The oldest tree in Guerneville's magnificent 805-acre Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve (parks.ca.gov; per car $10) is a true survivor: 309ft high, 1400 years old, and named after a lumber baron. Colonel James Armstrong bought these woodlands in 1874 as lumber, but when he saw the magnificent old-growth redwoods, he had a change of heart. Armstrong's daughters worked tirelessly to preserve the forest as state parkland in 1913 – yet a century later, budget cuts and fires threatened the park. Neighbors rallied around Armstrong Redwoods, establishing a nonprofit for responsible forest management.
Today, short interpretive trails lead visitors across the forest floor, past old-growth redwoods 30 stories high. Beyond these flat, easy educational trails are 20 miles of rugged backcountry trails, heading onward through oak woodlands in adjoining Austin Creek State Recreation Area, one of Sonoma County’s last remaining wilderness areas. The park entry is 2 miles north of Guerneville, and you can walk or cycle in for free; pay only to park. Rustic tent camping is available at hilltop Bullfrog Pond.
