Mark West Creek Regional Park is the newest park in Sonoma County. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

It almost felt like we were doing something illegal. That’s what happens when you explore a park that isn’t open. Not just closed that day, but isn’t ever open.

Trust me, we had permission. In fact, an employee with Sonoma County Regional Parks was our leader.

Mark West Creek Regional Park on the eastern side of the county is going to open. A date hasn’t been set. But soon. Well, probably soon. Earlier this month the guide said it was “overdue” to open.

When it does, go. Or do like we did and sign up for the next $12 naturalist outing.

With Mark West Creek Regional Park not actually open, grass can grow on the trail. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

“On Nov. 16, 2018, Regional Parks took title to approximately 1,192 contiguous acres, acquired by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (Ag + Open Space) through a series of acquisitions beginning in 2007,” the parks’ website says. “A proposed regional park at this location was first identified in 1967 in county plans. However, it wasn’t until Ag + Open Space, funded by a voter-approved quarter cent sales tax, was able to work with willing sellers, that a planned park could be a reality.”

One of the issues county parks needs to work out is how to manage people and dogs. In particular, how to keep dogs out of Mark West Creek. It’s one of a handful of creeks in the state to be federally protected because of coho and steelhead salmon populations.

White gravel on the trail is to help keep more newts alive as they cross the path. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

Water from this creek eventually flows into the Russian River, which ends at the Pacific Ocean. The guide said the creek will always have some water in it.

As someone who used to hike with a dog, I have no idea how I would have keep mine out of the fresh water. OK, sure, she would have to be on leash the whole time and I would have to be mindful of her whereabouts if she were off leash. But it would be like teasing her to sit near the water and not let her go lap some up, as well as cool off her entire body.

I really think a dog ban on the park is going to be the best solution. A dog ban that is enforced and comes with consequences.

Permanent signs still need to be installed. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

It will be easier to create barriers so people cannot access the water.

Yes, I could abide by the no dogs in water rule, but based on what I see other dog owners do, I think it is going to be a total s— show and the salmon will suffer because of it. If this water is that important, and I believe it is, then not all beings should have access.

With that said, the little bit (about 4 miles) that this group traipsed through were beautiful—especially on the second Saturday in May when the hills were still green and a few wildflowers could be spotted.

Mostly oaks dot the landscape.

Sections of the park, before it was a park, were burned in the devastating 2017 Tubbs Fire. Where we were wasn’t so bad; or maybe I’m getting too used to charred trees.

Most of the trails we were on were single track, though some were clearly old roads leftover from when people lived on this acreage.

Mark West Creek is federally protected because of salmon. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

Regional parks has several projects going on including helping newts survive. They’ve done so by putting down white gravel along a section of trail with the thought people will more easily see them when they cross in winter when it’s wet. The idea is the contrast in color between them and the ground will get people’s attention.

The white rock has been in place for a year. If fewer newts are stomped on, the white gravel will be expanded in the park.

Interpretive signs are still in the works. So is the trail system. For now, only a fraction of the park has developed trails. It will be fun in the coming years to see how this park unfolds. It’s always good to have more land in the public domain for people to explore, enjoy and take care of—even if means stringent rules for dog owners.