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Note: Often in the summertime we do go into a fire ban. Please call ahead if you are unsure about the current conditions.
Austin Creek State Recreation Area is adjacent to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve and is accessed through the same entrance. With open woodlands, rolling hills, and meadows, its topography offers a strong contrast to the dense, primeval redwood forest below. Here you will discover deep tree-lined ravines cooled by year-round streams; grassy hillsides burnished golden by the heat of summer sun and turned emerald by plentiful winter rains; oak-capped knolls that seem to float like islands on lakes of lowland fog; and rocky mountaintops that showcase an almost panoramic view. A paradise for the hiker and equestrian, Austin Creek rewards the explorer with twenty miles of trails and panoramic wilderness views, back-country camping, and Bullfrog Pond Campground- accessible by vehicle. The park's rugged topography, with elevations ranging from 150-1500 feet in elevation, offers a sense of isolation from the accustomed sights and sounds of civilization.
A historic feature of Austin Creek SRA is the remaining buildings of Pond Farm Pottery. This was the home, workshop, and school of the internationally renowned ceramic artist, Marguerite Wildenhain, who settled here after World War II. Formerly a student at Germany's famous Bauhaus school of design, Wildenhain enjoyed and was inspired by the peace and natural beauty of this area.
Park News Alert
Effective September 6, 2011
Due to service reductions at Austin Creek SRA, the following facilities are closed:
Bull Frog Pond Campground
Tom King/Mannings Flat I and II Backcountry Campsites
Parking above county road gate
Service reductions are subject to change. Please call 707-865-2391 for further information.
Effective September 6, 2011
Due to service reductions at Austin Creek SRA, the following facilities are closed:
Bull Frog Pond Campground
Tom King/Mannings Flat I and II Backcountry Campsites
Parking above county road gate
Service reductions are subject to change. Please call 707-865-2391 for further information.
Getting There & Fees
The park is located in Sonoma County at 17000 Armstrong Woods Road in Guerneville, CA, 95446.
Day-use parking fees are as follows:
$8.00 per vehicle
Senior: $7.00 per vehicle
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The park is located in Sonoma County at 17000 Armstrong Woods Road in Guerneville, CA, 95446.
Day-use parking fees are as follows:
$8.00 per vehicle
Senior: $7.00 per vehicle
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Summer temperatures often exceed 100 degrees, although mornings can still be cool. In the winter it will occasionally drop below freezing and the 50+ inches of annual rainfall generally includes an occasional snow flurry. Always carry plenty of water and wear layered clothing.
Summer temperatures often exceed 100 degrees, although mornings can still be cool. In the winter it will occasionally drop below freezing and the 50+ inches of annual rainfall generally includes an occasional snow flurry. Always carry plenty of water and wear layered clothing.
Operating Hours & Contact
8am until one hour past official sunset.
Telephone: 707-869-2015
8am until one hour past official sunset.
Telephone: 707-869-2015
Camping
Currently 22 family campsites are located near Bullfrog Pond. Campsites are available throughout the year on a first-come, first-served basis. Tables, fire rings, flush toilets and potable water are provided, but no showers are available.
Back country primitive campsites are located at the Tom King and Manning Flat sites. Each campsite has a table and fire ring. Pit toilets are located nearby. A year-round stream is nearby, but this water supply must be purified before drinking. Use of a micro filter is recommended. The primitive sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You will need a backcountry permit to camp in our primitive backcountry campsites. You may register for all camping and pick up a backcountry permit from our kiosk at the entrance to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. However, if the kiosk is closed, you will need to self-register for all camping at the entrance of Bullfrog Pond campground in Austin Creek. You will find self-pay envelopes, backcountry permits and self-registration instructions at the registration site.
Ground fires are prohibited during periods of extreme fire danger, although camp stoves can still be used for cooking in all but the most critical periods of fire danger when camping is not permitted at all.
Fees for camping are as follows:
Bullfrog Pond: $25.00 per night includes ONE vehicle
Back Country: $25.00 per night
Extra Vehicle: $8.00
Extra vehicle with senior: $7.00
Maximum camper length is 20 feet.
Currently 22 family campsites are located near Bullfrog Pond. Campsites are available throughout the year on a first-come, first-served basis. Tables, fire rings, flush toilets and potable water are provided, but no showers are available.
Back country primitive campsites are located at the Tom King and Manning Flat sites. Each campsite has a table and fire ring. Pit toilets are located nearby. A year-round stream is nearby, but this water supply must be purified before drinking. Use of a micro filter is recommended. The primitive sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You will need a backcountry permit to camp in our primitive backcountry campsites. You may register for all camping and pick up a backcountry permit from our kiosk at the entrance to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. However, if the kiosk is closed, you will need to self-register for all camping at the entrance of Bullfrog Pond campground in Austin Creek. You will find self-pay envelopes, backcountry permits and self-registration instructions at the registration site.
Ground fires are prohibited during periods of extreme fire danger, although camp stoves can still be used for cooking in all but the most critical periods of fire danger when camping is not permitted at all.
Fees for camping are as follows:
Bullfrog Pond: $25.00 per night includes ONE vehicle
Back Country: $25.00 per night
Extra Vehicle: $8.00
Extra vehicle with senior: $7.00
Maximum camper length is 20 feet.
Equestrian Use
All trails are closed to equestrian use. However, the trails do open up for equestrian use when trail conditions permit. You will need to call the park before your visit to confirm the status of our trails. All horse trailers must remain down in the parking lots of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. A horse riding and pack station concession providing guided day and overnight trips is located 1/2 mile west of the Armstrong Tree in Armstrong Redwoods State park.
Horse rentals are available though a private company that is adjacent to Armstrong Redwoods. For more information, contact the Armstrong Woods Pack Station at 707-887-2939 or visit their website.
All trails are closed to equestrian use. However, the trails do open up for equestrian use when trail conditions permit. You will need to call the park before your visit to confirm the status of our trails. All horse trailers must remain down in the parking lots of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. A horse riding and pack station concession providing guided day and overnight trips is located 1/2 mile west of the Armstrong Tree in Armstrong Redwoods State park.
Horse rentals are available though a private company that is adjacent to Armstrong Redwoods. For more information, contact the Armstrong Woods Pack Station at 707-887-2939 or visit their website.
Natural Resources
This wilderness area is home to a rich diversity of native animals and plants. The springtime wildflower displays include Douglas iris, Indian paint brush, buttercups, lupines, brodiaes, California poppies, and shooting stars. The grasslands, chaparral, conifer, oak woodland, and riparian habitats of Austin Creek SRA are home to a wild range of native animals including squirrel, deer, raccoon, fox, coyote, skunk, bobcat, and an occasional black bear or mountain lion. Introduced species that are commonly seen include feral pigs and wild turkeys.
Bird life in the park includes the colorful wood duck and the rare spotted owl. Other more frequently seen birds include great blue herons, ravens, black-shouldered kites, California quail, various woodpeckers, hawks, and flycatchers.
Several aquatic species live in Bullfrog pond including sunfish, black bass, and bull frogs. Trout, salmon, newts and salamanders are found in the many streams. Licensed anglers may fish Bullfrog Pond, but all streams are closed to fishing to protect important spawning habitat.
This wilderness area is home to a rich diversity of native animals and plants. The springtime wildflower displays include Douglas iris, Indian paint brush, buttercups, lupines, brodiaes, California poppies, and shooting stars. The grasslands, chaparral, conifer, oak woodland, and riparian habitats of Austin Creek SRA are home to a wild range of native animals including squirrel, deer, raccoon, fox, coyote, skunk, bobcat, and an occasional black bear or mountain lion. Introduced species that are commonly seen include feral pigs and wild turkeys.
Bird life in the park includes the colorful wood duck and the rare spotted owl. Other more frequently seen birds include great blue herons, ravens, black-shouldered kites, California quail, various woodpeckers, hawks, and flycatchers.
Several aquatic species live in Bullfrog pond including sunfish, black bass, and bull frogs. Trout, salmon, newts and salamanders are found in the many streams. Licensed anglers may fish Bullfrog Pond, but all streams are closed to fishing to protect important spawning habitat.
Trails
Austin Creek Trail
This is an unpaved service road that also serves as a trail, winding down the canyon through meadows and groves of forest as it drops from 1200' to 300' in elevation. After 4.7 miles, the road meets with Gilliam Creek Trail. A strenuous but spectacular day hike can be experienced by hiking down the Austin Creek Trail and returning via Gilliam Creek- approximately 9 miles round trip.
Gilliam Creek Trail
This narrow, steep trail parallels Gilliam Creek as it winds through shaded oak woodlands. After close to 4 miles it meets the Austin Creek Trail at the confluence of East Austin and Gilliam Creeks. This trail is seasonally impassable at the lower elevations due to high winter water levels in Gilliam Creek.
