Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

History

The Onasáti (Wappo) were the first known inhabitants of the region, settling on along the Sonoma Creek 1500 years ago. They relied on various resources of the region especially acorns and berries, and are known for their farming and basketry abilities. Spaniards attempted to takeover the area in 1823, failing. Later, the cholera epidemic dwindled the numbers of the Wappos, who were ultimately relocated to Indian reservations by the American government.

In the 1870s farming increased in the Sugarloaf region. Business owners in town began hiring "gentlemen farmers" to manage their ranches along the Sugarloaf Ridge while the business owners remained in the town. Some even made livings off burning trees of the Sugarloaf region to make and sell charcoal.

In 1920 the California government purchased the property to dam Sonoma Creek for use by the nearby (Eldridge, south of Glen Ellen) Sonoma State Hospital. In 1932 The Sonoma State Home (now called the Sonoma Developmental Center) established a Boy Scout camp on the property named "Camp Butler" in 1932 after the name of the State Hospital Director. The camp was used until the United States joined World War II. Land owners began leasing land for animal grazing in 1942. Finally in 1964, the state of California admitted Sugarloaf as a California State Park.

Vegetation

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park's forests consist of Umbellularia (California Bay Laurel), Douglas firs, big-leaf maple, madrone, coastal redwoods, California buckeye and alder trees as well as an abundance of oaks including live, valley, and mixed oaks. Poison oak and stinging nettles are found along the Sonoma Creek and can be a threat to hikers. Shrubs of the chaparral include manzanita, chamise, California lilac, coyote bush, toyon, and winebush. Sugarloaf experiences a colorful spring with a wide array of wildflowers: California poppies, cream cups, lupines, penstemons, buttercups, peas, shooting stars, trilliums, Indian warriors and mariposa lily. Golden fairy lantern, zigadene, and fritillarias are in certain regions of the enclosure as well. Summer boasts the blossoming of even more flowers including clarkias, scarlet larkspurs, farewell-to-springs, Mariposa lilies, monkey flowers, Indian pinks and tarweeds. Invasive species include yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) and Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus). At least 400 plants species are found in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.

Wildlife

Deer, along with gray foxes, bobcats, coyotes, black bears, and mountain lions inhabit the park, as well as numerous racoons and an occasional badger. Turkey vultures can be seen swarming regions of the park as well. Trout are present in the streams and are a common attraction for visitors, especially beginning in late spring to early summer. Chinook salmon and Steelhead have also been recently sighted in Sonoma Creek in the park.

Bald Mountain

As the main attraction for hikers, this peak can be reached by hiking the park's trails. Upon reaching the summit, Mount Saint Helena, Napa Valley, and a distant view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains can be seen. The San Francisco Bay Area, Mt. Diablo, and the Sugarloaf Ridge can be seen when facing the south. Mount Tamalpais lies southwest while the Coastal Range and a view of the distant Pacific Ocean lie to the west.

Sonoma Creek Falls

Sonoma Creek falls down a 25-foot descent, landing on boulders and jagged rocks of the creek below with maple trees and ferns shading the area. It is best to visit during the rainy winter season.

Weather

The temperature in the region remains fairly moderate with a summer high in the 90s and low in the 40s. Winter experiences temperatures ranging from the 30s to 60s. An average of 40 inches of rain fall in the park per year, mostly between November and April, with occasional snowfall.

References

References

1. {{cite gnis
2. "Park Brochure". [[California Department of Parks and Recreation]].
3. "Reopening of Sugarloaf". Team Sugarloaf.
4. (1990). "A visitor's guide to California state parks". State of California, Dept. of Parks & Recreation.
5. "Hiking". Team Sugarloaf.
6. "ACME Mapper 2.0".
7. "Park Closure List". California Department of Parks and Recreation.
8. "Sugarloaf Ridge SP".
9. "Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Brochure". Team Sugarloaf.
10. "History". Team Sugarloaf.
11. "Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Sonoma County, California.".
12. Bowcutt, Frederica S.. (1999). "A Floristic Study of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Sonoma County, California". Aliso.
13. (2001). "California State Parks: A Complete Recreation Guide". Mountaineers Books.
14. (2005). "California's State Parks: A Day Hiker's Guide". Wilderness Press.
15. Minkler, Alana. (November 15, 2021). "As California drought clouds future, Chinook salmon return to Sonoma Creek to spawn".
16. (2000). "California Waterfalls". Avalon Travel Pub.