In
brief:
This 2.6 mile loop up and down hills and through ancient redwoods makes a
very good alternative to Muir Woods, especially in summer.
Distance, category, and difficulty:
This 2.6 mile loop hike is moderate, due to elevation changes along
East Ridge Trail. Total elevation change is about 820 feet.
Exposure:
Mostly shaded.
Trail traffic:
Moderate-heavy.
Trail surfaces:
Dirt trails and fire roads and some short segments on pavement.
Hiking time:
1 1/2 hours
Season:
Nice all year.
Getting there:
From US 101 in Sonoma County, exit River Road/Mark West Springs Road. Drive
west on River Road about 16 miles into Guerneville, and turn right onto
Armstrong Woods Road. Drive about 2 miles, to the visitor center parking
lot on the right just before the park's entrance kiosk.
GPS coordinates* for trailhead:
Latitude
38°31'56.22"N
Longitude 123° 0'10.06"W
(* based on Google
Earth data, shown as degrees, minutes, seconds)
Gas, food, and lodging:
Gas, restaurants, stores, and pay phone in Guerneville. Bullfrog Pond campground,
in adjacent Austin Creek, is a good staging area for a weekend of hiking
at Armstrong and Austin Creek.
Traihead details:
No entrance or parking fee if you park in the visitor center lot (if you
park inside the park, a $10 fee is charged). Large paved parking lot. Wheelchair-accessible
restrooms on site. There is no designated handicapped parking, but the parking
lot is flat, and there's more parking inside the park. Maps available (for
a fee) at the visitor center. There is no direct public transportation to
the park, but Sonoma County bus line #28 services Guerneville. From Guerneville's
River Road it's about a 2 mile walk to the park.
Rules:
Some trails are hiking only. Most are open to hikers and equestrians. Cyclists
not allowed on trails, but can ride on paved park roads. Dogs are not permitted
on trails. Park is open from 8 a.m. to one hour after sunset.
The Official Story:
CSP's Armstrong Redwoods page
Armstrong Redwoods entrance kiosk 707-869-2015
Map Choices:
• Redwood
Hikes has a great map and descriptions of this reserve, with gorgeous photos
• Download the park
map pdf
Go to Bay Area Hiker Home page