Difficulty: 1point5stars

(1.67)

Solitude:

(2.00)

ADA Accessible: Yes

Bikes Allowed: Yes

Dogs Allowed: Yes

Interpretive Guide: N/A

City: Sonoma

County: Sonoma

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In the past Nathanson Creek here was neglected and trash-laden. Invasive weeds and brambles choked the creek. Christy Vreeland spearheaded efforts to transform the area way back in 1993. Almost two decades of concensus building and hard work led to an official grand opening of the preserve in 2011.

The hike and bike path along the creek is paved and mostly flat. At less than a mile in length, the trail can be enjoyed by people of all abilities. Don't look for a hiking workout here though. Think more along the lines of a leisurely stroll.

For the majority of its length it hugs the edge of playing fields and basketball courts. Sonoma Valley High School lies just to the west of the trail and TrainTown to the south. You might even hear a train whistle now and then.

A small garden area at the northern trailhead boasts a variety of local native plants with signs describing them. The signs are in English, Spanish and even Braille.

Photos

The trails shirts around plenty of basketball courts and playing fields. You can see some of the mountains in the distance from here. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

Native plants on display at the north trailhead. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

Log Entries

Not a trail to visit at the moment
By Austin Explorer on 11/1/2020
Rating: 1star

Difficulty: 3stars

Solitude:

Distance: 2.00 Miles Duration: N/A

Coppertone and I went to investigate the fencing we saw around the area and found that the planned football stadium is under construction. Lots of equipment and fencing all over the place and the wide open fields are all torn up. I fear the stadium will block the views of the mountains that you can see from one of the photos I took along the trail in the past.

Fitness Walk
By Austin Explorer on 12/28/2017
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 2.00 Miles Duration: 37 minutes

Just a walk along the trail and in the surrounding area to get some mileage in rather than sitting at a desk all day. Weather was warmer than normal for this time of year.

Simple, short stroll
By Austin Explorer on 11/2/2014
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 1.31 Miles Duration: 31 minutes

Coppertone and I made use of the remaining light of day after taking in a play at a nearby theater. We covered the extent of the trail here is just over 30 minutes, even taking a few moments to look at some of the native plants on display at the north trailhead.

Recommended Item

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Day Hikes Around Sonoma County is a collection of 125 of the county's best day hikes, providing access to both well-known and out-of-the-way greenspace. Hikes are found along the Pacific Ocean, across the coastal ridges, into wide valleys, and through thick forests. A third of the hikes are located along the coastline, accessed by Highway 1, which connects the coastal towns as it snakes along the oceanfront cliffs and bluffs. Many coastal access points that are not easily recognized from Highway 1 are clearly described. The remaining hikes explore the inland mountains, hillsides, and valleys through numerous state parks, regional parks, and undeveloped land. Highlights include fog-shrouded redwood forests, creekside canyons, wildlife sanctuaries, lakes, tidal bays, wave-pounded coastline, and sweeping panoramic views. A wide range of hikes accommodates amateur to avid hikers, from beachfront strolls to canyon treks. Straight-forward directions and clear maps accompany all hikes. A thorough index includes cities, trails, and points of interest.