Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve Located in the Russian River region 75 miles north of San Francisco, this 805-acre park features a magnificent grove of ancient redwoods, self-guided nature trails and picnic facilities.As you stroll through this beautiful old-growth redwood forest, you will seesome of the tallest and oldest trees remaining in this part of California. The Parson Jones Tree is about 310 feet high,and the 308-foot Colonel Armstrong Tree is more than 1,400 years old. During the 1870s, this area was set aside as a natural park and botanical gardens by Colonel James B. Armstrong, an earlyday lumberman who recognized the beauty and natural value of the forests he harvested. Today this is the largest remaining ancient-growth redwood forest in Sonoma County. It is a living reminder of the magnificent primeval redwood forests that covered much of this area before logging operations began during the 19th century. Along with the coast redwoods in this grove, there are a number of other tree species, including tanoak, Douglas fir,California laurel, and big-leaf maple. In springtime the forest floor is carpeted with clover-like redwood sorrel, trillium,fairy bells and redwood orchids.In winter, mushrooms, mosses, lichens and liverworts exhibit their fantastic shapes and colors.