Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve

Located in Sonoma County California, Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve is a showcase for the magnificent redwood forest that once covered much of this area.

The Reserve is home to the magnificent Sequoia sempervirens, whose common names include Coast Redwood and California Redwood. The Sequoia is commonly considered the tallest tree in the world and can live for up to 2,000 years. Some trees can reach heights over 350ft and 12ft in diameter at the base. Coast redwoods are classified as temperate rainforests and require mild, damp climates to survive. With rainfalls averaging 55 inches per year, the trees are often shrouded in a fog that helps to maintain the moist conditions needed for the redwoods to thrive.

History of the Park

Logging operations which began during the 19th century took a good portion of the forest. In the 1870's, Colonel James Armstrong set aside the area as a natural park and botanical garden. After Armstrong's death, his daughter and the Le Baron family worked to preserve the remaining portion of the once massive redwood forest. In 1917 the County of Sonoma purchased the property for $80,000. In 1936 the grove was opened to the public as Armstrong Redwoods State Park. The grove's status was changed to a reserve in 1964 when a greater understanding of its ecological significance prompted a more protective management of the resource.

The Tallest Tree
The Parson Jones Tree is the tallest tree in the grove. Parson Jones measures more than 310 feet in height. Located 1 mile from the park entrance.

The Oldest Tree
Estimated to be over 1400 years old, the Colonel Armstrong Tree is the oldest tree in the grove. The tree is after Colonel Anderson, a lumberman who preserved this portion of the park in the 1870's. Located a half-mile from the park entrance

The Icicle Tree
This tree displays the unusual burl formations that can be found redwood trees. Some burls can weigh many tons and grow hundreds of feet above the forest floor.

Activities at the Reserve

There are many walks and hikes available for visitors to the park.  The reserve has a visitor center, outdoor amphitheater, and a variety of picnic facilities.

• The Discovery Trail offers a wheelchair accessible pathway, interpretive panels in Braille, and tree hugging platforms.
• Armstrong Nature Trail is a self-guided nature trail through the Grove and is also wheelchair accessible. Guides are available at the visitor center.
• The Pioneer Trail is an easy 1 mile trail from the park entrance to the Armstrong Tree and Forest Theater, returning via the same route.
• The East Ridge Trail is a moderate 2.2 mile trial with a 400' climb. Take tfrom the front parking lot to the picnic area and return to the entrance via the Pioneer Trail.