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  • Hiking at Jack London State Historic Park
  • Hiking at Jack London State Historic Park
  • The Wolf House Ruins / Image Credit: JLPP
  • Beauty Ranch Meadow
"Across Sonoma Mountain wisps of sea fog are stealing. The afternoon sun smolders in the drowsy sky. I have everything to make me glad I am alive. I am filled with dreams and mysteries."
- Jack London from John Barleycorn

Historic and Back-Country Trails

Pristine hillsides of madrone, Douglas fir, black oak, buckeye, and bigleaf maple. Grassy meadows, and redwood-filled canyons. These can be explored on trails both short and long, including a Bay Area Ridge Trail segment.

Spring and autumn are the standout seasons at Jack London State Historic Park. In spring you can search for wildflowers in the woods and grasslands, and in autumn the Park’s black oaks and bigleaf maples are gorgeous. Although summer temperatures soar in eastern Sonoma County, many trails are almost entirely shaded. During the wettest months of the year, waterfalls and streams overflow with storm runoff, and trails can be muddy.

Historic Trails

Two relatively short historic walking trails will take you to the Wolf House and on a tour of the Beauty Ranch.  Dogs are permitted on leash. Smoking is not permitted. (See our Historic Trail links below).

Back-Country Trails

Hiking, biking and horseback riding

There are over 29 miles of back-country trails that traverse through mixed forest, redwood groves, oak woodlands, and grassy meadows. The elevation varies from 600 to 2,300 feet. Back-country trails are accessible from the Beauty Ranch and begin on the Lake Service Road near the Winery Ruins. Please use a trail map and and bring plenty of water. See the trail map and signs for designated hiking, biking and horseback trails.  Stay on the trails;  do not go off trail, create new trails, or follow unofficial trails created by others.  Dogs are not allowed on  back-country trails. To prevent wildfires, smoking is not permitted anywhere in the park  (See our Back-country Trail Links below).

For guided horseback rides in the park visit Triple Creek Horse Outfit

Trail Etiquette and Safety

Horseback Riding

Be Aware: Even though you have the right of way on the trail, be aware that bikers and hikers can act unpredictably, so make sure to always have control of the horse.

Be Alert: Watch for other wildlife to prevent the horse from being spooked and be on the lookout for overhanging branches from bushes and trees.

Be Prepared: After rain, check with the state park for closures and trail conditions. Also be conscious of the weather, terrain, and your horse’s condition. Make sure to keep your horse hydrated.

Be Respectful: While on the trail, remain to the right or where safe when encountering others on the trail and make sure to communicate with others so that they know how to pass your horse safely.

Mountain Biking

Be Aware: Look out for hikers and equestrians and know that you are to yield to both while on the trail.  Come to a complete stop when passing an equestrian.

Be Alert: Since you are moving the fastest on the trail, always be aware of your speed and make sure adhere to the park’s speed limit. If you have to slow down or pass, make sure to loudly and verbally announce yourself.

Be Prepared: Wear a helmet and protective gear to make sure you can comfortably ride a long distance. Also be familiar with the park’s rules and regulations before entering.

Be Respectful: Always stay on designated trails and make sure to share them. Building illegal single tracks or adding unauthorized trail features not only harms trail access but the landscape as well.

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