Flowering onion grass fills part of a hillside in Sonoma County. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

The last day of February had to be earliest hike I’ve been on where the intent was to seek out wildflowers.

Foothill Regional Park in Sonoma County was more than accommodating. While clearly still early in the season, it was amazing to see so many different types of flowers sprouting from the deep green grasses.

Mount St. Helena in Napa County is prominent in the distance. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

With this spastic winter we’ve had of wet-dry-cold-warm on a repeat cycle, Mother Nature doesn’t seem to know what season she wants to share with us. It’s definitely spring even if the calendar doesn’t say so.

The abundance of recent rain and now warmth and sun should have the flowers popping out in a robust manner all month, if not well into April depending where one is in the flatlands.

Sun cups grow low to the ground. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

A few Douglas iris were scattered about. Sue was sure she saw several of their leaves as an indicator more will soon dot the landscape.

Other flowers we saw included Pacific hound’s tongue, stork’s bill, mountain arnica, lupine, bittercress, sun cup, and blue dicks.

The ponds at Foothill Regional Park in Sonoma County are full. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

All the rain in February had the different ponds in Foothill Regional Park full to the extent water was crossing some trails, with at least one fence line almost completely submerged.

Even when it’s not wildflower season, this park is a great escape for all ages and abilities as there are different routes to take.

Note: It costs $8 to park.