Friends of Lake Sonoma

Lake Sonoma Steelhead Run Tours      

From January through May, guided tours for school children and other groups are available weekdays by appointment.  Self-guided tours are available every day.  The fish hatchery sorts fish daily and does its artificial spawning on Thursday mornings.  To watch the magnificent steelhead push their way up Dry Creek to the fish ladder to spawn the next generation of fish, come out to the park or call 707-431-4533 to make an appointment for a guided group tour! Tours are free.

Lake Sonoma 50 -- April 12, 2025

An iconic marathon, considered to be one of the most challenging in the nation, is back this year!  Proceeds from this community event support educational opportunities for local students through the Wilson Winery Children of Vineyard Workers Scholarship Fund.  The Lake Sonoma 50 weekend now includes the Trail Sisters Half Marathon.

Sunset Music Series, The Ranch at Lake Sonoma

Held the third Sunday of each month, May through October, The Ranch at Lake Sonoma offers live music, wine, beer and food (for purchase) to benefit charities.  The events begin at 5:30 p.m. and last until Sunset.  Event entry is free -- enjoy great tunes and the overwhelming beauty of a Lake Sonoma sunset.  Dates for 2024 are:

April 25     Michelle Lambert           Food from Turtle Island Tacos

May 26      Soul Fuse                     Food from The Wurst

June 30      Volker Strifler Band      Food from The Wurst

July 28       Boonfire                      Food from The Wurst

August 25   SoloRio                       Food from The Wurst

Sept. 29     Flowstone                    Food TBD

Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival -- February 8, 2025

This great free event will be held Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Milt Brandt Visitor Center.  Festivities begin at 10 a.m. and run until 4 p.m.  This event is hosted by the Friends of Lake Sonoma, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Sonoma County Water Agency and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, please refer to the Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival Page under "Support Lake Sonoma" on this website.

Want to hold an event at Lake Sonoma?

Lake Sonoma is the perfect venue for all kinds of events, ranging from family reunions to mountain bike racing. Fees for venue rental are set by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but if you're planning an event, you can designate the Friends of Lake Sonoma as an event sponsor and your fees will then be a donation -- with all funds returned directly to the park in support of programs and maintenance.  

To hold an event, contact the USACE at 707-431-4590 and mention to the park ranger that you would like to partner with the Friends of Lake Sonoma.  It's as simple as that!