One of Katelyn's favorite running places is Helen Putnam, and often we go there to run/walk/hike. Usually I walk the trails and she runs the hills and we meet after 45-60 minutes. It is one of the reasons I bought a regional park pass this year, to support this park system and to incent us to experience more of them! For more info on regional parks in our area go here: https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/
You might be wondering "who is Helen Putnam?" Probably best known for being the first woman mayor of Petaluma and serving for 4 terms, she was also a school teacher and principal of Two Rock school, and held a number of other offices. She had a big impact on our community. You can read more about her accomplishments here , and I think it's great that we recognize her contributions to our community by naming this phenomenal park after her.
You can access the park from the official parking lot, which is just down Chileno Valley Road off Western in Petaluma, or from the unofficial neighborhood which is off Oxford Court near Windsor Drive. The official parking lot requires a pass or to pay a $7 parking fee, which is why many people choose the unofficial entrance. After using this park for several years I decided it was worth it to support the park system with an annual pass.
There is a public restroom and playground/picnic area near the parking lot, so that's another reason why it's nice to use that entrance. Plus, the path from Oxford Court goes STRAIGHT UP so if you want options for a gentler incline, the other entrance is the way to go.
My usual route follows the paved road, which is called Ridge Trail. It has a gentle incline from the main trail head, and passes by the picturesque Cattail Pond. It's fun to see the families there with the little kids trying their hand at fishing.
There are many dirt trails which take you over hills and through wooded areas. For a map of the trails see here. I have explored most of them, so it depends how much time I have and how energetic I feel which of these I take. Katelyn usually runs these trails through the hills, and I've seen guys with WEIGHTED PACKS doing the same thing. My favorite loop is called South Loop trail, which allows me to get off the paved path without going too crazy. I love to sit on the bench at the top and contemplate the rolling hills and soaring hawks.
On my next trip I plan to explore all the paths and take notes about the plaques on the various benches and tables you find. When I contemplate how I would like to "leave my mark" on the world, I think there are worse things you could do than dedicate a bench encouraging others to take a break and enjoy nature. While many are memorial in nature, I found this one particularly touching.
In addition to getting exercise and spending time close to nature, I love the views of Petaluma that you get glimpses of throughout the park. When you are on the north side of the park, you see sweeping vistas of the town, but when you get further into the park you get "peeks" of the town like this one. Aren't those oak trees gorgeous?!?
In addition to running and hiking in the park, it's a favorite place to take photos. Katelyn is very patient with me taking photos so here is one of my favorites of her from a few years ago.
One of the fun things we did during Ethan's senior year of high school was take a trip to Helen Putnam during the "golden hour" to try to capture it in photos from that view. Anujin did a great job with her camera, so here is a gallery of my favorites.
One thing we learned though, when they say the park closes at sunset they aren't kidding. We literally ran down the hill to the car as they were closing the gates!
Comments