By dhusch on April 09, 2010
Everything grows in Sonoma County; grapes, apples, redwoods, oak trees, and palm trees. When visiting Sonoma county be sure to eat out at a restaurant serving locally grown produce and wines.
The western part of the trail between Santa Rosa and Sebastopol goes through grass land with some oak trees.
I road in April the day after a big rainstorm. Many of the grasslands and wooded areas are transformed into wetlands and swamps. If you have only done this trail in the dry season, try it the day after a rainstorm.
The traillink map does not show the recommended bypass for Sebastopol. The recommended route is north east of the town on Morris St and Eddie Lane. Pick up the Sonoma County Parks map online or from the visitor information center in Railroad square in Santa Rosa. Search the internet for "west county trail sonoma county" to find the map online.
North of Sebastopol, the trail follows highway 116 for a mile before returning to the historic railroad grade. The northern section has more wooded sections along with some vineyards, and abandoned apple orchard.
Good News! There is now public access at the northern trailhead into Forestville, via a new housing development on Pajaro Lane. To access the trail from Forestville, head south on Forestville St and turn right on Pajaro Lane.
By bearded on November 28, 2009
This is my 2nd posting, but the 1st one was never listed, for some unknown reason! The trail ends in Forestville & goes off onto some nameless street. However, the path continues onto private property, which is now for rent, the American Wine Building, at 1st & Railroad streets. A few blocks away, is downtown Forestville, such as it is.
By skinnerbird on November 06, 2009
I was pleased to see this trail featured as the Trail of the Month for Nov. 2009 becasue I use the Joe Rodota Trail (the eastern half of the two trails) every day all the way from downtown Sebastopol to downtown Santa Rosa, where it connects to the Santa Rosa Creek Trail. While this portion of the trail is less scenic and relaxing than the segment from Sebastopol to Forestville, the 3 miles between Sebastopol and Wright Road aren't bad and I would probably have to drive if I couldn't take the trail. I'm often treated to great blue herons, little and great egrets, western bluebirds, a large flock of turkeys and quite a few other wild creatures. On calm, clear days, colorful hot air balloons frequently drift overhead, sometimes landing in one of the fields alongside the trail.
The whole ride takes about 35 minutes at a moderate pace and one can make a decent recreational loop by taking the Santa Rosa Creek Trail to Willowside Road (part gravel, but scheduled to be paved soon) and back to Sebastopol via Hall/Sanford, Occidental and High School roads.
Though the eastern, urban portion is a bit sketchy at night due to homeless camps nearby, I've never actually encountered any problems with the people that sometimes hang around that area. Always use a good light at night for safety because lighting is poor to nonexistent for much of the trail and the trail runs close to Hwy 12, so headlights can be a problem.
One of the main hazards is getting a flat due to glass on the trail (any time of the year) and goat head thorns (Aug.-Oct.). The latter are especially pernicious and can usually be found near the margins between Stony Point Rd. and Dutton Ave. Generally the best way to avoid them is to always stay on the pavement and stay alert to debris on the trail.