bay laurel, Douglas firs, big-leaf maple, madrone, coastal redwoods, California buckeye and alder trees as well as an abundance of oaks including live, valley, and mixed oaks. Poison oak and stinging nettles are found along the Sonoma Creek and can be a threat to hikers. Shrubs of the chaparral include manzanita, chamise, California lilac, coyote bush, toyon, and winebush. Sugarloaf experiences a colorful spring with a wide array of wildflowers: California poppies, cream cups, lupines, penstemons, buttercups, peas, shooting stars, trilliums, Indian warriors and mariposa lily. Golden fairy lantern, zigadene, and fritillarias are in certain regions of the enclosure as well. Summer boasts the blossoming of even more flowers including clarkias, scarlet larkspurs, farewell-to-springs, Mariposa lilies, monkey flowers, and Indian pinks and yellow star thistles and tarweeds. At least 400 plants species are found in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Wildlife Deer, as well as gray fox, bobcats, coyote and mountain lions inhabit the park. Turkey vultures can be seen swarming regions of the park as well. Trout are present in the streams and are a common attraction for visitors, especially beginning in late spring to early summer. Black bears have also been found within the park's boundaries. Bald Mountain As the main attraction for hikers, this peak can be reached by hiking the park's trails. Upon reaching the summit, Mount Saint Helena, Napa Valley, and a distant view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains can be seen. The San Francisco Bay Area, Mt. Diablo, and the Sugarloaf Ridge can be seen when facing the south. Mount Tamalpais lies southwest while the Coastal Range and a view of the distant Pacific Ocean lie to the west. Sonoma Creek Falls Sonoma Creek falls down a 25-foot descent, landing on boulders and jagged rocks of the creek below with maple trees and ferns shading the area. It is best to visit during the rainy winter season. Weather The temperature in the region remains fairly moderate with a summer high in the 90s and low in the 40s. Winter experiences temperatures ranging from the 30s to 60s. An average of 40 inches of rain fall in the park per year, mostly between November and April, with occasional snowfall. See also California Department of Parks and Recreation References External links Official park website Robert Ferguson Observatory, located in the park Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, California Department of Parks and Recreation Park Brochure, California Department of Parks