Shollenberger Park wilderness guide
Regional Park · CA

Shollenberger Park

Shollenberger Park is a popular bird-watching and walking destination located in Petaluma, California, featuring wetlands and a variety of trails that offer a peaceful escape into nature.

Regional Park1651+ Trails

Designation

Regional Park

Total Wilderness Area

165

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Shollenberger Park

Shollenberger Park is a popular bird-watching and walking destination located in Petaluma, California, featuring wetlands and a variety of trails that offer a peaceful escape into nature.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Shollenberger Park is situated within the picturesque Petaluma wetlands and offers a unique ecological experience in Northern California. Spanning roughly 165 acres, this regional park provides a sanctuary for an array of bird species, including endangered types and migratory visitors. Named after Richard Shollenberger, the park began as a flood control project and transformed into a biologically rich habitat. The park's trails, approximately 2.2 miles in extent, meander through wetlands, providing hiking opportunities with views of lush grasses and aquatic life. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, the park's serene environment and educational signage make it a favored location for both locals and visitors. Key attractions include the sight of waterfowl and the backdrop of Sonoma Mountain. Support from local conservation groups helps maintain the park's ecological balance, promoting ongoing bird preservation efforts.

Field Guide · Regional Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Shollenberger Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Bird-watching opportunities with over 200 species sighted.✦ Scenic wetland views ideal for photography.✦ The park's function as a floodplain providing crucial environmental services.✦ Accessible loop trails offering flat and easy walking paths.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Shollenberger Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Shollenberger Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Shollenberger Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Shollenberger Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Shollenberger Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access, no permits or fees required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Shollenberger Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Petaluma, California
⌖ 2.85 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Petaluma, California

Petaluma, CA, offers easy access to hiking trails, cycling routes, and river kayaking. This historic town is a gateway to Northern California outdoor adventures with scenic landscapes and wildlife watching opportunities.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Penngrove, California
⌖ 6.47 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Penngrove, California

Penngrove, California offers outdoor lovers tranquil hiking, biking, and bird-watching with scenic country roads and parks. This small town near Sonoma’s vineyards is a peaceful spot for relaxed adventures and nature breaks.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Novato, California
⌖ 8.36 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Novato, California

Novato, California offers outdoor enthusiasts hiking and mountain biking through open space preserves, paddling on San Pablo Bay, and great bird watching opportunities. Its year-round mild climate makes it an excellent basecamp for exploring Marin’s natural landscapes.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Sonoma, California
⌖ 8.46 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sonoma, California

Sonoma, CA is a wine country gem with plenty of outdoor adventures. From hiking through vineyards to kayaking the Russian River, it’s a perfect destination for nature lovers.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Maldonado, Nariño
⌖ 8.48 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Maldonado, Nariño

Maldonado is a peaceful Andean town in Nariño known for volcanic landscapes, cloud forests, and rich cultural heritage. Ideal for hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and backpacking across highland trails with scenic volcano vistas.

December to March
Explore Town
Rohnert Park, California
⌖ 9.92 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rohnert Park, California

Rohnert Park offers family-friendly outdoor activities with a network of parks and trails perfect for hiking, biking, and picnicking. It’s an easy gateway to Sonoma County’s wine country adventures for visitors of all activity levels.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Shollenberger Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Four Days, One Valley: Rent a Bike and Ride Sonoma
ADVEXPEDITION
Sonoma, California
Bike RentalADV Bookable

Four Days, One Valley: Rent a Bike and Ride Sonoma

A four-day bike rental in Sonoma where you pick your bike during booking and can outfit kids with accessories—this guide explains the essentials.

Bike RentalPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Pedal the Rails: A 90‑Minute Cloverdale Railbike Run to the Russian River
ADVEXPEDITION
Sonoma, California
Bike RentalADV Bookable

Pedal the Rails: A 90‑Minute Cloverdale Railbike Run to the Russian River

A self‑powered, guided 90‑minute railbike outing from Cloverdale that follows tracks through a tunnel and across a bridge to a picnic turnaround on the Russian River—this guide explains what to expect on the route and how to prepare.

Bike RentalPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Seven Days on Two Wheels: Customize Your Sonoma Ride
ADVEXPEDITION
Sonoma, California
Bike RentalADV Bookable

Seven Days on Two Wheels: Customize Your Sonoma Ride

A weeklong bike rental in Sonoma that lets you choose your exact ride during the reservation and offers kid-friendly accessories for family outings.

Bike RentalPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip