Bodega Bay to Healdsburg
Description
Overview
This 5 day/4 night trek explores the beautiful western side of Sonoma County. It includes the Pacific Ocean, redwood forests, world famous wineries, and the chic town of Healdsburg with world class dining. The lodging on this trek is fabulous from a quaint bed and breakfast to an oceanfront lodge, a luxury hotel in the vineyards finishing with a beautiful modern hotel. You will walk along a Pacific Ocean beach. Stroll on quiet country roads past vineyards and through towns and visit wineries along the way. Walk and explore the valley floor of an old growth redwood forest. You will also be able to enjoy incredible wine country dinners at Michelin starred restaurants. If you want to explore a taste of everything northern California has to offer, this trek is for you. Please note this trek has gentle walking and no hiking!
Details
This trek includes one day of walking 3 to 5 miles (5 to 8 km) on a two mile sandy beach and along a coastal road. The second day is walking 3 miles (4 km) exploring the valley floor of a beautiful old growth redwood forest. Your third day is a leisurely 4 mile (7 km) walk in the renowned Dry Creek appellation in the Sonoma Wine Country. You will walk adjacent to country roads and between wineries where you will enjoy special tastings. You finish your trek in Healdsburg, a wine country dining and shopping mecca.
Note: Your second lodge is adjacent to the Links at Bodega Harbour, an 18 hole golf course with several holes fronting the Pacific Ocean. So, if you would like to add a golf day to your trek, let us know.
Day 1: Occidental
Your trek begins the quaint town of Occidental, where you will stay in a charming inn. You can enjoy dinner at one of the historic restaurants just blocks from your inn.
Day 2: Bodega Bay–Doran Beach Walk
After a morning transfer to beautiful Bodega Bay, you will get the opportunity to walk through a coastal bird preserve and along Doran Beach, a two mile sandy beach on Bodega Bay. You can enjoy your lunch at local restaurant or fish market along your walk. After lunch you will enjoy your first wine tasting of the trek at a nearby tasting room before returning to your lodge on the water. Dinner tonight is at an onsite restaurant.
Hiking today: 3 to 5 miles (5 to 8 km) walking on the beach with 100 feet (30 m) elevation gain and loss.
Day 3: Armstrong Woods Hike
You will be transferred this morning to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, a beautiful old growth redwood forest. It is home to the Colonel Armstrong tree, estimated to be over 1400 years old. Due to fires, currently only the valley floor is open. You can walk the valley and enjoy a picnic lunch while experiencing the majestic redwood forest. After your day in the woods, you will be transferred to to a lovely winery for a tasting of wines and olive oils with an emphasis on Italian varietals. You will walk to a grand, luxury hotel nestled on a hill above the vineyards. You can dine at their fabulous, Michelin recognized restaurant or get a transport (provided by the hotel) into Healdsburg with many good restaurants.
Hiking today: 3 miles (5 km) with no elevation gain or loss.
Day 4: Dry Creek Winery Walk
Transfer this morning to the renowned Dry Creek appellation, for a walk through the valley experiencing three very different wineries. Start with a private tasting at a world famous winery with magnificent gardens. Continue on to an organic farm and winery where you will be able to picnic in their charming garden. Finish with a cave tasting at a small winery with excellent wines. You finish your day in the chic village of Healdsburg, a mecca for charming shops and fine dining. You will be staying at a modern hotel right next to the Healdsburg plaza.
Hiking today: 4 miles (6 km) walking between wineries with 200 feet (60 m) elevation gain and loss.
Day 5: Trek Conclusion
Your Wine Country Trek comes to an end.