County: Sonoma
Distance: 7.1
1.2 miles in Helen Putnam Park, and a separate 5.9-mile section from McNear Park to Casa Grande Road.
Difficulty: Moderate
Explore the Ridge Trail in Petaluma
Helen Putnam Park:
Enjoy Helen Putnam Regional Park’s grassy hillsides and groves of heritage oaks. Use the staging area on the south side to begin your stroll along a paved section, from which to enjoy a playground, picnic area, fish pond, and views of the surrounding hills and town.
McNear Park to Casa Grande Road:
The next section begins at McNear Park where you will travel through tree-lined neighborhoods and local parks to the historic downtown area. Enjoy sampling the many lively shops and restaurants in the iron-front brick downtown commercial district.
Just before the historic D Street drawbridge, a new Ridge Trail segment adopted in 2016 turns northwest one block on 1st Street then continues on a pedestrian walkway beside an old railroad trestle.
For another glimpse of Petaluma’s waterfront, continue north from 1st Street across the D Street drawbridge then east on Copeland Street to Steamer Landing Park, and retrace your steps.
Make it a Loop
Out and back not your thing? Try these loops and bring your adventure full circle:
Helen Putnam 3-mile Loop
Shollenberger Park 4-mile Loop (planned Ridge Trail)
Make it a Date
Explore off the trail and see more of what Petaluma has to offer:
Savor something sweet at Lala’s Creamery
Grab a drink at the Lagunitas Taproom & Beer Sanctuary
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