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A trail bridge atop a fallen tree, among the redwood giants in the Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve.

© GaryKavanagh/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve


Two miles west of Orr Hot Springs, this 2743-acre reserve protects some of the best old-growth redwood groves within a day’s drive from San Francisco. A 2-mile loop trail, starting near the picnic tables and toilets, crosses the creek, winding through the serene forest. It’s out of the way, so visitors are likely to have it mostly to themselves.

The trees here are impressive – some up to 367ft tall – but remember to admire them from the trail, both to protect the root systems of the trees and to protect yourself from poison oak, which is all over the park.


Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Ridgewood Ranch

8.44 MILES

Willits’ most famous resident was the champion racehorse Seabiscuit, who grew up here. Three-hour tours of his former ranch are available by reservation…

2. Parducci Wine Cellars

10.15 MILES

Sustainably grown, harvested and produced, ‘America’s Greenest Winery’ offers affordable, bold, earthy reds. The tasting room, lined in brick with low…

3. Husch Vineyards

10.44 MILES

The oldest vineyard in the valley serves exquisite tastings inside a rose-covered cottage.

4. Greenwood Ridge Vineyards

10.58 MILES

The best reason to come here is to view the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired tasting room, which was built from a single fallen redwood trunk. The Pinot Noir…

5. Navarro Vineyards

10.66 MILES

One of the most visitor-friendly options around with award-winning Pinot Noir and dry Gewürztraminer; has twice-daily free tours (10:30am and 2pm;…

6. Philo Apple Farm

11.26 MILES

For the best fruit, skip the obvious roadside stands and head to this gorgeous farm for preserves, chutneys and organic heirloom apples and pears. For…

7. Toulouse Vineyards

11.81 MILES

Sample standout (and organic!) Pinot Gris, Valdiguié and Pinot Noir from a stunning hilltop tasting room tucked into the forest.

8. Grace Hudson Museum & Sun House

11.89 MILES

One block east of State St, the collection’s mainstays are paintings by Grace Hudson (1865–1937). Her sensitive depictions of Pomo people and other…