Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is a state park of California in the United States established to preserve 805 acres of coast redwoods. The reserve is located in Sonoma County, just north of Guerneville. The reserve is in a temperate rainforest. The climate is mild and wet.
The serene, majestic beauty of this Grove is a living reminder of the magnificent primeval redwood forest that covered much of this area before logging operations began during the 19th century. Armstrong Redwoods preserves stately and magnificent Sequoia sempervirens, commonly known as the coast redwood. These trees stand together as a testament to the wonders of the natural world. The grove offers solace from the hustle and bustle of daily life, offering the onlooker great inspiration and a place for quiet reflection.
The ancient coast redwood is the tallest living thing on our planet! These remarkable trees live to be 500-1,000 years old, grow to a diameter of 12-16 feet, and stand from 200-250 feet tall. Some trees survive to over 2,000 years and tower above 350 feet. Coast redwoods are classified as temperate rainforests and they need wet and mild climates to survive. The rainfall in Armstrong Redwoods averages 55 inches per year and the trees are often shrouded in a mystical fog that helps to maintain the moist conditions needed for the redwoods to survive. To find out more about these magnificent trees click the link About Coast Redwoods to the right.
The reserve includes a visitor center, self-guided nature trails, and a variety of picnic facilities. While you can drive into the park, the best way to experience the dramatic effect of the towering redwoods, is to park in the lot at the park entrance and walk in for free. Donations are accepted at the Visitor Center and at the kiosk entrance. All of the main park features can be found along the Pioneer Nature Trail. This trail is a mile and a half long round trip, is ADA accessible and is mostly flat and level.
Picnic Area
Eight accessible picnic sites are dispersed within the picnic area. From the park entrance, follow Armstrong Woods Road 0.8 mile to the picnic area. Parking and routes are accessible. Accessible restroom is located at the back of the picnic loop, adjacent to the Pool Ridge Trailhead.
Trails
The Armstrong Nature Trail aka Icicle Trail is a 0.28 mile accessible trail from the Discovery Trail near the Colonel Armstrong Tree parking area to the Pioneer Nature Trail near the Icicle Tree among a dense redwood canopy. The surface is compacted soil. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with intermittent sections between 5% to 8%. Accessible parking is available at Colonel Armstrong Tree parking area.
The Discovery Trail is a 0.21 mile accessible trail from the Pioneer Nature Trail at Burbank Circle parking area to the Colonel Armstrong Tree parking area among a dense redwood canopy offering views and opportunities to touch large trees. The surface is compacted soil. The trail is generally flat at less than 5%. Accessible parking is located at Burbank Circle and Colonel Armstrong Tree parking areas. Interpretive panels are spaced randomly along the trail and discuss the forest ecosystem as well as its history. Some panels offer a tactile experience.
The Pioneer Nature Trail is a 0.77 mile accessible trail that extends from the Visitor Center to the picnic area. The trail meanders among a dense redwood canopy offering views of Fife Creek and the prominent Icicle and Parson Jones Trees. The surface is compacted soil. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with intermittent sections between 5% to 8%. Interpretive panels are spaced randomly along the trail and discuss the forest ecosystem as well as its history. Some panels offer a tactile experience.
Restrooms adjacent to the Visitor Center and within the picnic area are accessible.
Exhibits/Programs
The Visitor Center, located at the park entrance, is accessible. Operated by Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, the Visitor Center has interpretive displays and sells a variety of educational items. Accessible parking and restrooms are adjacent to the building.
