Guerneville, California Vacation Information
It's this history of commercial use
that makes the lower Russian a navigable river open to the public.
Small towns that sprang along this river, such as Guerneville share
a history of exploration by Russian colonists from
nearby Fort Ross between 1812 and 1841. The river was named for
Russians that hunted seal and sea otter for their valuable pelts.
In December
Guerneville holds the Russian River Heritage Christmas, a
Russian-style celebration with food, drinks, carriage rides and
visits by Father Christmas. Golfers can tee off at the nearby
Northwood Golf Course in Monte Rio, a nine-hole public course lined
with redwoods..
Restaurants in and around Guerneville include Applewood
Restaurant, Chez Marie, Willowside Cafe, Pasta Boys Cafe & Deli, Taqueria La Tapatia
and Russian River Pub.
Armstrong Redwoods is an 805-acre coast
redwood forest of Sequoia sempervirens, the tallest living thing on the
planet! These remarkable trees live to be 500 to1,000 years old, grow to a
diameter of 12 to16 feet and stand from 200 to 250 feet tall. Some trees are
over 2000 years old!
With an average of 55 inches of rain per year and lots of fog needed to
shield the trees from summer heat, Armstrong Redwoods' delicate ecosystem
has managed to exist through many climate changes and escaped the demise
similar forests met. Credited with its preservations is one lumberman named
Colonel James Armstrong who mounted efforts to set aside this acreage in the
1870s. He wisely understood the value of saving even a tiny portion of the
earth's living history. After his death, his family fought for his cause and
were instrumental in helping save the Armstrong coast redwoods. Operated by
Sonoma County until 1934, in 1936 the grove was opened as Armstrong Redwoods
State Park and later renamed a reserve which added protective measures in
favor of the trees' survival.
The reserve includes a visitor center, large outdoor amphitheater,
self-guided nature trails, and a variety of picnic facilities. While you can
drive into the park, the best way to experience the dramatic affect of the
towering redwoods, is to park in the lot at the park entrance and walk in
for free. All of the park features are a short easy stroll along level
trails that are disability accessible. A campground at Austin Creek State
Recreation Area is adjacent to the park.
Attractions at the Armstrong Redwoods State Park include the Parson Jones
Tree measuring more than 310 feet in height, the Colonel Armstrong Tree
estimated to be over 1400 years old and the Icicle Tree with unusual burl
formations often found on redwood trees. Nature trails for great hiking,
picnic areas with grills, tables and restrooms and East Ridge Trail and the
Pool Ridge Trail for horseback riding provide
outdoor enjoyment for the entire family.
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Guerneville
Guerneville & Sonoma County
Wineries
SONOMA COUNTY:
BODEGA BAY |
COTATI
|
FORT ROSS |
GUERNEVILLE |
JOHNSONS BEACH
|
MARSHALL
|
MONTE RIO
|
PETALUMA
|
SANTA ROSA |
SEA RANCH|
SEBASTOPOL
|
SONOMA
|
