Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in California, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-23. Check linked official notices before travel.

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve protects a coast redwood grove near Guerneville, California. Start with the low-elevation nature trails to see the trees without committing to the hills of neighboring Austin Creek. California State Parks and Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods co-manage the reserve.

Highlights in the redwood grove

• The Pioneer Nature Trail passes Fife Creek and the Parson Jones and Icicle trees.
• The Discovery Trail adds interpretive panels, including tactile features.
• The Colonel Armstrong Tree connects the grove with the family that helped preserve it.

Know before you enter the reserve

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Prepare for changing forest conditions

Bring layers for cool fog and rain. The exposed hills above the grove can be much hotter than the shaded trails. Carry water before extending your walk into Austin Creek, where public water and restrooms are unavailable. Check closures at the kiosk before taking a longer route.

Keep the redwood roots protected

Stay on designated paths and behind the low fences. Dogs may use the paved main road and developed picnic areas on a leash, but cannot use dirt trails or dirt roads. Drone operation, launching, and landing are prohibited on the state park property.

Groups and overnight plans

Ask the reserve about permits for a special event or organized activity beyond ordinary park use. Do not plan to camp at neighboring Austin Creek while its camping closure remains in effect.

Reaching Armstrong Woods Road

Navigate to 17000 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville, CA 95446. From River Road in Guerneville, follow Armstrong Woods Road north to the reserve. The official reserve and Austin Creek map distinguishes the grove trails from the longer hill routes. Apply current closure notices before following this older map.

Nearby parks

Austin Creek State Recreation Area adjoins the reserve and uses access through Armstrong; its campgrounds and Gilliam Creek Trail remain closed. Sonoma Coast State Park is a separate drive west toward Highway 1 and the beaches around Jenner. These are nearby options by road, with different access conditions.

Choose a walk beneath the redwoods

The Pioneer Nature Trail runs 0.77 mile from the visitor center toward the picnic area. Return the same way for roughly twice that distance, or use the map to choose a connected route. The 0.21-mile Discovery Trail provides another short interpretive walk. Keep your route within open trails rather than assuming every connector is available.

Picnic areas and accessible features

Accessible parking and restrooms serve the visitor center and picnic area. The nature trails use compacted soil; some stretches reach an eight-percent slope. Read the park's accessible-route specifications to match the surface and slope to your needs. Ask staff about borrowing the trail wheelchair before arrival.

About the protected grove

The Armstrong family's preservation work

Colonel James Armstrong reserved woodland in the nineteenth century while logging changed the surrounding region. His family's campaign helped Sonoma County purchase the grove in 1917. State management followed in 1934, and the reserve designation came in 1964.

Life on the forest floor

The redwood habitat supports banana slugs, bats, and black-tailed deer. Ferns and redwood sorrel grow beneath the canopy. Look closely along the trail margins without entering the protected ground around the trees.

Contact Armstrong Redwoods

Call 707-869-2015. The official reserve profile carries access notices and event information.