Hugging Trees at Armstrong Redwoods

On a suggestion, we headed up last weekend to see the majestic coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. We'd never been there before, so it was a new experience for all of us. Located just outside of the Russian River community of Guerneville, it's sort of a mini road trip up 101 and through Sebastopol and western Sonoma County. Our kids usually fall asleep in the car, so it was a chance for them to get a nap in while we drove, so it worked out for everyone.

Armstrong Redwoods was set aside as a nature preserve in the 1870s by logging baron Colonel James Armstrong. There are several miles of trails that 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 small children. They're both navigable with a jogging stroller or similar sturdy stroller. Bikes are allowed on the service roads. Park in the parking lot at the entrance to the park. It's free to park here and walk or bike into the park, but if you are so inclined you can drive into the park and park the car further up for an entry fee of $6. We figured we'd spent enough time in the car already and opted for the former.

At the first parking lot there are restroom facilities, a ranger station, and a visitor/nature center and gift shop. The nature center was small but enjoyable, staffed with friendly volunteers who were eager to show our 4-year-old the natural wonders on the touching table. These included plant and rock specimens, honeycomb, animal track casts, feathers, and various small deceased critters in little clear plastic cases with built-in magnifiers in the lids. The little gift shop has a variety of stuff for sale, including books, puzzles, toys, walking sticks, bottled water, posters, and postcards. You can also buy trail maps there for 50¢, but they'll give you a photocopied map of the easier trails for free. This map includes a children's "treasure hunt" of various landmarks including the oldest and tallest trees int he park, a tree that looked like a dinosaur (really!), and something that supposedly looks like Peanuts character Peppermint Patty (never found it).

We all had a lot of fun following the Pioneer trail (1/2 mile) to the Discovery trail (about another quarter mile) and back again—perfect if you have a 2-year-old and 4-year-old in tow. The Discovery trail is designed to accommodate disabled users, and includes interpretive signage in Braille as well as "tree hugging platforms" (really! again). 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. You can also camp at the adjacent Austin Creek State Recreation Area.

The visitor center is open from 11 am to 3 pm daily, and the park is open from 8 am to one hour after official sunset, whenever that ends up being. For more information, visit www.parks.ca.gov.

Incidentally, this is one of the California State Parks slated for closure due to the current budget crisis. It really would be a tragedy to lose access to resources such as this, so help save our State Parks!

What to bring

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 bring clothing to layer in case it is cold and wet. There's bottled water available at the gift shop and drinking fountains along the trail, but it's always a good idea to bring some water regardless. There are picnic facilities about 3/4 mile inside the park. Food can be purchased in the town of Guerneville, but not in the park itself.

How to get there

Head north on 101 into Sonoma County. You can either split off onto Hwy 116 west in Cotati or continue north on 101 through Santa Rosa. If you go the first route take Hwy 116 (Gravenstein Highway) through Sebastopol and Forestville to Guerneville. Go over the Russian River and take a left onto River Road into Guerneville, then turn right onto Armstrong Woods Road. Follow Armstrong Woods Road to the park.

If you go through Santa Rosa, take 101 north 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 as above.