Armstrong Redwoods Reserve
Category & Type :
Recreation > PreserveLocation :
17000 Armstrong Woods Road , Guerneville CAPhone :
707-865-2391Description
The reserve includes a visitor center, large outdoor amphitheater, self-guided nature trails, and a variety of picnic facilities. While you can drive into the park, the best way to experience the dramatic affect of the towering redwoods, is to park in the lot at the park entrance and walk in for free. All of the main park features are found along the Pioneer Nature Trail. This trail is a mile and a half long round trip, mostly flat and level with one set of steps.
Picnics:
Our picnic area is 3/4 of a mile form the park entrance. Grills, tables, and restrooms are situated beneath the tall trees and seasonal creeks meander through in the winter months.
A group picnic area is available on a reservation basis. Group size is strictly limited to a maximum of 150 people. The fee for up to 100 people is $150.00- this includes a $35.00 use fee plus a non-refundable $15.00 reservation fee. A 14 day cancellation is required for a refund of the use fee. For more than 100 people there is a charge of .50 per person. The day use fee will be waived for up to ten vehicles. Additional vehicles will be charged standard day use fees. To reserve the Group Picnic Area please contact Liz Beale at 707-865-2394. There is no electrical service in the picnic area and AMPLIFIED MUSIC IS PROHIBITED. We offer two sites within Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve for wedding ceremonies. Anyone interested in having a wedding ceremony should contact Liz Beale at our district office for more information. Facilities include: 9 large picnic tables that can seat 150 people, 1 large BBQ pit, 3 standard size picnic grills, and nearby restrooms. This is a popular facility and we recommend booking early!
Suggested Walks and Hikes:
Dogs are not allowed on any trails in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve or Austin Creek State Recreation Area. Bicycles are allowed on service roads only. Horses are not allowed on the Pioneer or Discovery trail but are permitted on East Austin Creek and Pool Ridge Trails (when the season is open to horses.). Please respect all private property and no trespassing signs when hiking, stay on designated trails, and do not cross low-level fencing.
Easy 1 Mile: Take the Pioneer Trail from the park entrance to the Armstrong Tree and Forest Theater, returning via the same route.
Easy 1.7 Miles: Take the Pioneer Trail from the park entrance to the Armstrong Tree, then to the picnic area, and return.
Moderate 2.2 Miles with a 400' climb: Take the East Ridge Trail from the front parking lot to the picnic area and return to the entrance via the Pioneer Trail.
Moderate 2.3 Miles with a 500' climb: Take the Pioneer Trail from the entrance to the Armstrong Tree. Then take the Pool Ridge Trail to the picnic area. Return to the entrance via the Pioneer Trail.
Moderate to Strenuous 3.3 Miles: This is a combination of the above two hikes. Take the East Ridge trail from the front parking lot to the picnic area. Then take the Pool Ridge Trail to the Armstrong Tree and return to the entrance via the Pioneer Trail.
The following hikes begin in Armstrong Redwoods and into the rolling hills, forests, and grasslands of Austin Creek State Recreation Area, a dramatic contrast to the cool, moist, redwood grove. .
Strenuous 5.6 Miles with 1100' climb: Take the East Ridge Trail from the front parking lot to the Gilliam Creek trailhead. Loop back down to the Grove by taking the Pool Ridge Trail to the Armstrong Tree. Return to the entrance via the Pioneer Trail.
Strenuous 9 Miles with 1500' climb. Take the East Ridge Trail from the front parking lot to Bullfrog Pond Campground. Return via the trail or road to the Pool Ridge Trailhead, taking this trail back to the Grove. Return to the entrance via the Pioneer Trail.
Armstrong Nature Trail guides are only available through an appointment with Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods typically for larger groups, call 707-869-9177.
Horseback Riding
All trails are closed to equestrian use through the winter season. However, when conditions permit, the trails are opened, usually during our peak season in summer. Make sure to call ahead before your visit to find out if the trails are open. Trailers can be parked in our front parking lot or in the east parking lot of the picnic area. No trailers of any type are allowed into the Austin Creek State Recreation Area due to the narrow, one lane, steep and winding mountain road.