Creekside Connector Trailhead - Occidental, CA
Creekside Connector Trailhead – Dog-Friendly Hiking in Occidental, California
Discover the natural beauty of Creekside Connector Trailhead, a pet-friendly destination tucked in the redwoods of Occidental, California. This scenic hiking area features a moderately challenging 5+ mile loop trail, making it a great spot for dog owners and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The trail is mostly shaded, providing comfort for you and your canine companion even on warmer days.
Enjoy beautiful views to the ocean, lush forest scenery, and the serenity of less crowded trails. While not a traditional fenced dog park, this location is perfect for those seeking dog-friendly hiking with opportunities to explore nature together. Parking is limited along Coleman Valley Road, so plan to arrive early to secure a spot. Children and families will also enjoy the accessible and kid-friendly environment, with trails suitable for moderate fitness levels and opportunities to connect to other popular routes and preserves nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Creekside Connector Trailhead offers a 5+ mile loop with connections to Willow Creek Road and the Pomo Canyon Trail, leading to Shell Beach.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the trail is shaded approximately 95% of the way, providing ample respite for you and your dog.
- Where is the best place to park? Parking is available along the side of Coleman Valley Rd near the trailhead, but space is limited, so early arrival is recommended.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? No, the trailhead entrance is not listed as wheelchair accessible.
- Is the park kid-friendly? Yes, the trail is suitable for families and children looking for an outdoor adventure in Occidental.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Some areas of the trail can be muddy after rain, so plan footwear accordingly.
- Are there restrooms available for owners? Restrooms are not mentioned, so plan ahead before visiting.
Reviews
Great Moderate hiking in beautiful redwoods, awesome view to the ocean!
Beautiful drive getting here and then equally beautiful hike thru redwoods. The only parking is along the road which isn’t much since it’s basically a single lane road so might want to get there early.
Great trail, a few downed trees and some muddy areas last weekend but otherwise absolutely fantastic. Decent amount of parking on the side of the road, enough for probably 6-8 cars. Loop trail, according to alltrails 5.7 miles with ~900ft elevation gain total.
Beautiful hike through redwoods. 5.5 mile loop that took us 2 hours. Moderate hike with some long climbs. Trail is shaded 95% of the way. Limited parking at trail head.
This is a nice, shaded trail that loops around if you take it all the way toward the west end. It starts as a fire road and narrows down to a trail. If you do the entire loop, you will walk a little over 5 miles from the Coleman Valley Road gate. You can also potentially connect with Willow Creek Road (which is why it’s called “Connector Trail” I presume). If you have it in you, you can then walk on to the Pomo Canyon trail to Shell Beach. The only reason why I wouldn’t give this trail 5 stars is that you will start at the top and descent 750 ft to then come back to your starting elevation. I tend to prefer to get my workout up front and have a nice downhill as I head back to my car. You also have the option to hang a right after the gate to take the Watershed View Trail, which will take you to a nice view of the Willow Creek Preserve in less than a mile.