Hike the Redwoods in Guernville, California

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Entering into a redwood forest just feels different, especially since I come from the northeastern part of the United States of America. So when I returned to Sonoma County, the Armstrong Redwood State Natural Reserve was near the top of my “to-do” list.

 





The Armstrong Reserve is an old growth forest, covering 805 acres in the Russian River valley. James B. Armstrong (1824-1900) was a real estate developer and lumber baron in Santa Rosa, California. His mills were producing as much as five million board-feet of lumber per year. In 1878 he sold 600 acres of his forest to his daughter Kate, who set them aside as a nature reserve and a park.

 


James B. Armstrong by unknown via wikimedia


What makes walking through a redwood forest so enjoyable for me is the lack of heavy undergrowth. You can see clearly through the trees. It offers wonderful views of life under the giants, along with the ability to enjoy the amazing shapes that are formed by trees that have fallen over the years.

 

















Many people have referred to redwood forests as cathedrals, and I understand that analogy. The tall trees shoot straight up, hundreds of feet into the air, like the columns of the largest churches.

 







One of the things I love about visiting Armstrong Reserve is that, because it is a smaller park, and a little off of the main travel routes, it doesn’t draw the large crowds that Muir Woods or Sequoia National Park do. So even on a busy summer day, walking along its paths is always enjoyable.

 





Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is wonderful place to enjoy the beauty of a redwood forest.






Nuts and Bolts


  • The Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is bout two miles north of Greenville, CA. 
  • It is open from 8:00 AM until 1 hour after sunset. 
  • The park is 23 miles northwest of Santa Rosa, CA. There is a parking fee of $10/car to use the reserve. 
Location: Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, 17000 Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446, USA

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