Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve.

I've been traveling to the Russian river valley for many years now and, almost each one of my visits to the Russian River area I have seen a sign, saying Armstrong, Redwoods, Natural, Reserve. On my last visit to the Russian river valley, our group decided to visit the Armstrong Redwoods State, Natural Reserve.

From the town of Guerneville, which is where we were staying the Armstrong Redwoods, State, Natural Reserve Park was only about 5 miles away. Upon arrival to the park we noticed that there are a few parking areas and parking is $10 per day. There is a kiosk where you can pay the parking or also there is a kiosk booth that is manned and you can pay that way also. If you have anyone 62 years of age or older in your group, the parking fee is nine dollars. There's also free parking on the road before you enter the reserve and you can walk in.

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the scenery the area is very lush and green and has a rain forest field. I learned on my visit that the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve receives about 55 inches of rainfall per year that's quite a bit of these beautiful redwood trees even the small ones are all nestled in somewhat of a valley there that actually gives them protection against the wind. The root system on these giant redwoods only goes down about 15 feet, but Spread out over 150 feet away from the tree the shallow root system makes them fall victim to High winds quite often. That's why these groves will be found mostly in and canyons and valleys that are protected someone from the High winds. The root system as I said, goes down to 15 feet and then sprays out about 150 feet these trees Work together to survive the wind by interlocking the root systems with each other creating a giant grid holding these trees up. I highly recommend this tour. It's a very easy walking tour. There's walking paths and its flat easy well-maintained path. You can also drive almost all the way into all of the major sites to see in the park.

The main attraction is the colonel arms Armstrong tree. This is the largest tree in the park and it's really something to see.

The park is kid friendly has restrooms picnic areas dogs are allowed but must be closely maintained on a leash. Please see the link below to the state park website for more information. Hopefully if you're in the area spurs you to visit this reserve it is absolutely beautiful and the trees are amazing 300 feet tall 15 feet across the base truly magnificent.

Link to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural reserve.

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450