Armstrong Redwoods State National Reserve

While most Bay Area visitors continue to flock to Muir Woods for their redwoods visit, Armstrong Woods in Sonoma County is a more serene alternative. The redwood grove is vast, inspiring and majestic; the oldest tree in the park, the Colonel Armstrong Tree, is a staggering 1400 years old. Visitors can also marvel at the tallest tree in the park, which is 310 feet (94 meters) tall. Trails winding through the extensive foliage of the reserve make for exhilarating hiking excursions and offer visitors a closer look at its diverse flora. While an entry fee applies to vehicles, pedestrians can enter the park free of charge.