Where to Visit California Redwoods

Visitors to Sonoma County are often surprised to learn that California redwoods are a common sight. You can hike, bike, and even horseback ride through redwoods; ride a zipline through a thick redwood forest; visit a state park protecting a large grove of original-growth redwood trees; camp near redwoods; drive down redwood-lined roads — and more.

Together, we can protect and preserve the beauty and natural resources of Sonoma County for generations to come. Check out our page on Sustainable Travel, and look over the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.

Here are a few ways for you to enjoy California redwoods in Sonoma County:

Zipline through a redwood forest

A man zippiness toward a group high up in redwood trees with Sonoma Canopy Tours, Occidental — Sonoma Canopy Tours

Enjoy the thrill of 'canopy cruising' with Occidental's Sonoma Canopy Tours, flying from tree to tree above the earth on ziplines. Wearing a comfortable, specially designed harness, you'll zip on cables from one aerial platform to the next, taking in breathtaking views as you go; at one point you'll 'fly' into an old growth redwood forest with trees more than 700 years old. The guided tour features seven zip lines, two sky bridges, a majestic spiral staircase, a rappel, and the unparalleled beauty of California's coastal redwoods.

Visit a park devoted to California redwoods

A path winds around the majestic California redwoods at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Guerneville — Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Armstrong Redwoods in Guerneville is a living reminder of the magnificent redwood forest that once covered this area. In the 805-acre park you'll hike trails surrounded by amazing trees that live to be 500-1,200 years old, grow to a diameter of 12-16 feet, and can approach nearly 400 feet in height. Be sure to take a selfie while embracing a tree at the Discovery Trail's tree-hugging platform. Top it all off by bringing a picnic to relax and feast 'neath the redwoods.

Hike the redwoods

At 5,092 acres, Trione-Annadel State Park has a lot to offer, including many, many redwood trees. Situated on the eastern edge of Santa Rosa, it's home to a hilly terrain that supports - aside from redwoods - seasonal streams, meadows, grasslands, a 26-acre lake, dense chaparral, volcanic rock formations and undisturbed northern oak woodlands. More than 40 miles of multi-use trails geared to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders show off redwood trees in a variety of settings. Other hikes where trails wend through redwood trees include Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and Jack London State Historic Park.

Camp beneath redwood trees

Located just south of Gualala Point Regional Park, the Salal Trail connects with the Walk On Beach Trail and to the Bluff Top Trail that leads to Gualala Point Regional Park. California Redwoods — Gualala Point Regional Park

The campground at Gualala Point Regional Park nestles under redwoods and other trees beside the Gualala River and is within walking distance of the Pacific Ocean; it includes drive-in and walk-to sites, and sites reserved for hikers and cyclists. This stunning park offers wonderful ocean views, a vast expanse of white sandy beach and dunes, and a summertime sandspit at the river's mouth.

Drive the Bohemian Highway

A road meanders through Camp Meeker, located on the Bohemian Highway between Occidental and Monte Rio. California Redwods — Camp Meeker, located on the Bohemian Highway between Occidental and Monte Rio

This 10-mile road constitutes one of the most scenic drives in the state, winding through towering redwoods, gorgeous pastures, rocky ravines, and three charming townships — Freestone, Occidental, and Monte Rio — each with its own vibe. Along the way you can stop at organic farms and wineries, specialty nurseries, and innovative shops and restaurants.

Ride a horse through redwoods

Two people ride on horses next to vineyards at Jack London State Historic Park, Glen Ellen. California Redwoods. — Jack London State Historic Park

Triple Creek Horse Outfit offers guided rides at Jack London State Historic Park along more than 20 miles of trails. You'll encounter many redwoods, old growth oak woodlands, and ancient winery ruins, and you'll often be in sight of premium vineyards.

Spend the night in lodging under the redwoods

Guerneville's Fern Grove Cottages are surrounded by redwoods in Sonoma County. California Redwoods. — Fern Grove Cottages

Guerneville's Fern Grove Cottages nestles among those towering trees, and is situated near the Russian River (many cottages have fireplaces). The Highland Dell Lodge in Monte Rio, built in 1906, offers great views of the Russian River and redwoods, and the Dawn Ranch Resort in Guerneville includes two mature (and rare) dawn redwoods on the 15-acre, century-old guest ranch.

Go wine tasting amidst the redwoods

The view of vineyards and redwoods from Korbel Champagne Cellars, Guerneville — Korbel Champagne Cellars

Enjoy bubbly at Korbel Champagne Cellars, in the heart of the Russian River's redwoods. Take a tour through the historic champagne cellars and the history museum, ending with a tasting of its finest wines. You can also explore the Korbel Rose Garden, which features more than 250 varieties of antique roses, as well as about 1,000 other types of flowers.

Picnic in redwoods beside the Russian River

A picnic grove under the shade of redwoods at Riverfront Regional Park, Healdsburg. Calfornia Redwoods — Riverfront Regional Park

Beautiful, peaceful, and adjacent to the Russian River, Healdsburg's 305-acre Riverfront Regional Park provides picnic tables and BBQ pits in a shady redwood grove (the Park is home to 15 acres of redwood forest). The picnic site overlooks two small man-made lakes where you can fish for large mouth bass, and paddleboard rentals are available on weekends. You'll also find a volleyball court, horseshoe ring, and trails that accommodate handicapped users.

Play golf among redwood trees at Northwood Golf Club

People enjoy a round of golf next to redwoods at Northwood Golf Club, Monte Rio — Northwood Golf Club

Nestled into the beautiful Russian River Valley and backdropped by redwood giants, this par 36 nine-hole course was recently ranked by Golf World Magazine as the #3 nine-hole course in America. The enticing course was originally built in 1928 by famed golf architect Alister MacKenzie, noted for his work at Augusta National and Cypress Point, and in collaboration with Robert Hunter. After you play, relax and refresh at the on-site Northwood Restaurant and Bar, featuring a redwood dining room, spacious outdoor patio, and bar.

For more ideas, read our Guide to Russian River Resort Area.

Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodriguez.