Austin Creek State Recreation Area
🌲 6,000 Acres of Backcountry Wilderness Above the Redwoods — Sonoma County’s Wild Heart — Austin Creek State Recreation Area in Sonoma County, California, 6,000 acres of rugged backcountry adjacent to Armstrong Redwoods, 20 miles of hiking trails, Gilliam Creek Trail, oak woodlands and chaparral, elevations 150–1,500 feet, primitive backcountry camping, wildlife habitat, Russian River gateway — Sonoma County, CA
Most visitors to Armstrong Redwoods never leave the cathedral grove. They walk among the ancient coast redwoods — some over 1,400 years old — and drive home. They never see what’s above.
Austin Creek State Recreation Area is the 6,000-acre wilderness that rises above the redwood groves. A steep, narrow mountain road climbs from the forest floor into a different world — open oak woodlands, sun-baked chaparral, grassy ridges, and deep creek canyons where the only sounds are water, wind, and birdsong. This is Sonoma County’s backcountry, and it is almost entirely empty.
What to See & Do
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Gilliam Creek Trail | The signature trail — moderate to strenuous, descending into a forested canyon along Gilliam Creek. Shaded oak woodlands, wildflowers in spring. Can be seasonally impassable at creek crossings during winter rains |
| 20 Miles of Trails | A network of interconnected trails through varied terrain. Significant elevation changes (150–1,500 feet). From ridgeline views to creek-bottom forest |
| Wildlife | Black-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobcat, coyote, and a rich diversity of raptors and songbirds. The transition zones between forest and grassland create exceptional habitat |
| Armstrong Redwoods Access | The park shares its entrance with Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve — home to old-growth coast redwoods including the 1,400-year-old Colonel Armstrong Tree |
| Backcountry Solitude | While Armstrong Redwoods can be crowded, Austin Creek is almost always empty. This is true backcountry solitude 90 minutes from San Francisco |
Two Parks, Two Worlds
| Feature | Armstrong Redwoods | Austin Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | Dense old-growth coast redwood forest. Cathedral canopy. Cool and dark | Open oak woodlands, chaparral, grassy ridges. Sun-exposed. Warm |
| Elevation | Valley floor (~200 feet) | 150–1,500 feet with significant gains |
| Difficulty | Easy, flat trails | Moderate to strenuous. Steep descents and climbs |
| Crowds | Popular, especially weekends | Almost empty. True solitude |
| Access | Standard road | Steep, narrow 2.5-mile mountain road. No vehicles over 20 feet |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 🌸 Wildflowers on the ridges. Green hillsides. Creek water flowing. Best hiking temperatures. Birding peak |
| Fall (Oct–Nov) | 🍂 Golden oaks. Cool mornings, warm days. Clear views. Low fire risk compared to summer |
| Summer (Jun–Sep) | Hot and exposed on the ridges (90°F+). Early morning hikes only. Fire risk — check conditions before going |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Green hills. Creek crossings may be impassable. Muddy trails. Beautiful when dry |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive an RV up to Austin Creek?
No — vehicles over 20 feet and all trailers are prohibited. The 2.5-mile access road from Armstrong Redwoods is steep, narrow, and winding with tight switchbacks. Passenger vehicles only.
Is camping available?
Check current status before planning. Both the Bullfrog Pond Campground and the primitive backcountry sites (Tom King, Manning Flat) have experienced closures. Contact California State Parks or the Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods for the latest information.
How far is it from San Francisco?
About 90 minutes — 75 miles north via Highway 101 and River Road through Guerneville. The Russian River wine country is along the way. Many visitors combine Austin Creek with Armstrong Redwoods and a Russian River wine tour.
🌲 Above the Redwoods, a Wilderness No One Visits
Everyone sees the redwoods. Almost no one climbs higher. 6,000 acres of oak woodland, canyon creeks, and ridgeline views — 90 minutes from San Francisco, and virtually empty.
