Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

A Wonderful Stroll Among Giants. We had such a fantastic time visiting this park! It's a lovely, small redwood park that offers a truly enjoyable experience for families, even with little ones. We really appreciated how nicely leveled and mostly flat the trail path was. This made for an incredibly easy and pleasant walk, and we were even able to navigate it with our lightweight stroller without any issues – a huge plus for parents! While mostly flat, there were some nicely varied, gentle elevation changes that added to the experience without being strenuous. Walking among the towering redwoods was absolutely breathtaking and incredibly peaceful. It truly is a serene escape. A big bonus for us was the small play area near the trees, which was perfect for entertaining our toddler and letting them burn off some energy. We highly recommend this park for anyone looking for an accessible, beautiful walk amongst majestic trees. It's perfect for a relaxing outing with family!

Very beautiful! Definitely go in a weekday. There is plenty of parking in the morning. $10 parking fee. Free parking on the outside of the parking lot. Bathrooms as well are pretty decent. Enjoy your hike to the smallest waterfall ever, hahaha. But the hike on the trails is WORTH IT! Definitely family friendly.

"What an incredible place to experience the majesty of the redwood forest! If you're looking for an easy and flat walk among giants, this is it. The paths are perfect for all ages, making it a fantastic outing for families. We absolutely loved our time here, and the $10 parking fee per car was well worth it for such an amazing natural wonder. I would suggest getting there somewhat earlier especially during the weekend/summer time. Highly recommend!"

Watching a movie under the towering redwoods at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is one of the most unique and peaceful experiences I’ve had in Northern California. I went for one of their “movie nights” at the Forest Theater, and it completely exceeded my expectations. The setting alone is worth the visit—a short walk through the grove leads you to a small open-air theater surrounded by ancient trees that seem to glow under the evening light. It feels like a secret tucked away in the forest. The film they played was about the redwoods themselves, and I honestly learned so much. It wasn’t just nature footage—it covered the history, ecology, and the incredible science behind these trees, including how they grow, communicate, and the threats they face. There was even a Q&A afterward with a redwood researcher, which made the experience feel really personal and grounded. What I appreciated most was how thoughtful the whole event felt. Everything was well-organized, and the vibe was very relaxed—families, couples, and solo visitors all just soaking in the forest atmosphere and learning something new together. It’s rare to find an event that feels both fun and meaningful. If you’re anywhere near Guerneville and love nature or quiet, meaningful experiences, this is worth planning around. Bring a blanket, dress warm, and just enjoy being among giants while learning about them. I’d go again in a heartbeat. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you.

Amazing experience. So much better than Muir Woods. The Armstrong tree is huuuuuuge and the quiet, secluded environment is so pleasant and relaxing. If you arrive at park early, no one is there. You can use the automated kiosk to get in and park almost next to the Armstrong and Parsons….the 1400 and 1300 year old 300+ feet Redwoods. There are decks for touching specific redwoods to feel the energy.

Absolutely breathtaking! Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is a must-visit for anyone seeking natural beauty and tranquility. Prepare to be awestruck by the towering redwood trees that seem to touch the sky. Walking among these giants is a truly humbling and unforgettable experience. The park boasts a fantastic network of trails catering to all fitness levels. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll on the paved Discovery Trail or a more challenging hike through the forest, you'll find the perfect path to immerse yourself in the serene surroundings. The trails are well-maintained and offer stunning views at every turn. From the sun-dappled forest floor to the majestic canopy above, Armstrong Redwoods is a feast for the senses. The air is fresh and crisp, filled with the subtle scent of redwood. It's a peaceful escape where you can reconnect with nature and recharge your soul. Don't miss the chance to experience the magic of these ancient giants – plan your visit today!

An absolutely incredible experience. The trails are amazing. They are level and very well maintained. You'll spend the entire time in AW of the beauty and just how majestic these trees are, truly. You can drive to the back of the park and loop back around. It is one very narrow lane, so large trucks and SUVs, I would recommend parking back at the entrance/ranger station area and walking the trails. It would be very hard to yield to people walking and another vehicle trying to get around you. The park is not very large.

Cool park with interesting history and biodiversity. Saw some salamanders and tiny birds, though not much else in terms of wildlife. There are minimal supplies and no cell service so make sure to pack water, snacks, and download a map before arrival if you're crafty like that. There are paths to higher altitude but they require a moderate hike to get to

I'm in the Armstrong Woods a lot. New feature -- Saturday and Sunday docent led walks at 10 where you may see things you've not been noticing when you've been there in the past. A note to the reviewers who think the Walbridge fire 'skirted' the Austin Creek Bullfrog Pond campground in 2020: The fire took out the bathrooms, several campsites, and the potable water. It also burned sections of the already-substandard road to the campground. Lack of resources has meant that it has taken longer than anyone hoped to open again. The Stewards want it open, too.

Lovely redwood forest near bodega bay. The trails are all well maintained, they separated the paved trails for cars and pets. Visitors can enjoy the views and peaceful nature by walking along the trails without having to share the trails with traffic. There's volunteers on the special landmarks to provide useful information. They're all very friendly and knowledgeable. Will be back soon.

Very peaceful on a morning rainy day! Highly recommend wearing proper footwear if it's rainy or has been raining as the soil can get muddy and puddle up in some areas. Dogs: allowed on paved areas only

A good rain had fallen the day before so we knew the paths would be wet but we were anxious to get some exercise and see some memorable sights. The day was a bit overcast with light drizzle but it didn't cut down on the crowds. Many people had the same idea as us. The parking lot was full at noon when we arrived, so we had to drive around and find street parking and walk in. We parked about a mile down the road. There is a visitor center with a map of the trails posted outside. As soon as we entered the park, I was in awe at the gorgeous, majestic redwoods. Some mist and fog were hanging around the tree tops and it was a perfect photo opportunity to capture these enormous beauties. We took the Pioneer Nature Trail where we ran into one of the oldest redwoods called Parson Jones, over 300 feet tall. A little further down the path, we ran into Colonel Armstrong which is around 1,400 years old and also over 300 feet tall! The park is well maintained and has clear signage explaining the redwoods root system, burl growth, fire ecology and which direction to go for certain trails. There is a Redwood Forest Theater with seating and a raised area in the front where I attended a wedding many years ago. We also saw a waterfall a short distance from the picnic area which was another good photo opportunity. There is a ton to explore and a good reason to make multiple trips to be amongst these incredible giants. Dogs are not allowed on the trails but they can accompany you on the paved roads. There are restrooms and wheelchair accessible paths clearly marked on the map and throughout the park.

Which location will I miss most now living in Marin after 8 years in Sonoma County? Armstrong or Bodega, I'm certain it's Armstong Redwoods, they call to me, they make the air so clean, so quiet and majestic, a primordial presence unlike anywhere else on earth. Only on the north west coast can you experience their majesty. This is why we must be outspoken stewards of our precious and fragile world treasures, why we must do by our magical planet. If you have not witnessed the majesty of this incredible place and need some inspiration or motivation to become a planet protector, look no farther.

This is a truly special place. We were in Napa Valley for the week and made sure to visit this place on our trip. This is my first time in a real redwood forest. I didn't see much in the way of wildlife other than a Pacific Wren but others could be heard. There weren't many people visiting the forest while we were there so it was nice. The only advice I can give others is to look at the local weather forecast and subtract about 20° from the temperature because it's much colder in a forest.

I love everything about this park! The redwoods are so beautiful and the park is well maintained with groomed paths and signs to mark location and paths. Parking is 10 dollars if you park in the parking lot near the visitor center. The gift a shop is located near the parking lot as well next to the restrooms. I highly recommend coming here if you are in town with friends or dogs or family.

I love Armstrong Redwood State Park. I grew up in this area and it's my go to spot to take people who have never seen redwoods before. Recently I took my mom who is in a wheelchair and my mother in law who was visiting from Vietnam. Neither of them are much of hikers but the pioneer Trail was the perfect place to take them. The trail Is nice and flat so that even a wheelchair can make the trip easy. They have a lot of great longer/harder hikes you can do as well. Highly recommended stopping here if you are in the area.

I really enjoyed my visit here. Parking was easy, and the trails are straightforward. Although there can be a good amount of foot traffic, the trails are long rough where you can enjoy some momentary tranquility and just take in the forest environment. Not a lot of park rangers here to enforce ways we can respect the natural wilderness. People should definitely not be going off trail and disturbing the natural habitat. Some people even had ideas to encircle a redwood tree for a photo. In any case, nice place for a solo nature excursion or with a group.

What a beautiful park! I'm so glad I had a chance to visit. There is a $10 charge per vehicle and $9 if there is someone 62 or older in the vehicle. It's definitely worth the cost to see the magnificent Sequoia sempervirens, which are the tallest living things on the planet. Some of the trees are over 1,000 years old and between 12 - 16 feet in diameter and 200.to 250.feet high. It is very peaceful here. A great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. I recommend the Pioneer Nature Trail, which is a paved mile and a half walk. Also, there is an amphitheater that seats 400 people.

Monday, 703/2023 - Took our little one to check out Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve to learn about the red woods and nature. This place is beautiful. I love nature, so it is always beautiful out there. Lol. We took a short hike, taught her about nature and the red woods, took some photos, look for bugs and plants and then left. Today was the perfect temperature to go walking in nature! https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450

Had a wonderful hike early Saturday morning with my husband while visiting Santa Rosa for the weekend. We got into the park at 8 am and there was no one there. Lots of parking and empty trails. We had a wonderful hike. Saw the colonel Armstrong tree which is about 1400 years old. Amazing !!!!!! Breathtaking !!!!! Beautiful !!!!! The sound of the creek and the birds chirping made our hike even more magical. Overall a wonderful park to visit.

We visited Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Guerneville and enjoyed it. If you've never seen redwoods up close and in person or if you like redwoods in general, this is one of several good options in California. I recommend it if you've never seen redwoods in-person before. Armstrong is technically located north of Guerneville proper, in Sonoma County. We happened to be vacationing in Sonoma Valley so Armstrong was convenient to us, which is why we chose Armstrong over other redwood parks. We had just visited the significantly-more-popular Muir Woods National Monument in Marin County, roughly an hour drive north of San Francisco, two days earlier: https://www.yelp.com/biz/muir-woods-national-monument-mill-valley. The weather was great - sunny, clear, warm/moderate, and not humid - both during our Thursday 3:40pm visit to Muir Woods and Saturday 1:40pm visit to Armstrong. The crowd levels were also the same: light. Those factors equal, I much preferred Muir Woods to Armstrong. The reasons why are: (1) Muir Woods felt more dense. More trees, around and above. (2) Collectively and individually, the trees at Muir Woods were more impressive. They were thicker than the ones we saw at Armstrong. Taller, I'm not sure. (3) The atmosphere at Muir Woods felt a lot more magical and fantastical, almost like we were on another planet. (4) Muir Woods was more picturesque. (5) Armstrong, while good in its own right, definitely had more of that public park vibe. Muir Woods just felt special, even though it is public too. Muir Woods is a national monument whereas Armstrong is a state park. At the time of our visits, Muir Woods charged an admission fee of $15 per person. Reservations had to be booked and fees had to be paid online beforehand. They couldn't be done on-site, an inconvenience if you don't know and don't plan ahead. Armstrong didn't have an admission fee and no reservation was required. Armstrong did have a parking fee of $10, but only if you drove far enough into the park. There was free parking in the front parking lot, which is where we parked. There were several open spaces when we arrived. We had a 2023 GMC Yukon SUV with seven people. The roads leading into and out of Armstrong were flat, but narrow and tight, especially for our large SUV. Ultimately though, the roads and parking were fine. Since we visited both parks within 48 hours, it was hard for me not to compare. Armstrong had a conveniently-located nice picnic table area and OK-at-best restrooms near the front parking lot. We started to hike up the relatively-steep Pool Ridge Trail, but quickly realized it was more effort than our lazy and out-of-shape group wanted to take. We ended up taking an enjoyable, leisurely stroll on the flat trails near the front of the park: Pioneer Nature Trail, Armstrong Nature Trail, and Discovery Trail. These were easy, accessible walking trails. Great for all ages. We probably walked about two miles total on these trails, from the car and back. The highlight for us was the Colonel Armstrong Tree. The sign in front of it said its height was 308 feet, its diameter was 14.6 feet, and its approximate age was 1,400 years. That's an old tree. Redwoods are also known as sequoias.

I came to Amstrong Redwood State Natural Reserve twice now. Can't remember which trail I took the first time but I took the accessible trail this time because my mom and mother-in-law were with me and they needed an easy trail. The trail is very flat, well maintained and beautiful with lots of shades. Love seeing how grand the big redwood trees are. The 1300 year-old tree is impressive. It isn't super big in diameter but it is very tall though. They also have information panels along the way. We didn't read them much but if you have time, I'd recommend. Even though we picked an accessible trail, my mother-in-law who is in a wheelchair couldn't go for too long because the surface isn't flat so she felt too much vibration which wasn't comfortable. Hope this information can be helpful if you have a family member in a wheelchair. You have to pay for parking ($10) if you park in the parking lot. You can park on the street for free and walk over but why not help the park with $10 :)

My kids and I love going to Armstrong woods! There is an easy walk on a wide Trail through gorgeous redwoods that leads to a river and a picnic area . We've gone there with friends and family numerous times over the years . We're blessed that we only live 45 minutes away so it's easy to get to. If you're ever in Sonoma County you definitely need to go to Armstrong woods!

Came here to see the beautiful red wood trees. When we arrived the whole entire park was very clean, and kept clean throughout. The trees were absolutely breathtaking. The hiking was such a great experience. During the routes they had different information on each trees we were looking at . I would definitely recommend spending the day here, because there are so many beautiful different trails that you could take.

Great easy little walk with the puppies! Hee $10 to park, unless you don't mind more walking. Hee. Free parking on the street, outside the park grounds. I have never been to this particular state for us before, but I really loved all the different paths and trails. Some of the signs were a bit confusing since they seem to be doing an update, but I really like all the extra benches they're adding in the way they're reusing what seems to be old trees as a barricade/fence along the trails. You can't take dogs to this particular state forest, but you have to go on particular pass. So be wary of that. There are also a handful of different animals nearby and my dogs loved smelling the deer and luckily, we came across three!! We did check their paws for ticks after, and since we stayed on the trails, everything was pretty cleaned up along the way. I definitely want to come back to this particular park again because it was really quite pleasant and an easy flat trail to walk across. Plus I never got to go inside there visitor center and check out the gift shop. By the time we got back from our walk, it was already closed. Lol

Awesome beauty! I just love redwoods and here you have a great opportunity to walk beneath them and walk wonderful trails and see so much of the forest floor with the ferns and greenery. Was pretty busy on the weekend but you can certainly get your space alone on the trail and get away from people still, which is nice. If I was in the area during the week I would certainly come then. Jealous of all the locals who have this place anytime they want. There is a fee to enter but you can drive inside and park and take trails from there. Hubby told me there was more to explore before but fires damaged some parts so you can no longer drive up there. I loved the serenity of the place and feeling the energy of these majestic trees was amazing!

I would give Armstrong woods 10 stars! This is the best kept secret. We visit every year. This year we had out of state visitors and took them to Muir Woods and Armstrong. We all agreed that Armstrong Woods is a far superior redwood grove and way more peaceful. We encountered no loud obnoxious tourists - were we couldn't avoid them at Muir Woods. Seriously- this is the best redwood experience without going further north to Humboldt.

