Armstrong Redwoods State Park – Hike Among Towering Redwoods

It is impossible to visit the Armstrong Redwoods State Nature Reserve and not be in awe. Armstrong Redwoods is filled with gorgeous dense Redwoods and well-maintained trails for the entire family to enjoy. It’s perfect for a day trip from San Francisco. 

It’s located in Sonoma County and spans over 800 acres of land. Armstrong Redwoods is a California State Park, and it’s home to spectacular Sequoia sempervirens, otherwise known as Coast Redwoods. It’s one of the few state parks that’s at the right temperate climate for these redwoods to thrive.

The thick Bay Area fog that envelops Armstrong Redwoods State Park, is key to sustaining the trees’ growth during the summer. The park is surprisingly splendid, serene and is the perfect gateway away from the city.

Armstrong Redwoods State Park: What to Expect

• Armstrong Redwoods State Park is open every day from 8 AM to an hour after sunset.
• There are plentiful trails for hiking. Additionally, there’s an outdoor amphitheater, picnicking areas, and a visitor center.
• There is a visitor center with information about redwoods and trail guides.
• The majority of trails are wheelchair accessible, and horseback riding is allowed on both the East Ridge and Pool Ridge Trails.

Armstrong Redwoods History

Armstrong Redwoods’ history dates back to the 1870s when Colonel James Armstrong preserved the area as a state park and botanical garden — a home to thousands of tree species. The Le Baron family and Armstrong’s daughter carried on his legacy, raising several funding rounds and awareness to preserve the rainforest’s natural state until Sonoma County bought it in 1917. In 1936, the park was re-opened to the public after the California State took over. Armstrong Redwoods State Park became a natural reserve in 1964.

One of the key attractions at Armstrong Redwoods State Park is the magical coast redwood trees. These redwoods are known to be the oldest and tallest living beings on the planet. Coast Redwoods can live upwards of 1,000 years and grow to a massive diameter of 16 feet, reaching a height of 200-250 feet. 

The Parson Jones Tree is the tallest among all trees in the Armstrong Redwoods Park, measuring 310 feet in height. Thats are taller than the length of a football field! The Colonel Armstrong Tree is the oldest in the park, estimating over 1,400 years old.

Getting to Armstrong Redwoods from San Francisco

Armstrong Redwoods State Park is just a 90-minute drive from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It’s also about a 90-minute drive away from Napa. 

Parking at Armstrong Redwoods

Armstrong Redwoods State Nature Reserve charges an entry fee of $10 per vehicle. If you have a passenger who is above 62 years old, the charge is $9 per vehicle. 

There is a kiosk that checks all the incoming cars. If the booth has no staff, you would have to go self-register. There should be envelopes to fill out and deposit your money (self-register is cash only). 

There is a parking lot right outside the entrance booth to Armstrong Redwoods. Visitors can park there with free parking. The only caveat is that you would need to walk into the park. Additionally, be cautious when walking towards the park if you’ve parked your vehicle on the roadway.

Hiking at Armstrong Redwoods

There are a variety of trails at Armstrong Redwoods and something for the entire family. You can choose an easy hike with well-maintained paths or a more strenuous hike deep into the woods. 

Popular Hiking Trails

The Discovery Trail

The Discovery Nature Trail is a popular easy hike that brings you to the Armstrong Tree. It’s flat elevation and the wide trail makes it an easy trail to enjoy the redwoods.

The Pioneer Nature Trail

The Pioneer Nature Trail loops down through the grove and is accessible on wheelchairs. Larger groups can take the trail through Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods.

More Hiking

Given below are the different hiking paths where you can experience the gorgeous natural surroundings.

2.2 Miles Hike with a 400′ Elevation Climb:

For this particular hike, visitors go along the East Ridge Trail from the front parking area to the picnic site and return via Pioneer Nature Trail.

2.3 Miles Hike with a 500′ Elevation Climb:

Take the Pioneer Nature Trail from the entrance of the park to the Forest Theatre. Later, take the Pool Ridge Trail to enter the picnic area and return taking the Pioneer Nature Trail.

5.6 Miles Hike with 1100′ Elevation Climb:

Hikers can go along the East Ridge Trail from the parking area in the front to the Gillian Creek trailhead. Take the Pool Ridge Trail to reach the Armstrong Tree and return taking the Pioneer Nature Trail.

Loop down to the grove by taking the Pool Ridge Trail to the Armstrong Tree. Return to the entrance via the Pioneer Nature Trail.

Are Pets Allowed?

Armstrong Redwoods State Park is a pet-friendly park. Even so, dogs still have to be leashed at all times in the park. You can bring dogs along with you at the campsites and picnic areas, but they’re not allowed on any hiking trails. 

Best Time to Visit Armstrong Redwoods

If you’re visiting California and thinking of visiting Muir Woods, consider a trip to Armstrong Redwoods State Park instead. There’s no reservation, no crowds, and there are trails suitable for all visitors.

As with most coast redwood environments, the weather is foggy and cold in the morning and warms up as the day progresses. You can take a three-mile detour north to the Austin Creek State Recreation Area for warmer temperatures. Before you begin your adventure, make sure to fully charge your cell phone and probably carry enough water to keep hydrated throughout the trail.

In the springtime, the temperatures are mild, the park comes back to life, with blooming flowers throughout the park. The fog is also less frequent during this time. 

In winter, temperatures are low but remain mild. Since the area is a temperate rainforest, it showers over the woods, bringing life to the redwood trees and other plants. Taking a raincoat or a sweater is recommended for you to enjoy the magical weather.

Tips For Visiting Armstrong Redwoods State Park

• Visit early for the best experience of having the park to yourself. 
• Bicycles are not allowed on any trails and must be taken only on fire roads and the main paved roads.
• Celluar service may be spotty in some areas. Download your maps beforehand or make plans to meet up at a predetermined place if you’re going with a group. 

Other Bay Area Coast Redwood Hikes

Muir Woods – The most well-known redwood grove is Muir Woods. It’s proximity to San Francisco makes it a popular tourist destination.

Purisima Creek Redwoods – 30 min South of SF the trails here are more moderate than Armstrong Redwoods.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park -30 min south of San Jose, Henry Cowell Redwoods is another awesome California State Park with dense Redwoods.