- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Rating Details »
17000 Armstrong Woods Rd
Guerneville, CA 95446
(707) 869-2015
Guerneville, CA 95446
(707) 869-2015
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
34 reviews for Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Armstrong Woods is perpetually on the State's "to-be-closed-on-account-of-our-financial-incompet ence" list. This time they appear to be serious and this will be a real tragedy. Access to the park is free on-foot, so if not staying overnight you can walk-in after parking in the lot at the front gate. Treasure the silence and magnificence of the Redwoods, most dating over 100 years and some over 1000 years. You can plan a daylong hike or a simple 1 hour on the valley floor. The trees provide a wonderful canopy of coolness and shade and older visitors can easily undertake the walk.
This is an absolutely gorgeous place of nature. Bring a sandwich and eat in the natural theatre about a 1/3 of a mile from the front gate or anywhere along the walkway.
DOGS on leash are WELCOME. Don't miss it if you are in the area.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
I had always thought that to see redwoods, I had to go much further north--think Avenue of the Giants, on the way to Eureka. I was pleasantly surprised that the group I had been with at Sunset River Beach Park near Forestville decided this would be our next stop on our trip. What I immediately noticed when we started walking into the preserve for an hour or so loop of walking, is how dense the canopy was. Secondly, this dense canopy held in much moisture, which seems essential for these giants to grow. Granted, I'm thinking they're not as tall as the aforementioned redwood forest areas further north, yet they're no less impressive and majestic. Truly amazing not just to see but to experience that which are the lungs of our planet, and think how sad it is this portion of our ecosystem continues to be under attack from our "progress" as humankind. Thankful that a short drive from the North Bay, or even under three hours from Silicon Valley where I make my home, I can easily reach this stand of redwoods. Highly recommended.
Looking for adventure? Here it is...This park is vast and beautiful! Theres camping hiking and even some people on horses! Not to mention the main attraction of the park, the giant redwoods...If you're in the area, you should pay Armstrong Redwoods a visit!
People thought this was:
- Useful (6)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (7)
Armstrong? Try...
Bumstrong.
Legstrong.
Calvestrong.
Anklestrong.
Because serially, after a 3 mile hike, I am all of the above-strong.
I got a map at the Visitor Center for fiddy cents (actually 55 cents after tax). I looked and saw "Bullfrog Pond trail - 3.1 miles" and thought, wow, this is going to be a super easy hike. Bullfrog Pond? Pul-ease.
I totally ignored the 1,100 feet elevation warning that was so blatantly stated on the map.
Bullfrog Pond got the best of me. This hike was pretty steep. They had campgrounds here for the serial-hikers to sleep, rest and then journey on. I should have taken a hint. I am not a serial hiker. I should have left my hiker-ego at the Visitor Center.
As you might have guessed, I didn't make it up to the top of the Bullfrog Pond Trail. Maybe next time.
Beautiful, beautiful views. Gorgeous Redwoods - I saw a couple of thousand-year-old trees. I also saw two Armenian families with 2 very mad looking mothers, 5 crying children, and 2 dads carrying a big stroller up a very, very steep trail. Happy Easter Sunday.
People thought this was:
- Useful (9)
- Funny (8)
- Cool (10)
One amazing park. The trees are huge and ancient. The chipmunks have bushy tails. The educational bits are helpful for a redwood tyro like myself.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
AMAZING hiking!! A great place, good marked trails, steep, fantastic place!!! Trails that are 2-14 miles in length. I recommend this place due to the proximately to the town, 2.5 miles.
This is a little slice of heaven for anybody that enjoys spending time hiking, picnicking, and/or enjoying the natural redwood beauties of California. As one local resident noted, walking through the Armstrong Redwoods grove and breathing in the air is like ingesting a powerful wellness enhancing tonic.
It's amazing how quiet and peaceful the woods can be even when you have lots of visitors. There are a few trails for visitors to traverse. I took the East Ridge Trail, but there are a few others that are more challenging.
