Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve
Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve is a serene park in California that features majestic coast redwood trees, providing a peaceful environment for hiking and nature exploration.
This Grove was established as a living testament to the beautiful ancient redwood forest that initially covered the majority of this region before the beginning of logging activities in the 19th century, and its tranquil, regal grandeur serves as a reminder of that time and place. Coast redwoods, or Sequoia sempervirens, are protected on 805.0 acres at Armstrong Redwoods. These trees represent the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
The Grove is a peaceful retreat from the stresses of everyday life, providing visitors with a wealth of ideas and a chance for introspection. The towering coast redwood stands taller than any other living tree.
Incredibly, these trees can survive for 500-1000 years, reach a height of 200-250 feet, and have a trunk diameter of 12-16 feet! Some trees live for over 2000 years and reach 350 feet or more. Armstrong Redwoods receives an average of 55 inches of rain a year, and the trees are often shrouded in a perplexing mist that aids in keeping soil and air fresh.
History of Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve
Colonel James Armstrong, a lumberman who appreciated the aesthetic and ecological significance of the woodlands he worked in, designated this area as a park and garden of plants in the 1870s.
After his death, Armstrong’s daughter and the Le Baron family vigorously campaigned to protect this final relic of the once magnificent redwood forest by holding public meetings, demonstrations, and car-caravans. Sonoma County voters approved investing $80,000 in land in 1917. In 1934, California took over the Grove from Sonoma County.
Features of Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve
The reserve has several unique picnic areas, a tourist center, a huge outdoor amphitheater, and self-guided nature walks. You can drive into the park, but parking in the free lot and walking in is the best way to take in the majestic redwoods. A stroll along relatively flat, wheelchair-friendly paths can reach the park’s attractions.
Camping At Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve
Armstrong Redwoods State Park does not have a site, but the Austin Creek State Recreation Area is nearby and has camping. Austin Creek is next to the park and has a different scenery from the redwood grove. It has rolling hills, open fields, conifers, and oaks, making it a beautiful place to camp. Camping at Austin Creek, which has the same entrance as Armstrong Redwoods, allows tourists to see the majestic redwood forest and the beautiful hills and meadows around them. It gives them a more varied outdoor experience.
Picnic At Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve
It’s about a mile and a half from the park’s entrance to the picnic spot. In the cooler months, seasonal creeks wind through the area, passing by the picnic tables, grills, and bathrooms. You can reserve a picnic space for your group.
There is a hard cap of 150 participants for any one group. The reservation charge is $15.00, and the use price is $35.00, for a total of $150.00 for up to 100 persons. The usage cost is nonrefundable within the first 14 days of cancellation. There will be a $.50 per person surcharge for groups over 100.
Trail At Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve
Equestrians can ride on the East Ridge Trail and the Pool Ridge Trail; however, the routes are subject to temporary restrictions due to hazardous trail conditions during certain winter months. Our front of the parking lot east of the picnic area is available for parking trailers. As a result of how small and winding the road is, trailers are not permitted to be driven on it as it continues into the Austin Creek Recreation Area.
Address: 17000 Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446, United States
Phone: +1 707-869-2015
Management: California State Parks
Established: 1934
