Hood Mountain Regional Park, Sonoma Valley, Santa Rosa, CA

Hood Mountain Regional Park was hit by the Sonoma wildfires in 2017 and was still recovering during our visit at New Years 2019 but open for business except one small section.

We parked at Pythian Road lot and hiked to the summit, but there are a number of options and trails around the mountain dividing the Sonoma and Napa Valleys.  On a clear day you can see all the way to San Francisco from the summit.

Blind Beach, Sonoma County, California

Popular dog beach in Sonoma County, it's a trek down the bluffs from the parking lot to the beach but nice once you get there.  Note that dogs are not allowed north of the giant Goat Rock as it's protected habitat, though I think you could park in the lot at the dividing line and walk south on the beach, but we used the lot at top of the bluffs.

Willow Creek State Park, Sonoma County, California

Lots to explore here and multiple starting points, we used Willow Creek Road and drove up to the private property line to use the southern trailhead for Islands in the Sky which is appropriately named, very rewarding views from mountaintop meadows for strenuous climb.

Armstrong Redwoods State Park, Guerneville, California

Dogs are only allowed on paved roads and campgrounds here and at neighboring Austin Creek State Recreation Area but there is a lot to explore in this park on paved roads.  Only service dogs allowed on trails and fire roads unfortunately.

This was just under a 4-mile hike out on McCray Fire Road and back on the East Ridge Fire Road/Trail.  Just a shorter out an back on East Ridge would be worthwhile as that's where all the views are.

https://goo.gl/maps/5r6ybz4VF572

Bolinas Ridge, near Point Reyes, California

Bolinas Ridge runs south from the trailhead for many miles so can make this as long of an out-and-back as you want (well beyond 5 miles shown below).  It travels through grazing pastures so you may encounter cows!

Jack's Peak, Monterey, California

Great views of the Bay and nice way to pay homage to Monterey Jack Cheese.  You can drive up to the parking lots and then some easy short trails around the peak.

Carmel River State Beach, Carmel, California

Popular dog friendly beach in Carmel and not quite as crowded as the main beach.

Garrapata State Beach, Monterey County, California

Nice stop off Pacific Coast Highway Route 1, but at highest of tides the beach can be overtaken so be careful.