Austin Creek State Recreation Area
Rugged backcountry with diverse landscapes, from redwoods to grassy hills, offering challenging hikes and stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, blooming nature
Austin Creek State Recreation Area
Best Time
Cooler temps, blooming nature
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rugged backcountry with diverse landscapes, from redwoods to grassy hills, offering challenging hikes and stunning views.
"The environment is beautiful, vast and rugged backcountry, impacted by a big fire 5 years ago."
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road is narrow & steep. Take your time and be mindful of oncoming traffic.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
No potable water available. Refill at Armstrong Woods before you go.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Austin Creek Trail
Austin Creek
Hike through diverse landscapes, from towering redwoods to expansive grassy hills with stunning views.
East Ridge Trail
Austin Creek
A challenging 3.5-mile hike offering a great workout and rewarding panoramic vistas.
Redwood Groves
Lower elevations
Experience the majestic beauty of towering redwood trees, a classic Northern California sight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Narrow Roads
Post-Fire Recovery & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road is narrow & steep. Take your time and be mindful of oncoming traffic.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
No potable water available. Refill at Armstrong Woods before you go.
Free camping in Santa Rosa
☀️ Prepare for Heat
Summer can be very hot. Hike early and wear light clothing.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be strenuous and uneven. Good footwear is essential.
New California redwood park created, larger than Muir Woods
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road is narrow & steep. Take your time and be mindful of oncoming traffic.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
No potable water available. Refill at Armstrong Woods before you go.
☀️ Prepare for Heat
Summer can be very hot. Hike early and wear light clothing.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be strenuous and uneven. Good footwear is essential.
🚫 Leave Dogs at Home
Dogs are not allowed on trails, only on paved roads.
🌿 Respect the Reopening
The park is recovering from a fire. Stay on marked trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Austin Creek State Recreation Area for its stunning, diverse landscapes, from towering redwoods to expansive grassy hills, offering challenging hikes and beautiful views. However, the extremely narrow and steep access road can be a significant deterrent for some, and the lack of potable water requires careful preparation.
"Once you pass through the main parking lot for Armstrong Woods, a sign directs the way to Austin Creek Recreation area, pointing up a narrow one lane road. It's a few miles basically just going straight up a mountain.
The road from Armstrong Woods lot to Austin Creek proper is an extremely narrow one lane road, with numerous 5mph hairpin turns. There are many spots in the road where it would be impossible to pass anyone and someone would have to do a terrifying reverse.
If you are not used to driving in roads like this it could be a difficult experience.
The environment is beautiful, vast and rugged backcountry, impacted by a big fire 5 years ago. It was just reopened this year with trails starting to get back to use.
There is no water out there that is potable and in the summer it gets quite hot, so you need to be prepared. It's more exposed generally than the redwoods down at Armstrong. It's recommended to have food and water on hand out there. At the very least, refill all your jugs and bottles at the water fountain down at Armstrong before doing any journeys onward.
Have fun and be safe and respectful to this special place."
Cetza Ximenes
"Absolutely gorgeous hiking area. Can be very hot, so bring enough water to stay hydrated. The Austin Creek Trail, which I hiked with a friend of mine, is in my top 10 list of hikes in Northern Cal."
Michael W
"East Ridge Trail is a good workout, steep and 3 1/2 miles long. Wear light-colored pants so the tics will be easier to see."
doug reynolds
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Santa Rosa, head towards Guerneville and Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. After passing the main Armstrong Woods parking lot, follow signs for Austin Creek State Recreation Area. The road is a narrow, one-lane route that ascends the mountain. Be prepared for steep grades and sharp turns.
The road is extremely narrow with many 5mph hairpin turns. While accessible by most vehicles, it can be challenging for those not accustomed to such roads. RVs or large trailers may find it difficult.
Yes, you can drive to the top of the park if you prefer not to hike. The paved road goes all the way up, offering access to viewpoints and trails.
Public transportation options are very limited for reaching Austin Creek State Recreation Area. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
The drive from Santa Rosa to Austin Creek can take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and your comfort level with the winding mountain road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the provided information doesn't explicitly state an entrance fee for Austin Creek itself, it is adjacent to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, which typically has a day-use fee. It's advisable to check the official California State Parks website for the most current fee information.
Austin Creek State Recreation Area has reopened following fire recovery. Specific operating hours can vary, so it's recommended to check the official California State Parks website for the most up-to-date information on access and hours.
Advance ticket booking is generally not required for state recreation areas like Austin Creek. However, during peak seasons or special events, it's always a good idea to check the park's official website for any reservation requirements.
Austin Creek State Recreation Area has reopened after extensive recovery efforts following the 2020 Walbridge Fire. While most areas are accessible, it's wise to stay informed about any ongoing trail closures or specific access points via the park's official channels.
While one Reddit post mentions Austin Creek as a great spot for camping near Santa Rosa, it's important to verify current camping availability and regulations with California State Parks, as post-fire conditions might affect camping operations.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Austin Creek offers a variety of hiking trails, including the Austin Creek Trail and the East Ridge Trail. These trails traverse diverse terrain, from redwood forests to open grassy hills, providing options for different fitness levels.
Yes, families can enjoy Austin Creek. While some trails are strenuous, there are opportunities for scenic drives and shorter walks. The diverse environment offers an engaging experience for children.
The lower elevations of Austin Creek feature beautiful redwood groves. Hiking trails like the Austin Creek Trail will take you through these magnificent trees.
The reviews indicate there is no potable water available within Austin Creek State Recreation Area. It's crucial to bring all necessary water. Restroom availability may vary, so check park information.
As a natural recreation area, Austin Creek is home to various wildlife. While not explicitly detailed in the provided content, expect to see common California flora and fauna. Be aware of ticks, especially when hiking through grassy areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning photos of towering redwoods, expansive grassy hills, and panoramic views from the higher elevations. The diverse landscapes offer a variety of photographic opportunities.
Absolutely. The dramatic elevation changes, from dense forests to open hillsides, provide excellent opportunities for landscape photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer, more atmospheric look.
Drone usage in California State Parks is generally restricted. It's essential to check the specific regulations for Austin Creek State Recreation Area on the California State Parks website before flying a drone.
A versatile setup is recommended. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the redwoods and expansive views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant landscape details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the drive up the narrow, winding road requires careful attention from parents, the destination provides diverse scenery that can captivate younger minds. Consider driving to the top to enjoy the views without a strenuous hike, or opt for shorter, less challenging sections of trails. 🚶 Hikers Seeking a Challenge
The Austin Creek Trail also provides a substantial hiking experience, guiding you through diverse landscapes. The post-fire recovery adds an element of raw, natural beauty to the trails, making each hike a unique exploration of a resilient ecosystem.
🚗 Scenic Drivers
Once at the top, you can still enjoy the views and access some areas without extensive hiking. The drive is a significant part of the adventure, showcasing the rugged beauty of the region. Remember to have a full tank of gas and ensure your vehicle is in good condition for the climb.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Driving the Mountain Road
It's highly recommended to refill all water containers at the water fountain located at Armstrong Woods before embarking on the drive to Austin Creek, as there is no potable water available once you reach the recreation area.
Post-Fire Landscape and Trails
The East Ridge Trail, for instance, is noted as a strenuous 3.5-mile hike that provides a good workout and leads to amazing views.
Dog-Friendly Access
One reviewer expressed a desire for more parks to be dog-friendly, noting that the inability to bring their pets often deters them from visiting certain locations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit