Best Trails in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

fantastic

The East Ridge trail was mostly uphill for over 2 miles. Not many plateaus to give relief so we stopped now and then to rest. There are markers periodically but not at every intersection so it wasn’t always clear which way to go. Redwoods are mostly at the lower elevation and it thins out the higher up you go. Beautiful hike all around.

It’s steeper and more strenuous than “moderate” seems to indicate but well resourced with bathrooms and water fountains. The redwoods are everything you hope for!

I recommend doing this trail counter clockwise and end it at the redwoods. The peak of this height is amazing, we made it up here during golden hour and the light was separating the other ridges in the area. we took our time and made a day out of it. We actually finished the hike around an hour after sunset, so it was really dark. We had our headlamps on as we walked through the redwoods with the stars above us. Wow.

Good trail. Excellent top views and worth it when you get there Difficult to navigate. Trail signs are broken or missing. Would not go solo. Make sure you download the map from all trails. It’s needed. Can park outside the 10 dollar fee entrance if you arrive before 9am. We did not. Can pick up trail head going either way (clock or counterclock) at either parking lot. It is hard at a few areas. Would call this moderate. Bring snacks. Can be cold.

Took four hours with taking our time. Definitely recommend going counter clockwise. Good views at the top.

Went on the waterfall trail and pioneer trail- easy flat trails and absolute beautiful forest!

So beautiful! But not for the beginner. The hills are somethin’

Agree with others - would rate this as a moderate hike on the more difficult side, but beautiful and worthwhile nonetheless. We cut it slightly short by taking the fire road off the East Ridge Trail back to the Pioneer Nature Trail.

Great Trail. I haven’t been on a hike in awhile. I am new to the area. I took the Pioneer trail first then decided to go on the East Trail. Steep, I was huffing and puffing. This is giving me motivation to get in better shape. Get there early if you want to park at the entrance otherwise if you drive up you can park, not sure how much it is to park

I felt the trail was moderate but my gf felt the trail was difficult. either way, the trail was magnificent and had breathtaking scenic views. we walked the trail right after the rain and some of it was a but soggy but nothing messy

The first 2+ miles of the hike were steep uphill! It was mainly shaded and had nice views from the top. Overall a great hike. We stopped at the picnic area for lunch before walking over to the Colonel Armstrong tree.

Beautiful trail. It is a bit uphill in some spots, but not to much. Highly recommend this trail

Beautiful redwoods, full canopy. Well maintained trail.

Beautiful trail and the scenery is beyond amazing!

Great trail for toddlers! Trail is flat, wide, and well maintained. Very few roots are coming up above the trail surface. There are also low fences along the trail to corral the little ones. The full length may be a bit long for little feet but with a decision point for a loop about 1/3 and 2/3 of the way along the length of the trail you can turn back when you want and still see new scenery.

Luckily the Pool Ridge Trail is open so we could walk the entire loop. Weather perfect!

Great trail. Good combination of challenging uphill and an easier area on the river. Saw deer and a few birds. Waterfall not flowing at this time in October.

Overall really nice hike, as others say it’s tough on the knees on the way down and be sure you have good shoes so you don’t go sliding on the loose dirt (like I did

6.45 miles according to my Garmin. Wouldn’t be a good trail with kids under 10. Went counterclockwise and it was quite a climb for the first half, especially about 1/2 way through. Beautiful the second half on the way down. Big redwoods we’re at the end of the hike. Nice way to finish.

Avoid the traffic at Muir Woods and come here instead! Pioneer trail is a lovely all accessible walk through the redwoods. They have signs for the most popular trees, and there are some trees that you can walk in. Free parking and a nice visitor center. Dogs not allowed on trails but they can be on the roads that are within 100 feet of the trail.

Great trail. Lots of shade. I went at 7.30am and it took me 2hours to do the 6 mile loop. There were a few hills but it wasn’t too strenuous. If you park in the lot before the park entrance booth, you do not have to pay the entrance fee.

Went counter clockwise starting at East Ridge by the bathrooms. I prefer this direction to do the switchbacks on the Pool Ridge Trail downhill. Instead of following the app trail to the end, I detoured and meandered through the touristy Discovery and Pioneer Nature trail, which was fun to see. As another reviewer said, part of the trail to go straight by Loop Trail is closed. I followed this app and went straight, which you can do but the trail involves a lot of branch stepping. Take the detour instead. All of the creeks I saw were dry so no waterfalls. Good terrain change, wide range of environments, and hillside panoramic vistas and a couple squirrels here and there.

Great trail! I started up East Ridge which is a nice, steep climb right from the parking lot before the gate to get the heart pumping. The initial climb is the most challenging part of the hike followed by a descent into the redwoods. The little turnout to the waterfall is open, the falls were trickling, and there was no observed closed areas on the trail. I added in the Redwood Discovery trail which I highly suggest. Flat and easy but beautiful and a quick way to add a bit more distance. Approximate total hike for me was about 3.2 miles and took me a little over an hour to complete with stops for a few pictures. Not too busy and perfect for a quick workout. I'd do it again.

Definitely a hard hike uphill but worth it. Go in the morning to avoid traffic and get parking, but there aren't too many people hiking that far in anyway so not too busy.

We did east ridge up over to pool trail and it was actually closer to 7.5 miles (tracked via Garmin) and a portion of the trail this map implies is open (near Loop Trail) is closed so it makes it a little confusion. Wonderful trail, and good uphill cardio, beautiful walk through the trees if you do the loop this direction.

One of my favorite places ever, just walk around and admire the giant redwood trees. Afterwards go to Stumptown brewery for some beers. What else can you ask for?

east ridge to. bullfrog pong and down pool ridge. 2000 feet 8.67 miles