London Calling

Dog-friendly hike at Jack London State Historic Park in Sonoma Valley

The writer Jack London was known for his adventure stories, and an autumn hike at his namesake state park in Sonoma Valley illuminates more than his career. Eucalyptus, oaks, sprawling vineyards, and brilliant redwoods are part of the autumn magic amid the rich history of the park. Get glowing!

Parts of Jack London State Historic Park are dog-friendly, including this 3-mile (round-trip) hike. From the kiosk entrance ($10 fee; pick up a map), turn right to the Beauty Ranch parking lot, where you’ll start your hike up to The Pig Palace; originally laughed at by locals as a hog-wild idea for effectively caretaking the ranch’s many pigs, the palace won awards for its two-story, circular tower design that centralized feedings.

Next, head to London’s Cottage, where Jack lived with his wife, Charmian (you can tour the house during designated hours). There’s a beautiful pond out front (with fish) that mirrors autumn’s light. It’s hard not to appreciate the old oak standing brave and beautiful next to the cottage. It’s slowly dying, but fortunately, seeds from the tree are being used to birth new oaks.

Follow the trail down towards the House of Happy Walls Museum.

As you go, you’ll parallel the land’s brilliant vineyard, which casts swirling hues of caramel and apple. The House of Happy Walls is a must-visit museum (no dogs allowed inside).

Explore 22 multi-sensory and interactive exhibits highlighting London’s literary career, political activism, animal rights initiatives, photojournalism, and more—including, notably, his adventurous life with Charmian.

Hike to Wolf House Ruins in Jack London State Park

But first you can follow the leaf-crispy trail to the Wolf House ruins.

London’s dream home burned down just two weeks before he and Charmian were to move in. Various theories have emerged about what caused the fire that destroyed the home (it’s since been widely accepted that it was due to spontaneous combustion of a greasy rag left onsite), and some say the ruins are haunted (though there are skeptics).

Hike to Wolf House Ruins in Jack London State Park

London died just a few years after this event, and the gravesite is tucked among trees on a nearby knoll.

$10 entrance/parking fee. Dog-friendly (in certain parts of the park only).

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Man hiking up a trail at Montara Mountain, with a view of the Pacific and Grey Whale sand beach in the background

    From Beach to Summit

    No need to decide between a beach and a mountaintop—this hike includes both! Explore the stunning coastal scenery on this 6-mile out-and-back up Montara Mountain and into Rancho Corral de Tierra.

    View
  2. Woman sitting on a bench overlooking scenery at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve

    Tarantulas at Twilight

    Embrace the best of the season with big sunset views, up-close tarantula sightings, and a 5-mile (round-trip) hike in Sierra Vista Open Space.

    View
  3. Sebastopol Food & Wine Roll

    One apple farm, three charming towns, multiple wineries, and infinite natural beauty. Savor a perfect autumn day in Sonoma County by biking the West County Regional Trail from Sebastopol to Forestville via Graton. It’s a 17-mile (round-trip) adventure. 

    View
  4. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

    Want to be king of the mountain? Head to King Mountain, the 108-acre open space preserve just above Larkspur in Marin. Despite its lofty name, hiking King Mountain proves that simp

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

    View
  2. Woman walking in the Venice Canals of Los Angeles County

    Canal Contemplations

    With its incense-scented boardwalk, bohemian shops, skateparks, and abundance of body builders, Venice is happily eccentric, and artistic. Exhibit A: Its network of European-style canals with charming bridges, offering a tranquil tour of the town’s history.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Yes, Seattle!

    Ready to try something new this winter? Seattle’s ready for you! Beautiful by nature with its Puget Sound setting, surrounding mountains, and nearby national parks, winter in Seattle can be a magical and festive time. Ever been in a hot tub boat?...

    View
  4. Wine Down, Dine Out in Lake Chelan

    The fertile soil around Washington State's Lake Chelan is ripe for more than just the amazing apples. Vineyards here yield high quality grapes, and some of the country’s best less-discovered wineries. Locals know it, and you will too when you start choosing from the more than 30 wineries in the region.

    View