Hike the Redwoods at Armstrong Reserve
Visit the Giant Redwoods of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. The ancient coast redwood is the tallest living thing on the planet! These remarkable trees live to be 500-1000 years old and can grow to a diameter of 12 to 16 feet. A few trees survive over 2,000 years and reach 350 feet in height. As you enter the park, you will feel your own pulse drop, and a strange calm will overtake you as you breathe in the fragrant aroma and stroll through the fog-shrouded trails. This “Nature’s Cathedral” is as close to magic as we mortals can imagine.
Sequoia sempervirens, also known as towering coastal redwoods, cover the hillsides of this 805-acre Reserve. With miles of nature trails, visitors can enjoy the forest by foot or horseback. The reserve has a large outdoor amphitheater and numerous picnic facilities (which are available for weddings!). There are no campgrounds in the Reserve, but there are camping facilities at the adjacent Austin Creek State Recreation Area.
Don’t miss Parson Jones Tree, the park’s tallest at 310 feet; The Oldest Tree, Colonel Armstrong Tree, estimated at over 1,400 years old; and the Icicle Tree, which displays unusual burl formations. The Discover Trail offers a wheelchair accessible pathway, interpretive panels in Braille and tree hugging platforms. Check in with Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods for docent led hikes.
In addition to the easy, level stroll through the park, numerous hikes are available, originating from within or just outside the park. These hikes range from 1-mile easy hikes to a moderate to strenuous 3.3-mile hike. Advanced level hikes begin in the Armstrong Redwoods and wind their way into the rolling hills, forests, and grasslands of Austin Creek Recreation Area. These hikes range from 5.6 miles with an 1100’ climb to 9 miles with a 1500’ climb.
Guided Armstrong Nature Trail group hikes are available by appointment and are typically offered for larger groups. For further information, contact Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods at 707-869-9177. The Visitor Center is open daily.
Armstrong Redwoods &
Austin Creek Campgrounds
17000 Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville, Ca
707.869.2958 • www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450
