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Hendy Woods State Park, less than three hours from the bustling San Francisco Bay Area, protects two magnificent ancient redwood forests. Eighty-acre Big Hendy and twenty-acre Little Hendy groves offer peaceful surroundings and serenity broken only by the sounds of nature. The beautiful Navarro River plays a soothing counterpoint to the distant tapping of woodpeckers and the gentle wind in the trees.
Visitors need to be advised that periodically early morning noise and agricultural spraying occurs adjacent to the park.
Getting There
Hendy Woods is located in one of the most scenic areas of southwestern Mendocino County. It is eight miles northwest of Boonville, a half-mile south of Highway 128 on picturesque Philo-Greenwood Road.
Less than a three hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area, one passes from the hustle and bustle of a modern metropolitan center into a majestically silent primeval forest of Coast Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirons).
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Hendy Woods is located in one of the most scenic areas of southwestern Mendocino County. It is eight miles northwest of Boonville, a half-mile south of Highway 128 on picturesque Philo-Greenwood Road.
Less than a three hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area, one passes from the hustle and bustle of a modern metropolitan center into a majestically silent primeval forest of Coast Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirons).
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Located inland, about eight miles northwest of Boonville in the middle of the Anderson Valley, the park is warmer and less foggy than redwood parks along the coast. High and low temperatures between November and March can range from the high 50s to the low 30s at night. From April through October, daytime temperatures range from the low 60s to low 100s, and from the low 40s to the low 50s at night. Layered clothing is recommended year round.
Located inland, about eight miles northwest of Boonville in the middle of the Anderson Valley, the park is warmer and less foggy than redwood parks along the coast. High and low temperatures between November and March can range from the high 50s to the low 30s at night. From April through October, daytime temperatures range from the low 60s to low 100s, and from the low 40s to the low 50s at night. Layered clothing is recommended year round.
Operating Hours & Contact
The park is open from 8am until sunset.
Telephone: 707-895-3141
The park is open from 8am until sunset.
Telephone: 707-895-3141
Facilities
The 25 picnicking sites are located near the banks of the Navarro River in full view of Big Hendy Grove. There is no need to bring either wood, charcoal or presto-logs as wood is available at the ranger station. Visitors are asked not to gather wood within the park as this downed material is needed to provide humus for the surrounding vegetation.
Fishing has not been allowed in the park for several decades. Fishing is permitted in the Navarro River watershed down river from the bridge at the park entrance.
The 25 picnicking sites are located near the banks of the Navarro River in full view of Big Hendy Grove. There is no need to bring either wood, charcoal or presto-logs as wood is available at the ranger station. Visitors are asked not to gather wood within the park as this downed material is needed to provide humus for the surrounding vegetation.
Fishing has not been allowed in the park for several decades. Fishing is permitted in the Navarro River watershed down river from the bridge at the park entrance.
Camping
The campgrounds sit between Big Hendy and Little Hendy groves. Azalea Campground has 43 sites and Wildcat Campground has 49 sites; each site has a table, barbecue stove and food locker. Piped drinking water and restrooms with hot showers are nearby. Four small cabins and a hike-and-bike camp offer variety.
Make Campground Reservations
Max Camper Length: 35 Feet
Max Trailer Length: 35 Feet
The campgrounds sit between Big Hendy and Little Hendy groves. Azalea Campground has 43 sites and Wildcat Campground has 49 sites; each site has a table, barbecue stove and food locker. Piped drinking water and restrooms with hot showers are nearby. Four small cabins and a hike-and-bike camp offer variety.
Make Campground Reservations
Max Camper Length: 35 Feet
Max Trailer Length: 35 Feet
Activities
Trails: Big Hendy Trail is a level, 1.6-mile trail. The Little Hendy Trail is a short loop through the grove. The Hermit Hut Trail takes you where the “Hendy Hermit,” a Russian immigrant, once lived alone among the trees. The Azalea Creek Trail is a gentle walk through the trees, and the Eagle Trail is a service trail between the day-use area and the campground.
While hiking, please stay on the trail so that the forest floor will maintain its beauty untrammeled for generations to come.
Picnicking: Near the banks of the Navarro River, 12 picnic sites with barbecue stoves and tables overlook the Big Hendy Grove.
Exhibits and Programs: Enjoy Junior Ranger nature walks and a campfire program.
Swimming is popular in summer, as is kayaking and canoeing in late winter and early spring.
Trails: Big Hendy Trail is a level, 1.6-mile trail. The Little Hendy Trail is a short loop through the grove. The Hermit Hut Trail takes you where the “Hendy Hermit,” a Russian immigrant, once lived alone among the trees. The Azalea Creek Trail is a gentle walk through the trees, and the Eagle Trail is a service trail between the day-use area and the campground.
While hiking, please stay on the trail so that the forest floor will maintain its beauty untrammeled for generations to come.
Picnicking: Near the banks of the Navarro River, 12 picnic sites with barbecue stoves and tables overlook the Big Hendy Grove.
Exhibits and Programs: Enjoy Junior Ranger nature walks and a campfire program.
Swimming is popular in summer, as is kayaking and canoeing in late winter and early spring.
Natural History
The most outstanding features of this 845-acre park are the two redwood groves on the flats along the Navarro River. Some of these trees stand more than 300 feet tall and may be close to 1,000 years old. Madrones, Douglas firs and California laurels share the cool shade of the redwoods. Massive stumps and fallen trees lie covered in moss. Beneath the old-growth giants, ferns and redwood sorrel blanket the ground, and soft, decomposed redwood duff mutes all sound to a mellow hush.
Occasionally, bobcats and mountain lions stalk black-tailed deer and small animals such as raccoons, cottontails, gray foxes, skunks and chipmunks. Black bears are sometimes seen among berry bushes, and Steller’s jays, thrushes and woodpeckers add to the restful sounds of wind in the trees.
The most outstanding features of this 845-acre park are the two redwood groves on the flats along the Navarro River. Some of these trees stand more than 300 feet tall and may be close to 1,000 years old. Madrones, Douglas firs and California laurels share the cool shade of the redwoods. Massive stumps and fallen trees lie covered in moss. Beneath the old-growth giants, ferns and redwood sorrel blanket the ground, and soft, decomposed redwood duff mutes all sound to a mellow hush.
Occasionally, bobcats and mountain lions stalk black-tailed deer and small animals such as raccoons, cottontails, gray foxes, skunks and chipmunks. Black bears are sometimes seen among berry bushes, and Steller’s jays, thrushes and woodpeckers add to the restful sounds of wind in the trees.
Native History
The presence of the Pomo people in this area dates back thousands of years. Their traditions included respect for their surroundings and the plants and animals that inhabited them. These hunter-gatherers lived by the seasons, shaping their territories to fit their needs. Their stewardship included pruning, burning off underbrush, planting grasses to attract game, and harvesting in a manner that ensured healthy new growth. The Pomo’s harmony with their surroundings was brought to an end with the arrival of Russian fur traders, who saw the native people as a ready labor force. After depleting the area’s natural resources, the settlers laid claim to Pomo lands. The Pomo attempted to resist these losses, but hard labor, clashes with settlers, and diseases to which they had no immunity decimated their numbers. Today, Pomo descendants occupy a small portion of their ancestral lands, and are reviving their language and traditions and passing them on to their children.
The presence of the Pomo people in this area dates back thousands of years. Their traditions included respect for their surroundings and the plants and animals that inhabited them. These hunter-gatherers lived by the seasons, shaping their territories to fit their needs. Their stewardship included pruning, burning off underbrush, planting grasses to attract game, and harvesting in a manner that ensured healthy new growth. The Pomo’s harmony with their surroundings was brought to an end with the arrival of Russian fur traders, who saw the native people as a ready labor force. After depleting the area’s natural resources, the settlers laid claim to Pomo lands. The Pomo attempted to resist these losses, but hard labor, clashes with settlers, and diseases to which they had no immunity decimated their numbers. Today, Pomo descendants occupy a small portion of their ancestral lands, and are reviving their language and traditions and passing them on to their children.
Park History
The two groves of redwood and the park which was constructed around them bear the name of Joshua P. Hendy, who in the late 1800s first claimed this beautiful area as his own. Joshua P. Hendy vowed never to allow his ancient redwoods to be cut down, and he was as good as his word. Born in England in 1822, Hendy came to California in September 1849. However, he was not interested in finding gold. His practical approach was to get to know the area well enough to provide what his neighbors needed. Since construction materials were in demand, Hendy’s first venture was a redwood lumber mill. Soon after, Hendy had a string of highly successful lumber mills. Hendy then observed that gold mining was progressing from hand tools to more complex methods of extracting gold. In 1856 he founded the Joshua Hendy Iron Works and manufactured mining equipment, some of which is still in use today. Hendy grew to love his home in the Anderson Valley, and was determined that his beloved nearby virgin groves be preserved. Though large stands of redwoods surrounding Hendy’s groves were logged after his death, Big Hendy and Little Hendy were spared for the enjoyment and wonder of future generations.
Hendy Woods was sold to the people of California in August of 1958, to become one of our finest state parks.