A tip is to park outside the park in the visitors center to save $7.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (1)
Took a hike w/ the fam here on an overcast but windless Saturday, which was nice because we drove to the top of the park and started out on an exposed section of Pond Ridge Trail before dropping beneath the treeline. From the top, we looked out and saw numerous ridge lines in green and blue shades sitting below the horizon like layer cake - gorgeous.
But the magic of Armstrong (and the real reason why we decided to visit) lies in the giant redwoods, most of which are contained in the lower section of the park (near the visitor's center). Spend a few quiet minutes in the Forest Theater where 20+ rows of wooden benches and a small stage are surrounded by 200+ foot redwoods. The recent rains and lush forest made me think of Degobah (sp?) where Luke meets Yoda for the first time. The park has a feel similar to Muir Woods, but with much fewer tourists.
ps - I also recommend exploring some cool small towns (Occidental and Monte Rio) if you drive from Guerneville towards the coast/Bodega Bay.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (1)
I will say right now that I am completely biased with this place. I met my husband here 11 years ago, so if it weren't for Armstrong I wouldn't be the woman I am today.
That being said, it is one of the most majestic places I have ever been. The hiking is incredible, not too steep, not too far but gets you removed enough to make you feel alone in nature. The camping is serene and clean. No showers that I can remember but not sure if that changed.
I wish they still had the theater open but it was closed years ago. Not sure if you can still walk around it or not I just know that this is one of the gems of Sonoma County and if you are up in this area you should get your butt out here and experience it. It was one of the parks that the Governator was trying to shut down last year. Hopefully that doesn't happen.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (1)
A couple of things happen to you when you walk into a Redwood Forest.
First of all, it gets cold, somewhere between 5 - 10 degrees cooler from where you parked the car.
Then it gets quiet. Real Quiet. Too Quiet. Like something or someone is waiting around a corner to mug you or shoot you or grab your wallet or stick their iron-like fist through your stomach and pull out your innards and munch them.
Then your neck starts to ache ever so little as you have been walking around looking up at the tops of the trees, which are so high you can't see anything except the trunk of the tree rolling into the distance like some sort of vertical highway.
Then you start to calm down and embrace the the entire enveloping environment. Best of all is the silence, nothing but your footfalls and the the rustle of the leaves. No, that's not the best - the best is the sheer enduring puissance ( there - I said it) and majesty of these trees. Like freaking Egyptian temples. Like Gods. Like 1300 year old 400 foot high massive wooden living Gods.
Then you start to read some of the charts and you get a little sad. 85% of these trees are gone. Of the remaining 15% only 5% are protected and 10% of these trees are up for grabs. How in under God can that possibly be? Can't we pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of ....these trees?
Yes We Can.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
Great place for some hikes through the redwoods and a nice place to catch some shade after being sunburned out on Johnson's Beach. I am surprised at all the 5 star reviews though. Not that it's not really nice, but I never thought of it as an OMG AMAZING place. Just your standard park. I could see someone freaking out over Samuel P Taylor or Mt Tam parks but Armstrong? Heh.
Everyone in our family was excited for this stop on our trip! We don't have trees like this out on the east coast! We did the Discovery trail where you see the tallest and oldest trees, the root system etc. We made it to the picnic area where we had lunch, then our group split and went 2 different ways. my husband and I did the 5.6 mile loop ( East Ridge Trail, Gilliam Creek Trail, Pool Ridge Trail) past Bullfrog Pond, past the ceramics place, past the horse stables and out to where we were above the Redwoods and had an AMAZING view of the surrounding area. It was a great hike, a good workout, and if you have the stamina I would highly recommend it!
One of the most beautiful, serene, quiet, majestic places that you can easily get to. Redwood groves have a special kind of inexplicable silence that takes my breath away.
