Tips to enjoy winter walks in Sonoma County

Yes, it’s gray, wet and cool outside. And for many, that means putting outdoor activities on hold. But instead of staring out the window wishing for summer, with a little planning and expert advice, we can stay remarkably comfortable while enjoying a touch of nature year-round.

Local hiking enthusiasts Bill Myers and Dave Chalk, who’ve been leading popular Bill and Dave Hikes through local parks for 20 years, have a few things to say about winter walks. Now in their 70s, they lead their monthly trail excursions rain or shine. In two decades, they’ve canceled only twice - once because of heavy flooding and again when Annadel State Park was on fire.

As Myers makes clear, cool season hiking is actually his favorite.

“It warms hikers up and is more fun than in the heat of the summer, when we are already warm and sweating before we even start out,” he says.

This time of year, Chalk says, “It’s cool, green and damp, rather than hot, dusty and dry. The air smells clean, new grasses are sprouting and newts are everywhere on the trails near water sources.”

Back in the 1860s, local historians have noted, managing winter here was a lot tougher. Sonoma residents donned coats of heavy wool, oiled canvas or stiff rubberized cotton if they wanted protection when the rains descended. Between sweating under the rubberized layers or slogging about in sodden wool clothes, one didn’t expect to stay dry.

Fortunately, modern outerwear allows those who venture out to escape both issues in comfort.

Evan Gillham guides shoppers through racks of winter clothing options at Sonoma Outfitters, a family-owned outdoor retailer in Montgomery Square.

“Lots of time, people come in looking for waterproof, insulated ski jackets, but that’s usually unnecessary here in Sonoma County,” Gillham says.

Instead, the best option is to wear a light, waterproof shell or jacket, and then underneath, layers for warmth.

A base wool or synthetic undershirt, a long-sleeved shirt and fleece on top will keep a walker warm in most weather here.

“Top layers can be removed if the weather changes, or activity warms you up,” he adds.

Gillham recommends trying the waterproof shell on with layers, to be sure of fit.

What about waterproof hats? They come in a variety of types. A wide brim works well, he says.

“But if you’re dealing with hard rain, or wind, hats don’t offer much sideways protection.” A jacket or shell with an adjustable hood works best, and it does a better job of keeping water off your neck, he explains.

Corey Bassett helps with weather gear at REI, the outdoor supplies co-op. REI recently expanded floor space and selection at their Santa Rosa Avenue outlet.

Broadly speaking, there are two categories of waterproof jackets, those with a poly base and durable water-repellent (DWR) coating and those made with laminate fabrics. The laminate fabrics are fused layers, with special waterproof and breathable membranes like Gore-Tex, eVent, Pertex or OutDry in the middle.

“People tend to choose one or the other based on price point,” Bassett says. The waterproof membrane-type clothing tends to cost more, but since the waterproofing isn’t applied to the cloth, like with DWR-coated fabrics, it doesn’t wear off.

And the breathable membranes allow a fair amount of perspiration and heat to escape, meaning the jacket doesn’t become a sauna with heavy exertion. On the other hand, the more breathable the fabric is, the faster it loses heat, which can be chilling.

Local and online retailers offer a fairly staggering and colorful variety of such shells and jackets, with various features, so it’s worth shopping around. Longer lengths provide better coverage and something dry to sit on when you want to take a rest on a hike. Zippered slits under the armpits allow even more adjustable ventilation.

There are also differences, Bassett explains, in just how waterproof that material may be. Some are good in a drizzle but not heavy rain. Others are virtually “bombproof,” he says, using the skier term for “indestructible.” It pays to do some homework and ask for recommendations.

Choice of winter hiking clothing is about more than comfort and style, Myers and Chalk note. “Winter hiking requires dressing correctly to avoid becoming cold and wet,” Myers says.

Wet clothing means losing body heat. Some materials, like cotton, stay wet and don’t dry quickly. “Don’t wear cotton, which we call ‘death cloth,’?” Chalk says, referring to the threat of hypothermia. Moisture-wicking fabrics are better.

The other outfitters agree. Leave the jeans and cotton shirts at home if it looks like rain.

REI recommends staying ahead of the weather. It’s far easier to stay dry than to dry out, so they advise putting on rain protection immediately. Don’t wait until the raindrops start to fall. Even heavy fog and wet brush can soak clothes.

Bassett at REI also says that since daylight hours are shorter, it’s best to be prepared with some kind of light. He prefers headlamps over hand-held lights, simply because they keep both hands free while throwing light ahead of where your eyes are pointing, a real advantage on the trail.

With the right gear, it’s time to get out and enjoy the unique season, Bassett says.

“There are fewer people, so you can have trails and parks virtually to yourself,” he says. Another plus: rattlesnakes hibernate in the winter, so you won’t have to contend with them. Winter walks, Myers and Chalk explain, give those willing to step outside a whole new perspective on the region’s natural beauty and changing seasons. Many trees drop leaves, opening vistas through the forests.

Waterfalls are unique to winter hikes, since they’re often not in existence during dry summer months.

“An especially neat waterfall to visit is in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, right off Adobe Canyon Road,” Chalk says.

Gillham at Sonoma Outfitters really enjoys Armstrong Redwoods. The tall, dense trees on the valley floor offer some protection against rain. The forest floor grows lush, with a rich collection of scents, and the mostly level walk is especially family friendly. Bassett recommends trails in Annadel, which tend to drain off quickly after rains.

Other popular walks include Bodega Head and Kortum Trail near Shell Beach along the coast, where the long, open vistas sometimes reveal approaching squalls and rainbows, as well as migrating whales.

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes,” according to a Scandanavian saying.

And with so many choices available to Californians today, there’s virtually no excuse for staying indoors.

Stephen Nett is a Bodega Bay-based certified California naturalist, writer and speaker. Contact him at snett@californiasparks.com.