Natural Attractions: Exploring Annadel’s Lake Ilsanjo

Living in Santa Rosa means I am a short drive away from an incredible variety of trails, parks, and scenic beauty in diverse ecosystems. But when I need to get into nature and want to stay local, one of the most accessible and rewarding experiences is the hike up to and around Lake Ilsanjo. 

Located in Annadel State Park, venturing to Lake Ilsanjo makes for a wonderful excursion any time of year. There are many approaches to the lake, but my personal favorite is to park near the Parktrail Open Space in the neighborhood on aptly named Parktrail Drive. From there I cross over onto Canyon Trail and start making my way up through groves of oak trees to Spring Creek Trail that takes you straight up to the dam. 

In the summer, Ilsanjo rewards hikers with a cool place to swim. The lake is shallow enough to have patches of warmer water, and secluded inlets let visitors forget they are so close to the City of Santa Rosa. In October, orb weavers make incredible displays along the oak-lined trails and as the world gets wetter, salamanders and newts can be discovered near the mud flats around the lake. 

The winter provides a relaxing place to meditate on picnic tables and benches that are nestled around the lake or bird watch in relative seclusion. For the trip down, there are plenty of options to make a loop and catch a glimpse of the city in the valley below.