2024 and still, Bullfrog Campground is inexplicably closed to the public, though we have heard from trusted local sources that it mostly skirted the fire. Non-profits working with the National Parks have begun (hoarding for themselves) closing off the best parts of the parks and creating barriers for taxpayers to get up close and personal with nature. The only way around this is from the inside: to work for the non-profits or national park system to gain VIP access to the wilderness that should be accessible to all who pay for said services. National Parks and their affiliated services were originally created to provide guaranteed access to beautiful lands to all, regardless of social class or origin; however I'm afraid like so many things corruption has prevailed and only the elite "Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods" can behold the premier sites as our hard earned dollars pay their lofty salaries. Shameful.

This is a fantastic, must visit vacation or day trip venue in Northern California. The Redwood forest here is a sight to see with beautiful ground covers consisting of clovers and ferns. These huge redwoods will take your breath away. Its amazing that some of the redwoods here are 1400 years old! I highly recommend bringing the family here and then planning a picnic lunch. There is no per adult entry fee. Instead, they charge $10 for parking -- per vehicle. BTW the campgrounds are closed until further notice (after a Forrest fire a couple of years back).

Sometimes you just want to do a simple activity that isn't going to ruin your budget like a hike to clear your head. I had told my boyfriend that I've been wanting to go to hike and be around redwoods and he brought me here. My boyfriend and I came in early and found parking easily, paid the lady on the lot for the parking and we went on our way. We walked our pathway, with lots of picture taking. I learned about the creatures, plant life and trees that inhabit this area. There was something peaceful and being at ease walking and being amongst the redwood trees who have existed way before us. It was a quiet and reflective walk. Almost zen like and therapeutic. Perhaps it's nature's way of healing and clearing but it helped clear my boyfriend's mind. This place is one his sanctuaries. For me, it cleared my soul.

A must for anyone visiting Guernville! Biked through on a Friday afternoon and was blown away by how peaceful and 'remote' you feel upon entering this regional park. There are ADA accessible trails that enable the entire family to participate, regardless of mobility limitations. The reserve is modestly sized, but feels like you've been transported to another world as you stroll beneath the towering sentinels of the forest. There are informational placards along the footpaths that give history and facts for what you see. A great outdoor, educational activity for all ages!

Quiet, beautiful place to hike among the redwood trees. Lady in the little gift shop was super friendly and nice, make sure to pay her a visit. If you're not comfortable with driving winding narrow single lane roads with oncoming traffic, avoid Rio Nido Rd on the way there.

Armstrong Redwoods holds a very special place in my heart. It's been years but I was finally able to visit these regal Redwoods again. Upon entrance, I learned my favorite and famed camping spot, Bullfrog pond, and the chorus of amphibians it held, was evaporated, destroyed by recent ravaging fire. It was heartbreaking how much was lost to fire. Luckily Redwood trees are resilient! The park has a visitor center, ample parking, restrooms, accessible trails-some flat and easier for those who require a wide path and smooth terrain. The majestic towering trees, and the sunlight filtering through the canopy of the forest never fails to inspire wonder, amazement and reflection. I'm a firm believer in nature therapy and "forest-bathing" (known as "shinrin-yoku" in Japanese). Treat yourself to a stroll among these peaceful giants!

Beautiful redwoods walking trail. We went at about 10:45 am on a day between Christmas and New Year's and got a parking spot, but when we left there was a very long line of cars and people were parking on the side of the road outside the park. Get there early if you can.

Step into nature's bounty, feel the strength and power of these amazing redwoods. Go to listen to what nature is saying. Many quiet spots for meditation and communing with nature. Good hiking trails and places to enjoy a picnic. Take a stool to sit on and your camera. Look carefully for banana slugs and other small animals. I love to sit near the stream and listen to the water. Uplifting experience!

Haven't been there for several years and apparently they also suffered during a fire but many trails are open now. It is still so magical to be able to walk among these majestic giants. We got there right after it opened so. most of our walk was really quiet. So close to town but such a wonderful place to unwind.

This is a miracle that we found as our gos brought us in a neighborhood with very narrow streets. We made it though and it was so unexpected how this park was a mini Muir Woods but less people, quiet, and only ten dollars. The trails are groomed well and easy walking. The total time we spent was 2 hours and favorite part it the Forest Theatre. Well worth the drive to visit.

I love the great outdoors!!! This park did not disappoint. This is the third red woods hiking trail I've been on. There were several easy trails. We tried a trail that was within the forest not on the paved area. It kept elevating and got increasingly intense so we returned to the main paved path. Parking is limited around 11am-3pm. The staff said everyone leaves after 3pm so there's a lot of parking. We were able to walk on all the paved trails within an hour and half. I'm an avid hiker and I'd have to say the main paved paths are very easy. I saw pregnant people, parents with strollers, and small children on the trails. If you veer off to the path within the forest, just be warned it get intense very quickly. Also this park has ticks. There are signs in the visitors office so be careful. This park is more for the sights than the hike itself.

My favorite place to get away. It's extremely accessible and well shaded. Parking is free if you park outside the main entrance. Also, make your way to the Colonel Armstrong tree and you'll often find the volunteer guide, Bob. He's an incredible wealth of knowledge from everything from the park itself to the history of the area, and he also has good recommendations for other activities.

If you need to "beat the heat" or "escape the city" or "get some fresh air" or just go for a hike then Armstrong Redwoods is definitely my #1 recommendation. Plenty of paths/elevations to choose from. Paved roads or dirt roads. Bathrooms at entrance and inside the park. Picnic tables are also available. Careful, stay on designated paths, plenty of poison oak!

Of course, the redwoods are impressive as in all trees are to be revered and preserved. Armstrong is a mostly second growth grove, with a handful of outstanding old-growth specimens. They are well-marked with signs - you can't miss them. Smooth, easy to navigate trails. Many trees charred during the fires in 2020, but are still standing tall and proud. Such breathtaking resiliency. Having been up in Humboldt Country to experience the redwoods there, Armstrong was a disappointment. Humboldt blew my mind open. Armstrong - lovely and peaceful - does not hold a candle to the parks further north.

Had never been to a redwood forest and this was a convenient spot to pop into for an easy 2 mile hike in and out with restrooms at both ends of the trail loop. $10 state parking pass. Woman in the gift shop was very helpful. Beautiful to see!

Beautiful state park. It has two trails which are both relatively short if you're looking for more of a casual stroll but together they make a good hike. It's a lesser known park so it's a little more secluded and quiet which makes enjoying the outdoors much more personal. If you come right as they open you'll often be the only person there. In the winter the park has a small creek running through which adds some lovely ambiance. There's also frequent benches for anyone who needs a rest which I really appreciate since my partner is disabled! The park itself is very wheelchair accessible! Definitely a great day to spend any afternoon!

I honestly have never heart of Armstrong Redwoods but when I googled hiking trails in Santa Rosa, this location popped up and I'm so glad I found it. What a beautiful area to hike. Its about a 2 mile loop trail with beautiful giant redwoods. There is plenty of parking for free and its not as crowded as Muir woods. The trail is all flat and very mild. I saw people walking with a walker and wheel chairs without problems. Nice and shaded by the redwoods. At the end of the trail there is a nice area pond and bathrooms available if needed. Also around the area, there are lazy river beaches and plenty of cool places to explore. I loved this area and I'll definitely be back!

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is a magical place full of natural beauty. I'm so grateful that it is now partially open again. The ranger and volunteers were very friendly and the paths are well maintained. Many of the trees live to be 500-1,000 years old with some surviving over 2,000 years. They have signs on the trail with information if you want to learn more about the trees in this reserve. Parking is $10/vehicle and $9 if you or a passenger is 62 or older. If you have a California State Parks pass, you can park for free. The reserve offers a visitor center, self-guided nature trails, and a variety of picnic areas. It's a great place to go hiking and have a picnic. The park opens at 8am and closes one hour after sunset. Dogs are allowed, although only on the main paved roads. Wind your way through the towering trees and take in all the beauty that is here. You will not be disappointed!

