Armstrong Redwood State Reserve
Armstrong Redwood State Reserve
Armstrong Redwood State Reserve
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A nature reserve that boasts soaring redwood trees.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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31 within 3 miles
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13 within 6 miles
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- Arty_momRochester Hills, Michigan2,060 contributionsFamily friendly and accessable trailsBeautiful park. well maintained trails. The 2.5 miles that we walked were so serene, full of plant markers, nature info, and places to stop and rest. Trails are pretty flat and wide, so they accommodate strollers, walkers, wheelchairs and families. You can see the damage from the fires along with the new growth. i highly recommend making a day trip here.Visited August 2023Traveled with friendsWritten August 10, 2023
- TheTravelFishesNew York136 contributionsIncredible to see in person.Absolutely breathtaking stroll through the redwoods. Seeing trees that are 1,300-1,400 years old is just incredible. Can walk through nicely marked trails or drive through. Employee at the ranger station was very friendly and helpful.Visited March 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 12, 2024
- ScottD58Kirkland, Washington1,728 contributionsJust in AweNeed a little rejuvenation? You’ll find it here. Just in Awe of these majestic monsters, some thousands of years old! Park in the entrance lot for a reasonable fee and walk the trails, breath the fresh air, be in awe of nature and admire their greatness knowing they are susceptible to climate change and bare the scars of recent wildfires.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 10, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,435 reviews
Excellent
1,212
Very good
213
Average
8
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Caroline L
Los Angeles, CA2,322 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
Such a great way to spend some time. The entrance is only $10 per car and the scenery here is stunning! The redwoods tower 300+ feet and it’s a sight to behold. We arrived later in the day around 6pm and felt like we had the place mostly to ourselves. It’s so peaceful and serene in the reserve. Would love to come back to do a hike.
Written May 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Drew K
Ballwin, MO946 contributions
Mar 2022
A fabulous place - please visit if you are in the area. After unsuccessfully trying to get a reservation through Muir Woods impenetrable website we chose the Armstrong Redwood State reserve after hearing a piece on the excellent APP Hear Here. It is located in Sonoma Wine country near the mouth of the Russian River. The hiking is easy and the trees magnificent. It also contains an extensive picnic area and a small campground. It's amazing to see how these amazing trees survived fire damage hundreds of years old.
Written March 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jsilverman83
Oakland, CA374 contributions
Jul 2020
Muir Woods, just north of San Francisco, is beautiful, but Armstrong Redwoods blows it out of the water! The sheer density of huge redwoods and beautiful forest makes this spot a can't-miss if you're at all near the area. There are a bunch of moderate-to-difficult hikes with some decent elevation changes. There are some long, but mostly flat and fairly easy hikes. There are some accessible hikes that are short, flat, and still go by some of the biggest trees in the grove. And there is even a paved road that goes quite far into the reserve and has multiple turnouts and parking lots that are right among the trees.
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
markdu2017
Orangevale, CA72 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
Very easy hiking, well maintained trails that wind through some pretty impressive redwoods. Unfortunately, due to fire, the trails outside the park in the Austin Creek Rec Area are closed.
They have a nice little visitor center/ store.
Parking is no longer free in the lot outside the kiosk, it’s $10 unless you park on the road outside the park boundary.
They have a nice little visitor center/ store.
Parking is no longer free in the lot outside the kiosk, it’s $10 unless you park on the road outside the park boundary.
Written November 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca P
San Francisco, CA19 contributions
Apr 2022
This is a great place to talk a walk by yourself or with others. I have visited it many times and am always impressed by the beauty, The trails are well maintained and there are good descriptions along the way. There are good photo opportunities set against huge trees. Admission is free unless you park beyond the entrance but there is parking available just outside of the entrance. It is good though to consider giving a small donation to help with maintenance.
Written April 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne689
Livermore, CA301 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
A great place to spend half a day. The short trails are well maintained and well marked providing information about the park and the redwoods. Lovely place to enjoy a picnic amidst the beauty of the reserve. The outdoor theater would be a great place to see entertainment. Well worth the $10 entrance fee to drive in. However, parking is free outside the gate by the Visitor Center.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kim R
Oviedo, FL65 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
We had a nice visit. It was a relatively short drive from Healdsburg and a nice break from the wineries. We arrived at 9:00am and by the time we left more people arrived. I especially enjoyed the forest when it was empty so I didn’t have to pull up my mask. The park was clean and the trails were soft and easy to walk.
