Mount Shasta (Waka-nunee-Tuki-Wuki and Uhataahkoo)
One of Sonoma County’s largest freshwater lakes, Tolay Lake is a spiritual center for the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo tribes, whose ancestors were part of the Alaguali Nation. Located about eight miles from Petaluma, the lake, which fills during the rainy season and is now part of 3,400-acre Tolay Lake Regional Park, has historically been a significant ceremonial gathering spot and healing place. When the shallow lake was drained in the 1870s, thousands of charmstones—small objects used for healing, fertility, and other purposes—were found along the bottom. Some of the charmstones were more than 4,000 years old.
On the park website, Greg Sarris, chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, explained the lake’s cultural significance. “The lake and surrounding area was highly sacred and was considered one of three areas in all of Northern California where Indian doctors from different tribes convened for sacred ceremonies and the exchange of ritual objects and songs for the purpose of healing.” The park has an 11-mile trail network for hiking and mountain biking with spectacular views of San Pablo Bay and all the way to San Francisco. There’s also excellent wildlife viewing, especially for birds of prey. And in recent years, the Tolay Fall Festival has featured Alaguali cultural activities, while the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria have also hosted events at the parks.
