Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve & Austin Creek State Recreation Area
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve and Austin Creek State Recreation Area are two adjoining parks just north of Guerneville. During the 1870's, this area was set aside as a natural park and botanical garden by Colonel James Armstrong, a lumberman who recognized the beauty and natural value of the forests he harvested. After his death, Armstrong's daughter and the Le Baron family mounted a campaign to direct public attention to the need to preserve this last remnant of the once mighty redwood forest. Their efforts were successful, and in 1917 the County of Sonoma agreed to purchase the property for $80,000. The grove was managed by Sonoma County until 1934 when the State took over. In 1936 the grove was opened to the public as Armstrong Redwoods State Park.
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve features an 800-acre grove of Coast Redwoods. The Parson Jones Tree is the tallest tree in the grove, measuring more than 310 feet high. The Colonel Armstrong Tree is the oldest tree in the grove, estimated to be over 1400 years old. Austin Creek is accessed through the same entrance as Armstrong Redwoods and its rolling hills, open grasslands, conifers, and oaks are a contrast to the dense canopy of the redwood grove.
The two parks combined offer almost 25 miles of trails, which are a mix of narrow singletrack trails and dirt roads. Elevations range from about 200' at the park entrance to over 1800' at the top of McCray Ridge Fire Road.
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve features an 800-acre grove of Coast Redwoods. The Parson Jones Tree is the tallest tree in the grove, measuring more than 310 feet high. The Colonel Armstrong Tree is the oldest tree in the grove, estimated to be over 1400 years old. Austin Creek is accessed through the same entrance as Armstrong Redwoods and its rolling hills, open grasslands, conifers, and oaks are a contrast to the dense canopy of the redwood grove.
The two parks combined offer almost 25 miles of trails, which are a mix of narrow singletrack trails and dirt roads. Elevations range from about 200' at the park entrance to over 1800' at the top of McCray Ridge Fire Road.
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In addition to hiking trails, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve includes a visitor center, outdoor amphitheater, self-guided nature trails, and a variety of picnic facilities. There is a campground at Austin Creek State Recreation Area.
The Dirt:
Extras:
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Favorite Run #1: Coming soon!
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Runner on the East Ridge Trail