Pool Ridge Trail
On this trail you will experience the dramatic contrast between the cool redwood grove below and the open forest and rolling hills above in Austin Creek SRA. The trail only drops 500' in elevation, however the upper portion is very steep. The trail itself is 4.2 miles one way and can be used to access Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. It can also be used as a loop in conjunction with the East Ridge Trail.
East Ridge Trail
This trail curves through the diverse and varied forests of Armstrong Redwoods and Austin Creek as it spans the 4 miles and 1500' elevation between the park entrance and Bullfrog pond campground. It can also be used as part of a loop by hiking one way on this trail and returning via the Pool Ridge Trail.
Austin Creek Trail
This is an unpaved service road that also serves as a trail, winding down the canyon through meadows and groves of forest as it drops from 1200' to 300' in elevation. After 4.7 miles, the road meets with Gilliam Creek Trail. A strenuous but spectacular day hike can be experienced by hiking down the Austin Creek Trail and returning via Gilliam Creek- approximately 9 miles round trip.
Gilliam Creek Trail
This narrow, steep trail parallels Gilliam Creek as it winds through shaded oak woodlands. After close to 4 miles it meets the Austin Creek Trail at the confluence of East Austin and Gilliam Creeks. This trail is seasonally impassable at the lower elevations due to high winter water levels in Gilliam Creek.
Pool Ridge Trail
On this trail you will experience the dramatic contrast between the cool redwood grove below and the open forest and rolling hills above in Austin Creek SRA. The trail only drops 500' in elevation, however the upper portion is very steep. The trail itself is 4.2 miles one way and can be used to access Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. It can also be used as a loop in conjunction with the East Ridge Trail.
East Ridge Trail
This trail curves through the diverse and varied forests of Armstrong Redwoods and Austin Creek as it spans the 4 miles and 1500' elevation between the park entrance and Bullfrog pond campground. It can also be used as part of a loop by hiking one way on this trail and returning via the Pool Ridge Trail.
Tips & Rules
Note: Often in the summertime we do go into a fire ban. Please call ahead if you are unsure about the current conditions.
Be advised that vehicle access to the park and campground is by way of a steep, narrow, winding, 2.5-mile-long, mountain road. For safety reasons, no vehicle over 20 feet in length is allowed on this road. Vehicles with trailers or other towed vehicles are also prohibited.
Note: Often in the summertime we do go into a fire ban. Please call ahead if you are unsure about the current conditions.
Be advised that vehicle access to the park and campground is by way of a steep, narrow, winding, 2.5-mile-long, mountain road. For safety reasons, no vehicle over 20 feet in length is allowed on this road. Vehicles with trailers or other towed vehicles are also prohibited.
Accessible Features
Disclaimer
We are working to improve accessibility throughout our parks but we regret that there are currently no (wheelchair) accessible activities at this park. This may be an undeveloped park, or there may be terrain, historic or resource protection issues or other limiting factors. However, there may be some wheelchair accessible features, such as parking areas, restrooms, and routes of travel, that meet some of the current accessibility guidelines. Call the park or email us at access@parks.ca.gov for details.
Disclaimer
We are working to improve accessibility throughout our parks but we regret that there are currently no (wheelchair) accessible activities at this park. This may be an undeveloped park, or there may be terrain, historic or resource protection issues or other limiting factors. However, there may be some wheelchair accessible features, such as parking areas, restrooms, and routes of travel, that meet some of the current accessibility guidelines. Call the park or email us at access@parks.ca.gov for details.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Pioneer Trail and Fife Creek Area Loop of Armstrong Grove
Armstrong Grove State Preserve
Armstrong Grove State Preserve
Easy
1.5 mi
2.4 km
2.4 km
Guides
Armstrong Grove State Preserve
Armstrong Grove State Preserve
Community Trips
Short backpacking trip to a nice park very close to home.
There are pretty much only roads there. The roads also lead to one way travel - no loops. The roads go outside the park but all that area is private property and the owners don't like visitors.
This year I got into back-packing after some prodding from my friend Greg. This was my first over night trip that my wonderful wife Diane went along on. For a first trip without any training it was pretty tough but was in a beautiful setting in west Sonoma County in the Austin Creek State Recreation Area.
Went to explore another local park for mtn biking option. Parked outside gate and rode in. Valley floor was windy paved road with giant redwood trees with campsites all around. Not too crowded. Took paved road at back of Armstrong up to summit. Windy road entire way until I reached a locked gate closing off Bullfrog Pond due to budget. Around gate I rode through abandoned campgrounds to Riggs Fire road and...
