Forestville might be a small Russian River town, but it sits at the gateway to one of Sonoma County’s best dog-friendly walking routes.
At the edge of town, the West County Regional Trail begins a relaxed journey through vineyards, farms and small communities — and eventually connects to a much larger countywide trail system. For dogs and their humans, it’s an easy way to explore West Sonoma County one sniff at a time.
Leashed dogs are welcome along the paved multi-use trail, which stretches about 5.5 miles between Forestville and Sebastopol. The route follows the corridor of an early-1900s electric railway that once carried passengers between towns in the region. Today the trains are gone, replaced by walkers, cyclists and plenty of happy dogs.
The trail’s rail-line origins make it especially appealing for canine companions. Grades are gentle, the path is wide and the terrain is mostly smooth pavement — ideal for long strolls rather than steep hikes.
And if your dog still has energy to burn, the adventure doesn’t stop in Sebastopol.
A trail that keeps going
One of the best things about the Forestville trail is how easily it connects to other routes.
At its southern end, the West County Regional Trail links with the Joe Rodota Trail, extending the journey another 8.5 miles toward Santa Rosa. Together the two paths create roughly 14 miles of continuous trail connecting Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Graton and Forestville.
That means dog owners can tailor the outing to their pup’s stamina. A short walk through vineyards can turn into a half-day trek across Sonoma County.
What you’ll see along the way
The Forestville end of the trail begins near Front Street, within walking distance of town.
Almost immediately the path slips into classic Sonoma County scenery: vineyards, orchards and quiet farmland stretching across the Russian River Valley.
Depending on the season, walkers may pass grape harvest activity, blooming wildflowers or fields buzzing with farm life. Red-tailed hawks often circle overhead, and the scent of vineyards and earth keeps dogs happily engaged.
Because the trail runs parallel to Highway 116 but stays separated from traffic, it feels peaceful despite being close to town.
Dog-friendly stops along the route
One of the joys of walking this trail is the number of dog-friendly stops nearby.
Forestville itself offers a few good places to begin or end a walk.
Nightingale Breads is a favorite local bakery where visitors can grab coffee and pastries before hitting the trail. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables.
A short drive away, Russian River Vineyards welcomes leashed dogs in its garden tasting areas. After a trail walk, it’s a relaxing spot for humans to enjoy wine while dogs rest under the table.
Heading south toward Graton, the trail passes near the tiny historic town center. Willow Wood Market Café is a popular stop for lunch, and the outdoor seating makes it easy to bring a dog along.
In Sebastopol, walkers will find even more options. The Barlow, a lively outdoor market district near the Joe Rodota Trail connection, is filled with dog-friendly patios, tasting rooms and breweries.
Nearby Ragle Ranch Regional Park offers open lawns and additional trails if your dog still wants more exploring.
A trail built on history
The corridor beneath your feet once carried electric trains.
The Petaluma and Santa Rosa Railway opened in 1904 as part of a network connecting Sonoma County towns before widespread automobile travel. Passenger service ended in the 1930s, but the rail corridor remained intact.
Over the decades Sonoma County converted the old right-of-way into recreational trails, preserving the route while creating one of the region’s most accessible outdoor amenities.
The result is a trail that feels both historic and modern — a pathway through agricultural landscapes that still shape Sonoma County life.
Why dogs love it
For dogs, the trail checks every box.
There’s plenty of distance for energetic pups, easy terrain for older dogs and endless scents drifting from nearby fields and vineyards.
The path is wide enough for relaxed walking, and the steady grades make it comfortable for dogs that might struggle on steep mountain trails.
Best of all, the trail offers variety. A short walk from Forestville can feel like a peaceful country outing, while a longer trek toward Sebastopol turns into a full-blown West County adventure.
In Sonoma County, that kind of dog-friendly exploration is exactly what DogTrekkers are looking for.
And for many dogs, it’s the kind of trail that turns “just a walk” into the best part of the day.
