Lake Ralphine, reservoir in Santa Rosa, California
Lake Ralphine is a reservoir in Howarth Memorial Park near Santa Rosa, California. The water is surrounded by gentle trails and framed by trees that provide shade and a natural setting.
The reservoir was created when Colonel Mark Lindsay McDonald built its dam in 1882. Santa Rosa took ownership in 1947 and transformed it into a public park, establishing it as a community gathering place.
The lake is named after the wife of Colonel Mark Lindsay McDonald, who built the dam in 1882. This personal connection ties the place to the community's local heritage and reminds visitors of the people who shaped it.
Canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats are available for rent during warmer months, with the last launches 30 minutes before closing time. If you bring your own boat, it must be under 20 feet long with an electric motor, and all passengers need life jackets.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks the lake with trout each year, giving anglers the chance to catch bass, bluegill, and catfish alongside native species. This restocking program keeps the fishing varied and active throughout the year.
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