I have wandered the trails for hours and camped in Austin Creek. I have made love in one of the lightning-hollowed trees. I have sat very very still and just listened to the lack of sound.
I cannot readily express how special this park is to me.
Get's the redwood job done quickly.
If you want to see the 2 minute redwood forest, then this is the place.
Small, compact, and easy to get in and out with the photos.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! Armstrong Woods is a must see for anyone visiting the Russian River area. As locals, we always share the woods with company. There is something for everyone... from a simple picnic in the woods (you can drive in), to a simple stroll through the woods, OR the most challenging hike. In summer, its a welcome shady retreat. In Winter, its a stunning escape filled with magical streams & ponds. Year round wildlife, excellent park information, plus the adjacent 5000+ acre Austin Creek Reserve make this the place to escape from overpopulated mainstream destinations. Bonus: FREE parking, if you park at the large parking lots near the entrance.
Ah-nuld is becoming a girly man, yah...he wants to close Armstrong Redwoods this year as part of his deficit reduction program. He is not ready to pump us up.
I prefer Clint Eastwood anyway. He was in a big movie musical once a long time ago. He even sang..."I talk to the trees...but they don't listen to me." Seriously. The sight of the towering redwoods really did make me want to break out in song, but I spared my fellow park visitors...and sang "The Ballad of the Green Berets" instead.
Anyway, it sure is pretty here. Even bigger than the more popular Muir Woods, it has lots of easy trails and the coolness provided by the natural canopy makes them a cinch to walk even on a warm day. While you can drive in for $6, the more logical thing to do is walk in for free since most of the key sights are within a mile of the park entrance.
The ranger at the booth is especially helpful, and there is a visitors' center in the parking lot, too. Unlike Muir Woods, you can actually picnic in a clearing about 3/4 of a mile from the entrance. Just a quick drive from Guerneville proper, it's a lot more peaceful than Muir Woods even if it is farther out for us city dwellers.
So hurry and enjoy the redwoods here while you can. Ah-nuld, you should go back to the gym and let us enjoy our own Vienna Woods...yah!
People thought this was:
- Useful (9)
- Funny (8)
- Cool (9)
This one of the most beautiful places to camp...not that I am a professional camper, I just love coming to this place.
I just found it this is one of the parks that they are closing, what a sad shame. :-( I will miss coming here
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (1)
This is by far one of my most favorite places to go hiking with the guys at work. So beautiful. I love taking the steep trail and looping back around on pioneer trail. so beautiful. I wish we had more time to do the big loop out to bullfrog pond...but we don't. ALSO it would be so nice if I could bring my DOG here...fuckers, losing a star for that one.
Though I am so happy that this place is not one of the parks closing anymore. God bless you lobbyists, god bless each and every one of you.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
Beautiful. Enjoyed a day of hiking here. A nice mellow path with great sights.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
the best hike i've done yet in the bay area. what an amazing place. the redwoods are just awesome. we were not in a good physical shape but were able to complete the bullfrog pond hike. very good but somewhat long and difficult hike.
the information about the redwoods is very interesting.
it'd be a shame if this park is closed due to the state budget deficits.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
Here we are in Guerneville for our 3rd annual "escape the family drama" Thanksgiving celebration. If you've never been up here, you should check it out for sure. Yes, it has a bit of a meth haven feel to it, but you have to know where to go to find the serenity. Your first stop should be Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve.
We went for a 3 mile hike there today and were blown away by the massive redwoods, moss-covered rocks and trees, amazing views, and overall serenity of this state park. Forget Muir Woods, this place is more impressive in my opinion. You don't have the crowds and the hype, but you do have the awe-inspiring redwoods and abundance of beautiful hiking trails. Okay, back to the hot tub and champagne. This is living.
People thought this was:
- Useful (7)
- Cool (5)
We were here on a girls weekend. Not really dressed for a trip in the forrest. But we did our best!
It was beautiful. We wish we had more time. But we came and saw and didn't harm any small creatures or damage any trees so I'd say we did good.
There were people camping there and some were having picnics. There were plenty of parking. Some of the roads driving around were pretty tight. But manageable.
A must see if your in the area. Next time I will definitely take my time.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (2)
Some of the most beautiful equestrian trails in Sonoma County... just amazing. Trailer your own horse out here or rent one and go on a string ride at Austin Creek a little deeper into the park.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
I walk here every time I'm near here. Giant trees, many with that hollowed-out Keebler-Elf-in-real-life goodness. Dogs love walking there, trails meander among giant trees but are flat enough to allow 80-year-old grandmas. Each year someone climbs up on the gigantic felled tree and poses like Goliath -- it looks much larger once you're up there.
Take a break from the wineries and the mud baths; it's worth it.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
Giant, beautiful trees.
People thought this was:
- Useful (5)
- Funny (5)
- Cool (9)
We just camped up in the State park in Armstrong Redwoods, I believe the park with the campground is actually Austin Creek State Park, but its only accessible through the Armstrong entrance.
Camping there was great. A small campground, first come first serve. In the winter, a bit cold, but fine if you're prepared for it, and the great thing was super clear night skies and fairly few campers.
The sad thing is this park is on the list of parks that would be closed by Arnold's proposed budget cuts.
http://www.sfgate.com/...
I'm going to do what I can to see that this doesn't happen. Write letters to state legislature representatives.. other ideas? If you enjoy California's state parks definitely do what you can to keep them open!
Walking along the ground level and gauging the girth of the old growth trees is a trip in itself. Just mammoth, and you get a sense of what life was like here before humans screwed it up.
Make sure to hike up to the top of one of the mountains (you can drive 90% of the way there, is you aren't in shape) to get a view of the Pacific and the regional mountain range that is unparalleled.
This Park is my favorite in the generously defined Bay Area....and I go to a lot of Parks--see my other reviews.
I found this place to be my quick fix to solitude (with ancient redwoods), since I doubt I'll be going to Mendocino.
Any-who, I was a little disappointed and again to see what was once here and what is pretty much almost gone. It's amazing to me how citizens allow big corporations or any one to cut down these wonders of the world. How can the Bohemian Club, the richest and most powerful, even consider killing more old trees. Well I answered my own question, they are most powerful and rich. POWER TO THE PEOPLE!
Okay, back to reality. It was nice to visit another old grove - the last one in this county. The trees are amazing and I hope to come back and go beyond the flat trails... I considered giving this park 4 stars but how could I. They are truly one of a kind, no matter how many neighbors they have.
Visited 12/31/2007.
This is a lovely intimate state park located just outside the city of Guerneville in the Russian River area. It is only 800 acres but contains some of the most beautiful redwoods in the state. The rainfall here is about 55 inches a year with the trees often shrouded in fog. The trees love the weather and thrive. The park has self-guided nature trails and plenty of picnic facilities. You can park at the entrance or pay $6 to drive into the park. Your Russian River experience should definitely include some downtime sitting at a picnic table here. Bring along some local cheese and wine. Relax. Oh, and check out these two trees: (1) the 1,400 year old Colonel Armstrong and (2) the 310 feet high Parson Jones.
People thought this was:
- Useful (16)
- Cool (16)
A must see before Arnie closes it! I'm going tomorrow!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (1)
Serenely majestic forest scenery. No people. Much better than Muir Woods. You can bring your dog in. Pack a picnic and air out those urban lungs. This was the highlight of our stay.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
This place is beautiful and serene. I never knew the flap of a birds wings could make so much noise until I heard it here.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
redwoods, redwoods, more redwoods
People thought this was:
- Funny (1)
Great park with lots of giant redwoods (as per the name). The trails near the park entrance are relatively easy - flat and smooth. The tree cover is dense, so it'll be good in the summer for a cool walk.
No comments about the longer walks - didn't have time to make any.
