Galbreath Wildlands Preserve

Galbreath Wildlands Preserve covers about 3,670 acres of mixed woodland, dense forest, and grassland across the Outer Coast Range in Northern California. The terrain rises from roughly 900 feet to above 2,000 feet, with several creeks running through the landscape.

Fred Burckhalter Galbreath bought the land in 1944 and used it as a sheep ranch while managing it for habitat improvement. After his death in 2004, the property passed to Sonoma State University.

The Central Pomo people lived here for generations, building villages near the waterways and creating routes they traveled seasonally. Their presence shaped how people later understood and moved through this land.

The preserve has multiple campgrounds with basic facilities connected by a dirt road that may require caution during wet weather. It is helpful to check conditions before planning a visit, especially if using the road system.

The preserve contains a network of creeks flowing through the Rancheria sub-basin, where Northern California Steelhead and Chinook Salmon populations depend on clean water and stable conditions. These waterways are among the few remaining strongholds for these fish species in the region.

Location: California

Inception: 2004

Website: http://sonoma.edu/preserves/galbreath

GPS coordinates: 38.87080,-123.26400

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:40