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There is a gem here in Sonoma County and on any given day you will find many local residents walking around Spring Lake.  Spring Lake is one of the Sonoma County Regional Parks.   There you will find Howarth Park, Lake Ralphine (where you can fish and see geese), and Annadel State Park is close by (where you will find horses and mountain bikes.)   As you are walking on the path or perhaps hiking off one of the trails there is so much to look at.  At the other end of Spring Lake you will find a swimming lagoon that has lifeguards, picnic tables and groves with amazing Redwood trees.  You can camp, fish, watch birds, ride your bike or just hang out at the Lakeside Grill.  I haven’t been to the Discovery Center but from what I hear you should take your kids there. If you have a dog, there are lots of dogs and friendly people saying hello.  Spring Lake has something for everyone! You can also purchase a Regional Parks Pass which lets you park for free at any of the Regional Parks in Sonoma County.  If you see me walking please say Hello or feel free to leave a comment about your experience at Spring Lake.

Lakeside Grill

Lakeside Grill

Kayaking

Kayaking

Baby Geese

Baby Geese

Here is some information directly from the site: http://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Get_Outdoors/Parks/Spring_Lake_Regional_Park.aspx

This 320 acre park features camping, fishing, picnic areas with barbecues, and five group picnic areas. Trails are available for walking, hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. The park includes a par course, a 3-acre swimming lagoon and a 72-acre lake.

Don’t forget to visit the Environmental Discovery Center at Spring Lake for a wonderful all-age educational experience. Afterward, stop by the Lakeside Grill, an outdoor dining destination with a healthy menu, bistro seating, wine and beer service, and free Wi-Fi.

Picnics

There are 200 picnic tables with barbecues located throughout the park, plus five group picnic areas that may be reserved. Call (707) 565-2041 for reservations.

Swimming

Enjoy the 3-acre swimming lagoon with sandy beach and concession stand. The swimming lagoon is staffed by lifeguards and is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Spring Lake’s swimming lagoon is treated with chlorine and tested weekly, and water samples consistently exceed all state water quality requirements.

Dogs are allowed on the lawn around the swimming lagoon but not on the sand/beach.

Boating

The 72-acre lake is open year-round and is a wonderful place to windsurf, canoe or paddle boat. Boats are available for rent 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on weekends through October 6, 2013 from the Concession stand, located near the swimming lagoon. The boat ramp is open year-round and can accommodate watercraft up to 16 feet in length. Boat launch is accessible from Newanga Avenue entrance to the park. US Coast Guard-approved life jackets must be worn on the lake.

No gas-powered boats are allowed on the lake. Electric motors are permitted.

Fishing

Fishing at the lake is very popular. Large-mouth bass, sunfish and catfish can be caught year-round. A California fishing license is required for ages 16 and over.