Explore the Giants at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
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 California's signature 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 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 for all abilities. The accessible Pioneer Trail and the Discovery Trail are both short trails that are ideal for hikes with kids and they're both navigable with a sturdy stroller or wagon.
At the main parking lot at the preserve entrance are restroom facilities, a ranger station, and a visitor/nature center with a gift shop. The visitor center is small but worth checking out, with a touching table that includes plant and rock specimens, honeycomb, animal track casts, feathers, and other objects in little clear plastic cases with built-in magnifiers in the lids.
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 includes "tree hugging platforms" along the way (really!) in case you feel so inclined. The whole trip is a little over a mile and a quarter. If you're into more strenuous hikes, there are plenty of opportunities further into the park.
The sheer size and scale of the preserve's ancient redwoods are captivating. The tallest tree in the park, the Parson Jones Tree, is an astounding 310 feet tall, and the 308-foor Colonel Armstrong Tree, the oldest tree in the park, is estimated to be 1,400 years old. Find a part of the preserve where there aren't any other people, take a deep breath of the cool forest air, and it's hard not to believe you've entered another more peaceful world. It's a really special place and its worth the effort to get there.
Learn more about Armstrong Redwoods at www.parks.ca.gov.
If You Go
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is open daily from 8 am to one hour after official sunset. The visitor center ((707) 869-2958) is open from 11 am to 3 pm daily. The preserve is located at 17000 Armstrong Redwoods Road, Guerneville, CA 95446.
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 parking fee ($9 if you have a passenger aged 62+) if you drive into the park or park at the entry lot. Limited free parking is available along Armstrong Redwoods Road on the west side of the road only.
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. The Pioneer Trail is ADA accessible.
On-leash dogs are permitted on the main paved road, in the developed picnic areas, and at your campsite if you're camping at Bullfrog Pond Campground. Dogs are not allowed on any other trails in the preserve. 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.
