Winter Treasures: Salamanders, Lichen & Mosses, & A Waterfall at Sugarloaf Park
Join Certified CA Naturalist John Lynch as we walk through the sublime beauty of sage green lichen on burgundy manzanita bark and moss-bedecked oaks down to the 25-foot dramatic plunge of Sonoma Creek. Beginning at the Visitor Center, we’ll follow Pony Gate Trail’s grassy slope, into mixed evergreen forest, along Canyon Trail’s shady riparian corridor (with the promise of newts and salamanders) to the waterfall. The return takes us back uphill to Adobe Canyon Rd and back to the Visitor Center. This stroll is approximately 2 miles with 595-feet of elevation gain.
Meet at the Visitor Center. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for youth (12-17 year olds), students, Sugarloaf members, Sugarloaf or RFO volunteers, and free for children under 12. Wear layers, appropriate footwear for muddy and/or slippery trails, bring at least a quart of water and if desired, a snack. Heavy rain cancels and will be announced early on the day of the hike. Parking fees apply.
Click the link below for more info:
Russian River Fungi Fest
The first even “Russian River Fungi Fest” is a two day celebration of the incredible mushrooms and mushroom culture of West Sonoma County!
West Sonoma County is known for towering redwoods, tasty wine, quirky small towns, and our stunning river. But it’s also one of the world’s most amazing places for….Mushrooms!
On February 21st and 22nd – we’re celebrating life’s most incredible kingdom with a two day festival celebrating all our fantastic fungi. A weekend of mushroomy markets, workshops, foraging expeditions, educational talks, mycelial networking and more.
This event will be centered in Guerneville, CA – with satellite events happening all over west county. We are working on finalizing the program with all event details, and will share that at the beginning of February.
Winter is gloomy season in the city, but its PEAK SEASON FOR MUSHROOMS which means there is no better time to eat, forage and talk about fungi!
Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival
Join the Russian River Confluence in attending the 2026 Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival! The festival is one of California's biggest and best celebrations of the endangered Steelhead Trout, which return annually to the Congressman Don Clausen Fish Hatchery at Lake Sonoma to spawn the next generation of fish.
This free event attracts 5,000-8,000 people each year to the grounds of the Milt Brandt Visitor Center at Lake Sonoma. Adults and children can view the nature exhibits and learn about environmental stewardship, preservation of natural resources and protection of threatened and endangered species.
Activities and exhibits each year have included the Bird Rescue Center, Sonoma Water, CAL FIRE, the Coast Guard and Sonoma County Bowmen. Live music, an ever-popular bubble show, arts and crafts, and fishing-themed games keep everyone entertained.
Click the link below for more info: