leslieq

My husband and I are heading to Healdsburg for three days the last weekend in April. We aren't really into wine-tasting itself, but will probably visit a few wineries that look like they have beautiful grounds or interesting sites. It looks like Ferrari C (forget the name!) has grounds that are worth visiting, for example. I know that wineries are what this area is known for.
What we really love to do is hike or do country walks. Most of the previous threads have to do with wineries. Does anyone have suggestions for hiking in the area (or outdoorsy sightseeing)? We will probably visit Armstrong Redwoods again (but will have just been to the Klamath area for hiking in the redwoods there; this is the end of a longer trip).
We live in the California Bay Area but are not all that familiar with Healdsburg.
Is it too early go go kayaking on the Russian River? We went a number of years ago and loved it, but not this early in the year.
Thanks for any suggestions.

Tomsd

Have canoed down the Russian River (can almost lead to a breakup) - but in the summer. Whether it's too early or not is probably dependent on the weather.

Walking around the little town of Sonoma - the Square - is also fun, as is wandering around Calistoga - where you might take a mud bath.

You might contact these guys to see about "running" the river in April - http://www.riversedgekayakandcanoe.com/

And this one also looks great - but it's a little further away:

http://www.burkescanoetrips.com/

Christina

Healdsburg is a semi-quaint small town you can enjoy walking around, although that still isn't really that exciting or unique and doesn't take that long.

You could go for a walk in that petrified forest park over near Calistoga http://www.petrifiedforest.org/

I think the closest good hiking is at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, only about 10 miles away. http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450

leslieq

Christina,
Petrified forest! I had forgotten about that and will check it out. Just what we're looking for. Went many years ago but worth a trip back.
Tomsd,
Thanks for the kayaking links; will check them out. Have to laugh about the Calistoga mud bath...took a couples one about 20 years ago and we had a male attendant. Many giggles at having this cute young guy hosing mud off my naked body (thankfully I was that much younger)!

Shar

rent a bike and tour the great area around Healdsburg...