Guerneville California Vacation

 

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 (www.RedwoodHorses.com) provide outdoor enjoyment for the entire family.

 

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