About the Book This guide contains 25 detailed trail descriptions to Sonomas coastal and river state parks. Book Synopsis The only complete guide to the six state parks and 15 coastal and riverside regional parks in one of the most rugged and beautiful regions of northern California: the magnificent Sonoma Coast and Russian River. The full range of outdoor adventures are described here, including hiking, camping, diving, whale/seal watching, and more. At Sonoma Coast State Park, explore miles of sandy beaches, isolated coves, and wildflower-covered trails. Watch for whales at Bodega Head. Visit Fort Ross State Historic Park, a Russian colonial outpost dating back to 1812. Free-dive for abalone at Salt Point State Park, site of strange sandstone sculptures and a rare pygmy forest. See the rhododendrons that bloom each spring at nearby Kruse Rhododendron Reserve, then turn inland to Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve, home to the last major stand of old-growth redwoods in Sonoma County. Detailed trail descriptions and trail maps along with a table of GPS waypoints for trail junctions and point of interest. About the Author Steve Hinch has been exploring the Sonoma Coast since 1974. Born in Seattle, he grew up in the Southern California coastal city of Redondo Beach. His wilderness explorations began at a young age, when his avid rockhound parents would pack up the family and head out to remote desert locations in search of semi-precious stones nearly every weekend. He earned his way through college designing gold and silver jewelry for the familys custom jewelry store. Trained as an electrical engineer, Steve has 30 years of management experience in the high-technology industry. He holds three patents and has authored three books. He is an expert on GPS navigation and is the author of Outdoor Navigation with GPS, a bestselling guide to the subject for hikers, backpackers, hunters, mountain bikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Steve has two grown children and lives with his wife in the heart of the wine country in Santa Rosa, California. He is also an award-winning photographer who specializes in landscapes of the Southwest.