Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve


A magnificent redwood forest 2 miles north of Guerneville, this 805-acre reserve was saved from the saw by a 19th-century lumber magnate. Short interpretive trails lead into magical forests, with old-growth redwoods 30 stories high. Beyond lie 20 miles of backcountry trails through oak woodlands in adjoining Austin Creek State Recreation Area, one of Sonoma County’s last remaining wilderness areas. Walk or cycle in for free; pay only to park.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Korbel

3.43 MILES

Gorgeous rose gardens (April to October) and a stellar on-site deli make Korbel worth a stop for a free tasting, but the sparkling wine’s just OK. Try the…

2. Sunset Beach

3.98 MILES

Nice park on the water featuring paddle sports and picnicking.

3. Hartford

6.1 MILES

Surprisingly upscale for West County, Hartford sits in a pastoral valley surrounded by redwood-forested hills, on one of the area’s prettiest back roads…

4. Porter Creek

6.16 MILES

Inside a vintage-1920s garage, Porter Creek’s tasting bar is a former bowling-alley lane, plunked atop barrels. Porter is old-school Northern California,…

5. Gary Farrell

6.23 MILES

High on a hilltop overlooking the Russian River, Gary Farrell’s tasting room sits perched among second-growth redwoods. The elegant Chardonnay and long…

6. Moshin

6.43 MILES

Pinot Noir is a finicky grape that withers in sun and mildews in fog, yet it thrives in Russian River Valley, including at solar-powered Moshin Vineyards…

7. Macrostie

6.91 MILES

For its creamy and crisp chardonnays and earthy pinots, along with top-notch service and an elegant tasting room, Macrostie is the talk of Wine Country…

8. De La Montanya

7.05 MILES

This tiny winery, tucked amid vineyards, is known for 17 small-batch varieties made with estate-grown fruit. Viognier, Primitivo, Pinot and Cabernet are…