Armstrong Woods was lovely. The trails are well-maintained, the staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and the scenery is gorgeous. We arrived in the morning and parking was a breeze. We just did the main loop trail, stopping to admire the regal Mr. Jones, and then continued to get a glimpse of the oldest tree in the park, Colonel Armstrong. All was going swimmingly until we reached the clearing in front the colonel himself. As my brother, my partner, and I were all basking in the glory of the colonel, another visitor of the park disrupted our experience. A fellow on the bench next to us took it upon himself to lift his leg up off the bench, and let out a deafening fart. I assume this gentlemen expected it to be a "silent but deadly" situation, except the only thing that was silent was the peaceful forest clearing filled with visitors that he loudly let loose in. My partner could not contain his laughter and we were forced to make a hasty exit. My memory of this gorgeous park and ancient tree has been deeply impacted by this man's action on that day, much like my nostrils were. Our walk back to the car was full of jokes about the incident. I hope that someday in the future I can hear "Colonel Armstrong" without immediately thinking "Colonel Shart-strong" in my head. Today is not that day. Colonel Armstrong is over 1,400 years old. He deserves our reverence, not our flatulence.

The Armstrong Redwoods is a beautiful natural space that you must not miss if in the area. Just a short 1 mile walk will take you to the tallest tree and the oldest tree, both of which are astonishing natural beauties. Many of the major trails here were closed during my visit due to earlier fires and the park had just reopened some short paths days before I visited. But it's still worth a stop and I encourage you to spend time taking in all the history on the placards. The gift shop is cute and the employees are very helpfully

THIS PLACE IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED. We can only report it Permanently Closed which hopefully it isn't.

tip: go there early to secure a parking spot near the entrance. Great shaded short hikes. Be attentive of the trails you're on or else you'll just keep connecting to the never ending trails. Best to take the Pioneer Nature Trail loop. If connect to other trails, be sure to back track. Lots of signs for references. Go visit Colonel Armstrong Tree, oldest tree in the park.

Great if you can get parking. A good and close alternative on busy days is LandPaths Grove of Old Trees just outside of Occidental. It's a lesser known grove, and just as beautiful. Plus the town of Occidental is a lot of fun. 17599 Fitzpatrick Lane, Occidental, CA.

This is one of my favorites places. It's a beautiful place! There are fewer crowds here than at Muir Woods, the parking is cheaper, and it's almost always open. There are both flat trails and hiking trails. This is a "must see" if you're in the Russian River area.

Excellent place to see truly amazing trees that were luckily spared from the last forest fires! Although it is $10 for parking, I recommend this unless you want to park along the road just short of the actual entrance to save the money. But I'd pay that small fee to help them keep this wonderful area open. There are lots of other facilities, but the redwood trees are the stars here! Staff have done a great job with new fencing outlining the trails. You can also plainly see many damaged areas and trees from forest fires of a few years ago. The last time we went it was packed because of summer visitors. This time in December we had plenty of parking spots and space to explore. Save a trip hours away and see the Redwoods right here!!

I don't even have the words to describe how wondrous walking among these trees was. I just don't. Curious drive in as well. Wholly recommend parking at the front lot and walking in for free and arriving early, very early. And if you're lucky, you'll have much of the park to yourself to enjoy it in all its serene majesty. Its something very different, magical, when its quiet enough to hear the unfettered sounds of the forest. Awe inspiring. Thought provoking. Magical. I think you could hear them talking.

So amazing to be among these magnificent trees! Easy access walking and wheelchair accessible route so all can get up close.

Fantastic getaway that's not to far away!! A short drive, to a very cool adventure. Make the time!

I just love this place. Over 50 years of coming here and it always feels like home and peace

Beautiful! We brought our pup and could not explore the trails. But it really wasn't a big deal to stay on the paved areas as it was still nice and peaceful to walk among the redwoods. We will definitely return next time we are in the area.

While my marriage didn't end up being as magical as this spot I won't hold the woods responsible. There's something to be said about the majesty of these trails, the canopy of the trees, the pure beauty redwoods offer. The floor of the park when you first come in is accessible and everyone can handle this walk about. If you want more challenge head up towards bullfrog pond which is also where you can camp if desired. I haven't camped there in years but the trails are beautiful and fantastic for a quick, challenging hike if you elect to head up on the trails.