Armstrong Redwoods and Johnson’s Beach
California redwoods attract tourists from the world over- yet Sonoma County’s own community of ancient giants remains dwarfed by the shoulder-height vineyards canvassing the county. The irony!
The Armstrong Redwoods State Park lies just off of 116/River Road in Guerneville. You can park for free outside and walk straight in or take a nice hike up and back down into the main park picnic area. Another option is to pay the state park fee and take an adventurous drive up into Austin Creek State Recreation Area high above the redwoods for an unrivaled view of the area. There are hikes, an amphitheater, picnic areas, and informative paths leading visitors by the oldest and largest trees in the park. It is hardly touristy (unlike its neighboring redwood community at Muir Woods), and even when relatively busy the quiet imposed by the shady giants is downright impressive. Get park details here.
To top it off, after filling your tree-hugging quota you can head across 116 to Johnson’s Beach on the Russian River, where you can rent kayaks and canoes, or just hang on the shoreline enjoying cheap drafts and a $1 soft serve cone almost too big to handle…almost.
I’ve been to Armstrong Redwoods SP…it’s really incredible. Walking through the trees is like being in a European cathedral. Very breathtaking stuff.
Thanks for the post…keep them coming!