Armstrong Woods State Reserve

About a half hour drive from downtown Santa Rosa, just outside of Guerneville is Armstrong Woods State Reserve, a natural wonder definitely worth introducing your preschooler to. With a visitor center, wide level trails, and a picnic area it is a perfect location to go on a hike with young children and best of all, it’s free if you park in the parking lot near the visitors center!

As soon as you step out of your car after parking at the visitor center parking lot you will already be surrounded by the grove of coast redwoods that was set aside as a natural park so long ago (1870’s) by Colonel James B. Armstrong, a lumberjack. He recognized the majestic beauty of the redwoods and the need to preserve them for future generations.

Benefits for Preschoolers

With wide, level trails, preschoolers have plenty of room to run around and expend some of the never-ending energy that is so common at this age (just be sure to keep them on the marked trails – park rule!). The trails are also nice if you decide to push along a stroller. There are plaques along the path describing key features of the grove that you can read and discuss with your preschooler. At the end of the trail is a picnic area with many tables so be sure to bring snacks or lunch to enjoy while you are there. After the hike, check out the visitor center for even more preschooler learning opportunities. They have many natural biology examples that preschoolers can pick up and examine.

Disadvantages for Preschoolers

The biggest disadvantage for some preschoolers would be that it is too long of a hike. If you have a rambunctious boy or girl that’s always ready to run, no worries! But, if your preschooler is on the younger side or it is near nap time, you may find yourself carrying him/her at some point along the trail. If you think this may be a problem, push a stroller along just in case. Another disadvantage, yet also an opportunity to discuss nature preservation, is that you have to confine preschoolers to the trail and remind them that what you find in the forest, stays in the forest! No collecting bugs, rocks, leaves, etc.

Tips for Your Trip to the Redwoods

• The weather varies year round so be sure to pack a sweater for you and your preschooler.
• Take everything you think you made need with you on the hike so you won’t have to run back to the car when your preschooler asks for a snack.
• Push along a stroller in case your preschooler tires out and/or use it to carry your lunch or sweater, etc.
• Definitely pack a lunch and enjoy eating amongst the towering beauties!
• There are restrooms at the picnic area so be sure to use them before heading back to the parking lot.
• After having a wonderful hike and picnic lunch, expect your preschooler to fall asleep on the drive back to Santa Rosa

Details

Armstrong Woods State Reserve
707-869-2015
707-869-5629 fax
170000 Armstrong Woods Road
Guerneville, CA 95446
armvs@mcn.org

Operating Hours:
8:00am to one
hour after Sunset.

Directions:
The reserve is located two miles north of Guerneville on Armstrong Woods Road. From Highway 101- coming North or South- take the River Road exit (in Santa Rosa). Go west on River Road until you reach Guerneville. At the second stop light make a right hand turn onto Armstrong Woods Road. This road will end in the park

Visitor Center Hours:
11:00-3:00 Daily
707-869-2958