Written July 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard K
Washington DC, DC252 contributions
Oct 2022
A very spectacular park, Armstrong Redwood Reserve is a CA state park. It's beautifully maintained, and has interesting natural history markers placed around the paths. Parking on site is convenient, and right inside the park, so you're not having to walk to find the sights after parking your vehicle. Rather, you drive right through the park to the parking area.
The visit is interesting, not only because of the enormous trees themselves, but examples of fire damage and recovery that are visible, and explained by placards along the trails.
We arrived early in the morning, and the park was exquisitely quiet and serene. Later on, more people arrived, and while not noisy, there were voices and people along the trails, which was a bit less serene.
The drive to the park from Healdsburg was scenic as well.
A large, lovely park in which to commune with nature.
The visit is interesting, not only because of the enormous trees themselves, but examples of fire damage and recovery that are visible, and explained by placards along the trails.
We arrived early in the morning, and the park was exquisitely quiet and serene. Later on, more people arrived, and while not noisy, there were voices and people along the trails, which was a bit less serene.
The drive to the park from Healdsburg was scenic as well.
A large, lovely park in which to commune with nature.
Written December 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martha W
Exeter, NH334 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
An area of quiet beauty. You pay $10 per car ($9 if 62 or better) to walk amount the redwoods. The pathways are well marked and flat. There are a few information signs and you can pick up,so,e additional information at the visitor center.
Plan on 30-60 minutes.
Plan on 30-60 minutes.
Written May 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob M
Santa Rosa, CA81 contributions
Jul 2020
I live in Santa Rosa, about 30 minutes from Armstrong, and during this time of shelter in place, this is my GO TO place to get some fresh air. It's not a huge park, and, fortunately, many people don't know about its beauty, so, except for weekends and holidays, it is seldom crowded. Just sitting amongst these gentle giants, many of which are over 300' tall, is an experience in serenity. The redwood grove is easily accessible, with well maintained trails, most of which are wheelchair accessible. I recently had knee replacement surgery, and I have no problem on my walks. Dogs are permitted on the paved portions. If you come after it starts raining in the winter, there is a nice waterfall on Fife Creek which is a relatively easy hike. There are also fungi and wildflowers. Just closing my eyes, I can smell the FRESH AIR THERE! The visitor center is closed right now, but if you go after it opens, it's small, but information packed. The staff in the park are great and will answer ALL your questions; just ask at the entrance kiosk. (Locals tip: If you like Mexican food, the taco truck in front of Safeway downtown is well worth a stop. Just about every time I go to the park, which is weekly, I get lunch at the truck.)
Written July 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly M
3 contributions
Heading to Armstrong State Park and curious if the Guernville forecast is similar to forest or if the forest is a different climate? Should I still bring a raincoat if it’s sunny in Guernville? Hiking shoes necessary? Any advice on what to wear in July is appreciated Thank all!
LFN
Reno, NV131 contributions
The weather should be perfect, even on the warm side. It is very shady (and beautiful) so you should be fine. Sneakers or hiking shoes will work, depending on how much YOU want to work! There are some steeper trails if you want and some perfectly flat trails. Bring your camera! Enjoy!
Renae C
2 contributions
We will be in SF this weekend, and are looking for an alternative to Muir Woods thanks to the government shutdown. We will have a car and all day. Any insight to Armstrong vs. Big Basin? Worth the drive? Interested in photography, light hiking. Thanks!
MnSteve57
Long Lake, MN105 contributions
Like the others, I’ve not been to Big Basin. Armstrong, followed by a coastal drive is great!
Marianorod
Buenos Aires, Argentina143 contributions
I will be at SF in Jan. Is it worth going to Armstrong Redwood State Reserve from there in winter? Would it be very snowy? Please advice
drastler
Roseville, CA461 contributions
We don't get snow. I would also suggest Muir woods from SF
It can be very crowded - so go early
If you happen to be going to Sonoma for wine tasting then go to Armstrong if you want to see some nice redwoods. easier to get into then Muir woods.
Angie S
3 contributions
My friend and I are planning a wine tasting tour in Sonoma Valley. We plan to fly into Santa Rosa and take the SMART train to Petaluma. We’d like to visit Armstrong Redwood State Preserve the day we get in.
Is there an economical way to get to Armstrong from the Santa Rosa airport?
The trip is in the first week of December.
MnSteve57
Long Lake, MN105 contributions
Hi Angie,
Guernville is about a 30 minute drive from Santa Rosa. I don’t know if there is any public transportation. It may be essiest and cheapest to rent a car for the day. You could probably get an Uber but that might cost the same or more. It’s a nice area to drive around and you could drive out to the coast as well. Hope this helps! Steve
Angie S
3 contributions
My friend and I are planning a wine tasting tour in Sonoma Valley. We plan to fly into Santa Rosa and take the SMART train to Petaluma. We’d like to visit Armstrong Redwood State Preserve the day we get in.
Is there an economical way to get to Armstrong from the Santa Rosa airport?
The trip is in the first week of December.
ConcoursRider
Healdsburg, CA115 contributions
There isn't any public transportation from the airport to the park -- Uber or Lyft will cost you ~ $30 (one-way), so you'd probably be best served by renting a car -- even if only for the day.
The airport is situated in proximity to the Russian River AVA, wiht the Dry Creek AVA just north; Sonoma Valley is a bit farther east and best accessed via CA 12.
Cindy W
Vista, CA194 contributions
What's the entrance fee for seniors??
ConcoursRider
Healdsburg, CA115 contributions
The fee is $8 per vehicle (not per person); parking outside is free.
(Regardless of your car’s age)
;-)
luckylady48_10
5 contributions
Would it be convenient to stop here on the way to vineyards in Sonoma?
WW270
Temple, GA43 contributions
Only if you were headed South on the 101 from North of Santa Rosa, otherwise it would be at least an hour away.
blue2620
Austin, TX14 contributions
We are planning a visit to North Lake Tahoe over Christmas and would like to take a couple days off of skiing and see the Redwoods if the roads are clear enough to allow. Would the closest parks be Muir Woods or Armstrong Redwoods Park?
What would be the difference between these two parks and why choose one over the other?
I would think the weather could be unpredictable and cold. Does it snow in these areas in December?
Thank you for your input.
Barbjefts
Kalispell, MT137 contributions
Muir is closest. neither Muir or Armstrong have snow.
mandm0708
Sandy, UT5 contributions
Is there RV parking available at the Visitor Center? Does the lot fill up? If we park at the Visitor Center, can we walk/hike from there to see all the major sites in the park? Any insight would be helpful. Thanks
Cincyskimom
Cincinnati, OH286 contributions
I did not see any RV parking specifically marked but if you get there early enough, the lot is big enough. You can hike from there to all there is to see. Better yet, park in Guerneville and uber or bike to the park. Then parking will not be an issue.
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Claim your listingArmstrong Redwood State Reserve - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Armstrong Redwood State Reserve
- Hotels near Armstrong Redwood State Reserve:
- (1.54 mi) Cottages on River Road
- (2.11 mi) Dawn Ranch
- (0.43 mi) Sabor Mexicano Vacation Home and Organic Farm
- (2.08 mi) Dawn Ranch
- (2.35 mi) The Stavrand Russian River Valley
- Restaurants near Armstrong Redwood State Reserve:
- (2.07 mi) boon eat + drink
- (9.06 mi) Guiso Latin Fusion
- (9.03 mi) Baci Cafe & Wine Bar
- (9.09 mi) Valette
- (9.03 mi) Costeaux French Bakery
- Attractions near Armstrong Redwood State Reserve:
- (0.01 mi) Austin Creek State Recreation Area
- (2.58 mi) Korbel Champagne Cellars
- (7.41 mi) Gracianna Winery
- (5.95 mi) Gary Farrell Winery
- (6.94 mi) Sonoma Zipline Adventures