Discover Cloverdale: Nature, History and Culture

Cloverdale can be explored through a range of interests: nature at Porterfield Creek, a hiking trail and water access at River Park, and places of historical and cultural significance. When planning a stay, it is helpful to distinguish these offerings by their character. Information about River Park concerns trails and access to the water; historic buildings and memorial sites offer a different focus. This can help you decide which themes you want to prioritize before looking for a hotel in Cloverdale.

Nature and trails by the water

Porterfield Creek Open Space Preserve features varied terrain, year-round water flow in its streams, and serpentine rock. The preserve is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life. The terrain, water, geology, and wildlife offer different ways to experience this natural area. While the preserve is characterized by these landscape features, River Park has a specific hiking route along the river. This helps you distinguish between two nature-related options for your stay: the features of the preserve and a specific route along the Russian River.

At River Park, a 3-mile-long hiking trail runs along the west side of the Russian River. There is also a ramp to the Russian River at the McCray Trailhead: boats can be launched there, and people can enter the water to swim. Hiking, boating, and swimming are different ways to include River Park in your travel plans.

The trail access points at River Park are east of the cemetery parking lot and at the south end of McCray Road. These two landmarks can help you find the indicated access points to the park trails. If swimming or launching a boat is important to you, check the conditions at the ramp before your visit; they may change.

Historic places and local memories

The Gould-Shaw House Museum was built in 1862 in the Gothic Revival style and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For travelers interested in historic buildings, it offers a different focus from the landscape at Porterfield Creek or the trails along the Russian River.

Cloverdale Cemetery is a 13.5-acre historic landmark. Its paths illustrate local history and include a veterans’ memorial. The Gould-Shaw House Museum represents Gothic Revival architecture from 1862; the paths at Cloverdale Cemetery illustrate local history and include a veterans’ memorial.

Theater and other cultural history

Cloverdale Performing Arts Center opened in 2010 as a 99-seat theater. The Cloverdale Sculpture Trail was established in 2003. The Sculpture Trail was established seven years before the theater opened. Together, they add other cultural themes in Cloverdale to the historic sites.

This gives you a range of focuses to choose from when planning your trip: you can explore the natural features of Porterfield Creek Open Space Preserve, the hiking route and water access at River Park, or the area’s architectural, local, and cultural history. Consider which of these themes matter to you as you plan your stay in Cloverdale.

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