THE MOUNTAINS OF^SONOMA COUNTY 



A. R. WATERS 

 Secretary of the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce 



THERE is probably no other county In California where there are not 

 noted attractions where so many people go during the summer 

 months for an outing as to "Imperial Sonoma," with its wide range 

 of mountains, valleys, ocean beach, and giant redwoods along the 

 interior streams. Strictly speaking, there are no mountain resorts, 

 although many of the choice summering spots are nestled away in a 

 mountainous district along the banks of some of the many streams which 

 water the fertile valleys of the county. 



There are no more beautiful spots in the State than can be found along 

 the banks of the Russian River from its entrance into the county above 

 Cloverdale until it empties into the Pacific Ocean on the west coast about 

 halfway between the north and south boundaries. The river winds its way 

 in and out around mountains the entire length, and on its banks have 

 been established many summer resorts where one may have all the wildness 

 of nature with all the comforts of civilization. There are also many places 

 where one can go and be alone with nature, if he so desires. 



The California Geysers in the northeast corner of Sonoma County 

 afford one of the most attractive spots for a summer outing to be found 

 anywhere in America. The wild stage ride over a range of the coast moun- 

 tains is a fitting introduction to the wonders to be found when the Geysers 

 are finally reached. There are sufficient attractions within walking distance 

 of the hotel to keep one interested for weeks, while bathing, fishing, and 

 hunting afford added pleasures for the healthy and health for the sick. 

 Hot, cold, and medicated baths are to be found in abundance prepared by 

 Nature without the assistance of man. 



The highest peak of this coast range is Geyser Peak, south of the 

 Geysers several miles. All in and around this country are fine places for 

 summer homes and camping grounds. Going west from the railroad at 

 any point in Sonoma County north of Santa Rosa one will find ideal con- 

 ditions for summer outings. Guerneville, Guernewood Park, Eagle's Nest, 

 Monte Sano, Russian River Heights, Camp Vacation, Bohemia Grove, Oc- 

 cidental, Camp Meeker, Duncan's Mills, and other places along the lines 

 of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad are located in mountainous country 

 covered with the great redwood forests which make life a dream and com- 

 fort during the days set aside for rest and recreation. 



There are fine opportunities for purchasing land for summer homes 

 along Russian River. Many tracts have been laid out for this special 

 purpose, and owing to its convenience to San Francisco is rapidly being 

 taken up by business men of the metropolis. These send their families out 

 for the summer as early as possible, and then commute either daily or for 

 Sundays and holidays to and from the camp or summer home. As there 

 are no rains during the summer months, the expense of fitting up a con- 

 venient summer lodge, bungalow, or camp need not cost any great amount. 

 The owners of such property, however, who make permanent improvements 

 are assured more than expenses every year if they rent to others who desire 

 to get away for a short time and do not own a site. 



Hundreds of families in Sonoma County have made suitable arrange- 

 ments for the accommodation of a number of summer visitors on their 

 ranches or city homes and make a neat income by taking visitors at reason- 

 able rates for a few weeks at a time. These places are to be found in all 

 parts of the county, and the Northwestern Pacific Railroad each year issues 

 a booklet entitled "Vacation," in which all such places and the regular re- 

 sorts are advertised free of charge. These booklets are to be had for the 

 asking of the company at their San Francisco offices, and are a great 

 convenience for communication between the prospective summer visitor 

 and those whose places are open to receive them. The booklet gives a large 

 range of prices and advantages for the visitor to select from. 



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