The two groves of redwood and the park which was constructed around them bear the name of Joshua P. Hendy, who in the late 1800s first claimed this beautiful area as his own. Joshua P. Hendy vowed never to allow his ancient redwoods to be cut down, and he was as good as his word. Born in England in 1822, Hendy came to California in September 1849. However, he was not interested in finding gold. His practical approach was to get to know the area well enough to provide what his neighbors needed. Since construction materials were in demand, Hendy’s first venture was a redwood lumber mill. Soon after, Hendy had a string of highly successful lumber mills. Hendy then observed that gold mining was progressing from hand tools to more complex methods of extracting gold. In 1856 he founded the Joshua Hendy Iron Works and manufactured mining equipment, some of which is still in use today. Hendy grew to love his home in the Anderson Valley, and was determined that his beloved nearby virgin groves be preserved. Though large stands of redwoods surrounding Hendy’s groves were logged after his death, Big Hendy and Little Hendy were spared for the enjoyment and wonder of future generations.
Hendy Woods was sold to the people of California in August of 1958, to become one of our finest state parks.
Accessible Features
Camping: Four campsites (#5,37,40 and 41) dispersed in Azalea Loop are generally accessible. Activity areas are paved and include accessible picnic tables and fire circles. Tent areas may be small. Restrooms with showers: Combination restroom opposite campsite 2 has been closed for repairs. Restroom with Showers near site 17 is usable. Path of travel from each site is about 600 feet. Pending road repairs have created gravel obstacles on path from sites 40 and 41. Drive and drop-off at this restroom by site 17 is best option at this time.
Trails: The All Access Trail is a multi-use redwood forest trail, 0.53mile long. Rains during early 2006 moved some bridges, so the trail is not fully accessible pending repairs.
Trailhead and restroom at the day-use area parking lot. Parking: Unmarked but paved, flat and generally accessible. Restroom: A portable restroom is usable. Path of travel from parking area to trail is generally accessible.
Puma Cabin is a ramped one-room cabin in the Wildcat loop of the park that is generally accessible, though some assistance may be needed at door threshold. Cabins contain two bunks, a small table and two chairs, and are heated by wood stove. Wood is for sale in park. Water is available nearby. Generally accessible restrooms with showers are close by in this loop, near site 49. Route of travel to restrooms may have some sloped areas that could require help. Assistance may be required at cabin’s gravel parking space and at unpaved picnic area. Cabin may be rented up to 7 months in advance during summer season at Reserve America. Call park for rental information in off season or for more information.
Camping: Four campsites (#5,37,40 and 41) dispersed in Azalea Loop are generally accessible. Activity areas are paved and include accessible picnic tables and fire circles. Tent areas may be small. Restrooms with showers: Combination restroom opposite campsite 2 has been closed for repairs. Restroom with Showers near site 17 is usable. Path of travel from each site is about 600 feet. Pending road repairs have created gravel obstacles on path from sites 40 and 41. Drive and drop-off at this restroom by site 17 is best option at this time.
Trails: The All Access Trail is a multi-use redwood forest trail, 0.53mile long. Rains during early 2006 moved some bridges, so the trail is not fully accessible pending repairs.
Trailhead and restroom at the day-use area parking lot. Parking: Unmarked but paved, flat and generally accessible. Restroom: A portable restroom is usable. Path of travel from parking area to trail is generally accessible.
Puma Cabin is a ramped one-room cabin in the Wildcat loop of the park that is generally accessible, though some assistance may be needed at door threshold. Cabins contain two bunks, a small table and two chairs, and are heated by wood stove. Wood is for sale in park. Water is available nearby. Generally accessible restrooms with showers are close by in this loop, near site 49. Route of travel to restrooms may have some sloped areas that could require help. Assistance may be required at cabin’s gravel parking space and at unpaved picnic area. Cabin may be rented up to 7 months in advance during summer season at Reserve America. Call park for rental information in off season or for more information.
Park News Alert
Service Reduction Information
Until further notice Hendy Woods State Park will contain areas where services are reduced or eliminated due to the fiscal crisis.
For further information please contact the Mendocino District Office at 707-937-5804 Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm.
Camper Information
Campground: Azalea Loop - First-come, first-served camping available through Oct 29, 2011. Wildcat Loop - Closed for season. October 30, 2011 entire campground closed for season.
Cabins - Existing reservations will be honored. Some cabins available first-come, first-served.
Be the first to add a trip in this destination!Service Reduction Information
Until further notice Hendy Woods State Park will contain areas where services are reduced or eliminated due to the fiscal crisis.
For further information please contact the Mendocino District Office at 707-937-5804 Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm.
Camper Information
Campground: Azalea Loop - First-come, first-served camping available through Oct 29, 2011. Wildcat Loop - Closed for season. October 30, 2011 entire campground closed for season.
Cabins - Existing reservations will be honored. Some cabins available first-come, first-served.
Nearby Community Trips
Great way to experience the redwoods on the one dog and bike friendly trail in the park.
Hiking in Hendy Woods with my dad and brother, after a day of wine, beer, and food tasting in the Anderson Valley.
