Warren Richardson Trail (fire road) - This trail, commemorating a prominent cattle rancher and hop grower, begins at the parking lot at the end of Channel Drive and goes uphill through a forest of Douglas fir, bay and redwood trees. Parts of the trail are home to the pileated woodpeckers and pygmy owls, and in the spring keep an eye out for the calypso or the Redwood orchid between the Two Quarry and Steve's "S" Trail junction. At the 900 foot elevation, the forest gives way to open meadows and mixed oak woodlands, and you will get your first glimpse of Lake Ilsanjo when you intersect the North Burma Trail. The trip will take you an hour or less to cover the 2 1/2 miles to Lake Ilsanjo. There is a restroom at the eastern shore of the lake and Picnic tables are scattered along the shoreline. Circle the lake and return via Steve's "S" Trail for a 6-mile loop hike.

Cobblestone Trail - This narrow 2 mile trail, beginning at the auxiliary parking area on Channel Drive, is rocky on the bottom third then flattens as it nears the boundary of the park. Further along this trail you will reach the Wymore Quarry. At one time there was a gravity-powered narrow gauge tramway that took the cobblestones produced at the quarry to a small gauge railroad line, which is now Channel Drive. The stones were then transported to San Francisco and Sacramento, where you can still see the old cobblestone streets. The trail ends at Rough-Go Trail, turning left will take you to the lake.

Spring Creek Trail - There are two access points to this trail, one is the service road from Spring Lake's horse trailer parking area and the other is from Santa Rosa's Viet Nam Veterans' Trail. At the beginning, the trail increases in elevation. This trail is completely shaded by alders, redwoods and arching bay trees that grow along the creek canyon, making this one of the most pleasant trails in the park on a hot summer day. The trail ends at beautiful Lake Ilsanjo.

Canyon Trail (fire road) - This 2-mile trail begins at the intersection of Spring Creek Trail, by a wooded bridge. The trail's elevation increases steadily. At the top is a great view of Santa Rosa, the coastal mountain range, Mt. Saint Helena and the geysers in Napa County. The colorful "Indian Warriors," bloom from March through May and grow at the Marsh Trail intersection. Canyon Trail ends at Lake Ilsanjo, after passing by Hunter Spring where a horse-watering trough is located.

Marsh Trail - This trail climbs steadily from its beginning at the intersection with Canyon Trail. Marsh Trail skirts the northern flank of Bennett Mountain. Higher elevations provide views of Lake Ilsanjo and the Mayacamas Mountain Range. The trail runs through prime oak woodlands, grasslands and cool islands of coastal redwoods. The threatened California red-legged frog, popularized by Mark Twain's Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, lives at Ledson Marsh where the trail terminates. (Please step with care.) The structures attached to various trees surrounding the marsh are nesting boxes for wood ducks. A restroom is located at the Two Quarry trail intersection.

North Burma Trail - This trail begins 1/3 mile beyond the ranger station on Channel Drive. It follows a seasonal creek, which receives its water from False Lake Meadow, a highland vernal pool, and passes through areas of chaparral and mixed forest. In the vernal pool near the Live Oak Trail area, look for the tiny, very rare white fratillary from March through May. The trail borders several meadows and will end at the Warren Richardson Trail, where there is a wonderful view of Lake Ilsanjo.

Rough-Go Trail - Once you start on this trail, you will know how it got its name. It is a steep, rough path with full southwestern sun exposure and will take you past rocks, boulders and grassland meadows on your way to Lake Ilsanjo.

Lawndale Trail - This trail begins at the eastern end of the park, located off of Lawndale Road from Highway 12, near Kenwood.

Steve's "S" Trail - This trail, which is for hikers only, begins and ends at the Warren Richardson Trail. It is a steep hiking trail and is quite shaded by firs and bay trees. The trail gets its name from Steve Hutchinson, the grandson of the Hutchinson family, who had his own secret trails throughout the ranch, thus the "S" is for secret. You will walk over a large area of obsidian chips, which was a very important source for the Native Americans in the area. (Please do not collect any materials or flowers.)

Channel Trail - This trail starts just past the ranger station on Channel Drive and ends at the main parking lot. The old dumpsite between the trail and the road was used to dispose of farm items such as hop kilns and metal frames when the land was know as the Annadel Farm. About three-fourths of the way on the trail, you will need to exit the trail and go along the asphalt Channel Drive for a very short distance before returning to the dirt trail. This area was one of many quarries sites that are located in Annadel.

Other Features

Lake Ilsanjo - This is a man-made 26-acre lake. There is a restroom at the eastern shore and picnic tables are scattered along the shoreline. Fishing is permitted and does require a valid license for those over 16 years old. The lake is not stocked, but there are blue gill and big mouth bass present. No lifeguards are available. No diving is allowed from land-based features.

Ledson Marsh - First built as a reservoir to water eucalyptus trees, the marsh is now mostly overgrown with cattails, tules and native grasses. During the winter months, water is collected here and overflows down into Schultz Canyon. There is a bridge at this spillway, which helps to protect the rare red-legged frog.

Park Address:

6201 Channel Drive

Santa Rosa, California 95409

707-539-3911

For a MapQuest map of the park location, click here

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