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Home | Explore the Giants at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Explore the Giants at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Armstrong Redwoods trail

When people say coast redwoods, Marin's Muir Woods usually comes to mind, but the Bay Area boasts plenty of other great places to go see these towering trees, but without the tourist crowds and parking hassles at Marin's popular redwood hotspot. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, located just outside of the Russian River town of Guerneville, has plenty of majestic old-growth redwoods, as well as easy hiking trails, picnic areas, and a small nature center. It's definitely worth taking a mini road trip up to the river!

Armstrong Redwoods

Armstrong Redwoods was set aside as a nature preserve in the 1870s by logging baron Colonel James Armstrong. Several miles of trails wind through the park, offering opportunities for a wide range of hikes. The Pioneer and Discovery trails are short trails that are ideal for hikes with kids, and they're both navigable with a sturdy stroller.

Armstrong Redwoods

At the main parking lot there are restroom facilities, a ranger station, and a visitor/nature center with a gift shop. The nature center was small but worth checking out, with a touching table that included plant and rock specimens, honeycomb, animal track casts, feathers, and other specimens in little clear plastic cases with built-in magnifiers in the lids.

Armstrong Redwoods

We took the Pioneer Trail to the Armstrong Trail and then looped back down via the Discovery Trail. The Discovery trail is accessible and even included "tree hugging platforms" along the way (really!). The whole trip is a little over a mile and a quarter.

Col. Armstrong Tree

The kids were captivated by the sheer size of the ancient redwoods. The tallest tree in the park, the Parson Jones Tree, is 310 feet tall, and the Colonel Armstrong Tree, the oldest tree in the park, is estimated to be 1,400 years old. It's really like being in another world. If you're into more strenuous hikes, there are plenty of opportunities further into the park.

Learn more about Armstrong Redwoods at www.parks.ca.gov.

Armstrong Redwoods

If You Go

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is open daily from 8 am to one hour after sunset. The visitor center is open from 11 am to 3 pm daily.

To get there, head north on 101 through Santa Rosa. Take the River Road/Mark West Springs Road exit and head west on River Road to Guerneville. Once in Guerneville, make a right turn onto Armstrong Woods Road and follow it into the park. There's a $10 per vehicle entry/parking fee ($9 for seniors 62+). Parking is available at the entry lot, along Armstrong Redwoods Road, and in the park itself.

Armstrong Redwoods

This is technically a rain forest, so it can be damp and a little dark in the grove. Sturdy shoes that you don't mind getting a little dirty are a must, and dress in layers. Bottled water is available at the gift shop and drinking fountains are located along the trail.

There are picnic facilities near the parking area and about 3/4 mile inside the park. Food can be purchased in the town of Guerneville, but not in the park itself. Note that adjacent Austin Creek State Recreation Area is currently closed to the public due to the affects of the 2020 Walbridge Fire.