Armstrong Redwoods - An Island of Shade in a River of Sun
- hopalonghiker
- Sep 19, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 14, 2020
Accessible Trail: Yes (Compacted Soil)
Mileage: 1.25 mile loop (with 0.5 optional addition)
The Russian River area of Sonoma County is known for its hot summers and cool rivers; a perfect place for enjoying them both is the resort town of Guernville. Vacationers come far and wide to beat the heat by floating down the river. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is located only 2 miles outside of town, but these tall, quiet trees are worlds away from the buzz of tourists along the river.
Much of the Redwood forest surrounding the reserve was cut and milled during the period surrounding the gold rush, leaving only remnants of the vast sea of trees. The preservation of the Old-Growth Redwoods in this area dates back to the 1870's, when the Armstrong family set aside the reserve as a place where the public could come and enjoy the beauty of the trees. Eventually the State of California acquired the land, designating it a State Nature Reserve. The ancient trees that remain within the park are an important ecological resource, providing vital habitat for many species of plants and animals.
A great place to start your journey into the Redwoods is the Visitor's Center. Unlike many State Parks, the Visitor's Center at Armstrong Redwood is located outside the fee area. Park here at the Visitor's Center and head on in to learn more about the Redwoods and their importance to the people, plants and animals of the area. When you're ready, head out of the Visitor's Center and on to the trail.
Head toward the entry kiosk and the compacted earth trail will be on your left. The Pioneer Nature Trail will quickly take you across the road and into the thick Redwood Forest. Once you cross the road, you'll be greeted by the tallest tree in the park, the 300' tall Parson Jones Tree. Be sure you properly support your neck as you stare up the trunk of the giant tree, straining to get a glimpse of the top.
Take your time as you continue to meander through the tall trees, and be sure to admire the carpet of clover surrounding the tree trunks. After a short while, you'll come to a fork at the Burbank Circle. This circle of trees surrounds a naturally cleared area, creating a large fairy ring.
When you're done enjoying the circle, cross the bridge and make your way on to the Discovery Trail. This short section of the trail continues to guide you through the forest until you come to the Colonel Armstrong Tree. The tree is estimated at 1,400 years old and is easily the oldest tree in the park. The longevity of this great tree is amazing, especially when you consider that it was alive when stirrups were first invented by enterprising horsemen in the seventh century.
Once you’ve finished standing in awe of this long-lived organism, head to the right along the Armstrong Nature Trail. The trail curves slightly through the grove and will eventually have you cross back over to the Eastern side of Fife Creek. Just past the creek, you‘ll see the Icicle Tree.
The icicle part of the tree refers to the burl of the great redwood. Burl is a deformative growth on the tree that is caused when the tree undergoes some type of stress. This burl is a rarity; while the interior is covered in rough bark, inside it is a beautiful example of the swirling, twisting geometry of nature. As you stop to view the burl of the Icicle Tree, be sure to follow leave no trace principals and look but don't touch - we want to ensure that the people of the generations to come can enjoy viewing this redwood oddity just as we have.
After you've enjoyed the Icicle Tree, you find your self once again at the Pioneer Nature Trail. If you've brought a lunch with you, head left and enjoy the picnic area a quarter mile down the trail. If you've enjoyed your time and are ready to head back, head right and you'll quickly find yourself once again enjoying the Burbank Circle and the Parson Jones Tree on your way back to the park entrance.
Comments