The 2.14 mile Santa Rosa Creek Trail starts at Willowside Road and heads eastward, connecting the City of Santa Rosa’s Prince Memorial Greenway into downtown Santa Rosa. It’s a straightforward walk that gives you a real sense of how the city flows along the water, especially on mornings when the creek is moving well and the light filters through the oaks.

The trail splits personality-wise depending on which side you choose. The north side is paved, making it smoother for dogs that prefer solid footing or if you’re dealing with wet conditions. The south side is gravel, which many dogs actually prefer for traction, though it can get muddy after rain. Both routes work fine—it’s more about what suits your dog’s pace and your mood for the day.

There are three pedestrian and bicycle bridges along the north side that cross Wendel, Piner, and Peterson creeks. These add some variety to the walk and give you chances to stop and let your dog check things out without feeling rushed. The bridges themselves are stable and wide enough that you won’t feel cramped if other walkers are coming through.

If you want to explore beyond the main trail, there are gravel maintenance roads following Wendel, Piner, and Peterson creeks where you can extend your walk. These quiet side routes are good for dogs that like a little more space and fewer people. The whole area has a naturalistic feel despite being within city limits.

The trail eventually connects to downtown Santa Rosa, so you could make this part of a longer outing if your dog has the stamina. Plans exist to extend the trail westward from Willowside Road toward Guerneville Road when funding comes through, which would add even more options for exploring the creek corridor.