Near the Petaluma River and Shollenberger Park is another place to walk – Alman Marsh. We recently accessed the trail from the parking lot of the Sheraton.
Most of the trail is wide gravel and runs along the Petaluma River. An occasional bridge across a creek or boardwalk help make this an easy walk.
That’s Hwy 101 above the bridge – and why it can be a noisy walk – but the walk is worth it. This Blue Heron seems okay fishing.
The colors here are subtle most of the year with few wildflowers. I just pay attention to what it is there and find it rewarding and peaceful. This bridge crosses Adobe Creek.
The trail varies from gravel, boardwalk and uneven dirt that reflect the changes from tidal marsh, wetland, dredge pond, creeks and landfill. Plenty of sunny spots, benches and a fishing dock.
As we followed the trail away from the river, we connected to a trail leading to Shollenberger Park.
Blocking out Hwy 101, we could actually get a beautiful view of the hills and mountains.
See you on the trail!
A few words by Lynn Millar
Photos by Mike Millar
Click for previous walk at Shollenberger (with more info on the river and area) and the nearby Ellis Creek. General area map.
Walking in Sonoma County...mostly 
Thank you! We frequently — okay with our schedules only occasionally — walk Shollenberger, which I find a bit boring. This will be a nice change of pace! :>
Hope it works for you – you’ll get to see more river. You might like the walk along the downtown (click http://wp.me/pJscA-141) Or maybe it’s the season. Or try Shollenberger in the spring when the baby birds are beginning life or in January when the migratory birds stop by. Or try the access at Ellis Creek.
Thanks for the suggestions! :>
See you on Saturday. We have pictures!
Great! I’d love to see them – and you.