October is a fine month for hiking in Sonoma Valley

The month of October is shaping up to be a great one for nature-lovers in the Valley, from the foothills of the Mayacamas to the “high country” of Sonoma Mountain and even into Napa County.

On Saturday, Oct. 1, the public can hike the 700-acre property of Oak Hill, location of a sustainably-farmed flower and vegetable garden and fruit orchards whose produce is available seasonally at the Red Barn Store, 15101 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen. The Teller family has worked the 25-acre farm for more than 50 years, but this day the larger grounds – held in perpetuity as protected wildlands – will be open for guided hikes.

An easy flat walk of about two miles is promised, with a discussion, light lunch and wine to follow. Hike is limited to 40 people and reservations are required; a donation of $45 is requested, with all proceeds going toward upkeep of the Sonoma Overlook Trail. To reserve email lauriesot@gmail.com.

Also on Oct. 1, the Audubon Canyon Ranch’s Bouverie Preserve will hold half-day guided nature walks to experience the rich natural history of the 535-acre preserve. Participants are divided into small groups and paired with a trained Bouverie volunteer to explore the mixed evergreen forest, flower-carpeted oak woodland and rugged chaparral.

The guided nature walks begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m. and range from two to five miles. Visitors of all ages are welcome, though minors (those under the age of 18) must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Suggested donation $15 to $25 a person. Contributions support the preservation, education and conservation science programs of Audubon Canyon Ranch. Email rsvp@egret.org or call ACR headquarters at 415-868-9244, ext. 110.

Oct. 1 is also the day for the shuttle-supported nine-mile Park-to-Park hike, from North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park to Jack London State Historic Park. Meet at 8:30 a.m. for the shuttle, expected return to Jack London by about 2 p.m. Eager outdoorsy types can also sign up for overnight camping at North Sonoma Mountain, which includes dinner and breakfast, a nocturnal hike and other fun things. A detailed description of the hikes is available online at jacklondonpark.com.

Star-gazers are relieved the night sky comes earlier this time of year, with sundown just after 7 p.m. for the Saturday, Oct. 8 Star Party at Robert Ferguson Observatory, located in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. It should be plenty dark by the 8 p.m. start with the three big scopes trained on deep space. Admission is $3, plus Sugarloaf parking ($8). There’s also a Solar Viewing, same day from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., no charge except for parking.

Photo enthusiasts should know that Saturday, Oct. 8, is a night photography “light painting” class, a technique utilizing powerful light sources to paint light onto a subject or scene during a long exposure. Photographer Ray Mabry will discuss appropriate camera settings, equipment, tips and techniques to create dramatic light painted images. The class begins at 4 p.m. and continues past dusk, to 8 p.m. Cost is $50 and reservations are required. For more details and a list of what to bring to participate in the class, check the website at jacklondonpark.com.

On Saturday, Oct. 15, Bill & Dave’s Hikes will head over to Calistoga for an out-and-back on the Lower Oat Hill Mine Trail. Dedicated in 2013 as part of the Ridge Trail, this nine-mile hike offers some fantastic views of the Napa Valley and the rock formations of the Palisades. Elevation gain is about 1,900 feet. Meet at 9:45 a.m. at the intersection of the Silverado Trail and Lincoln Avenue (Highway 29) in Calistoga for a prompt 10 a.m. departure; carpooling is recommended. Visit billanddavehikes.com for more information and the remaining 2016 schedule.

Do you know of an upcoming hike or outdoor activity? Email Christian at christian.kallen@sonomanews.com.