Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve

About Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve

The Armstrong Redwoods preserve the stately and magnificent Sequoia sempervirens, commonly known as coastal redwoods. The quiet and majestic beauty of this grove still recalls the magnificent redwood that covered much of the area before logging began in the 19th century. Together, these trees bear witness to the wonders of our natural world, and the forests provide the viewer with great inspiration and a place of silent reflection. They offer us comfort from the hectic pace of everyday life, as well as a sense of peace and peace of mind for those in need.

These ancient coastal redwoods are among the tallest living things on the planet; they grow up to 200 - 250 feet high, reach a diameter of 12 - 16 feet and live 500 - 1000 years. Some of these trees rise up to 350 feet and survive for up to 2,000 years, reaching heights of more than 1,000 feet above sea level.

To learn more about these magnificent trees, click on the link "About Coastal Redwoods" on the left. Coastal redwoods are classified as temperate rainforests and require a humid, mild climate to survive. Armstrong Redwood has an average annual rainfall of 55 inches, and the trees are often shrouded in a mystical fog that helps maintain the humid conditions that the redwood needs to survive.

While you can drive to the park, the dramatic effects of the towering sequoias are best experienced on the grounds near the park entrance. Parking is free, but the reserve also includes self-guided nature trails and free parking for up to four vehicles.

Camping is in Redwood Grove, but there is no campground as camping is in Redwoods Grove and the park borders the Austin Creek State Recreation Area. Access to Austin Creek is through the same entrance as Armstrong RedWOOD and forms the subsoil of the rolling hills at the southern end of Armstrong's Red Forest.

For more information, please click the link on the left for information about Armstrong Redwood State Park and the Austin Creek State Recreation Area, or click this link.

When visiting the park, please follow designated paths, do not cross low fences, disturb or remove natural elements in the parks or disturb them. Everything is being done to preserve and protect the forests, but the redwoods ecosystem is very fragile and this can only be done with your help. We hope you enjoy a peaceful and relaxed visit with these inspiring giants.

The area was created in the 1870s by forestry workers as a nature park and botanical garden, who recognised the beauty and natural value of the forests and their potential to be cleared.

In 1917, Sonoma County passed an initiative to acquire the property for $80,000 and operated the grove until 1934, when the state took control. After Armstrong's death, his daughter and the Le Baron family launched a campaign to draw public attention to the need to preserve the last vestiges of the once mighty redwoods. The efforts were successful and in 1936 the grove in Armstrong Redwoods State Park was opened to the public.

The status of the grove was converted into a reserve in 1964, when a greater understanding of its ecological importance led to greater protection and management of this resource.

The picnic area is located 3 - 4 miles from the entrance of the park and is available to groups by reservation. Barbecues, tables and toilets are set in tall trees and the group size is strictly limited to a maximum of 150 people. A seasonal stream winds through the grove in the winter months and a small stream in the summer months.

For more than 100 people, a $0.50 fee per person will be charged, and a 14-day cancellation is required to be refunded.

Ten vehicles have been exempted from the daily registration fee, and other vehicles will be subject to the usual daily registration fee: $1.00 per day per vehicle, totaling $2.50.

This property includes a picnic area for groups, which may not be used for weddings or wedding parties. The picnic areas for these groups may not be used during weddings and wedding celebrations, but only for special occasions.

Reservations are only secure after full payment and reservation forms are sent by post or fax.

This popular establishment is open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm on weekends and public holidays, so early booking is recommended. Reservations on this page can be made online or by phone at 1 - 888 - 745 - 4357 or by e-mail.

Horses are allowed, but not over low fences when walking, and bikes are only allowed on official roads (note private property signs). Dogs are not allowed in the park, except on private land and on a private parking lot. Stay on the designated path, do not cross the lower fence if you are hiking, no horses and no dogs allowed.

Redwoods State Park is open to the public from October 1 to December 31, except for special events and summer events.

From the front parking lot, follow the East Ridge Trail to the picnic area, return to the entrance of Pioneer Trail and all the way back to Redwoods State Park.

From the front parking lot, follow East Ridge Trail to the picnic area, return to Pioneer Trail and all the way back to Redwoods State Park.

Then we head over Pool Ridge Trail to the picnic area, then along Pioneer Trail back to Redwoods State Park and back to the park.

We follow the East Ridge Trail before the parking lot to the picnic area, then follow the Pool Ridge Trail to Armstrong Tree and return to the entrance to the Pioneer Trail.

The following hike starts at Armstrong Redwoods and leads to the rolling hills of East Ridge Trail, Pool Ridge Trail and Pioneer Trail. We follow the east side of Armstrong Grove, past the picnic area, then walk back through the Grove before taking the Pool Ridge Trail to Armstrong Tree and following it back to our parking lot and back into the park.

We take the East Ridge Trail to Bullfrog Creek and then Pioneer Trail, then return to the Grove and take the Pool Ridge Trailhead back up into the Ridge.

Although we experience seasonal closures in the winter months due to poor hiking conditions, we are open for cyclists in the summer months and are always open to riders.

Trailers are allowed on the road that leads from the narrow and windy road to the Austin Creek Recreation Area. You can park your trailer in the parking lot of the Redwoods State Park car park at the end of Austin Road.

Horses can be rented from the private companies that border Armstrong Redwoods, as well as the Austin Creek Recreation Area parking lot and multi-story car park.