Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve
Step into a serene, ancient redwood cathedral. Discover towering old-growth trees, lush ferns, and a profound sense of peace.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a serene, ancient redwood cathedral. Discover towering old-growth trees, lush ferns, and a profound sense of peace.
"This place has this kind of ancient, mossy magic that hits different. Like entering a secret redwood cathedral."
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be a bit steep and hilly, especially at the start. Good footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Pack Water & Snacks
Limited facilities mean you should bring your own provisions for a comfortable visit. :water_wave: :snack:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Coast Redwoods
Main Loop Trail
Stand in awe of towering, ancient coast redwoods, some predating the Renaissance. A truly magical experience.
Fern-Lined Trails
Throughout the Reserve
Wander through lush, moss-covered forests with vibrant ferns and a cool, moist atmosphere.
Albino Redwoods
Along Trails
Discover rare albino redwoods, a fascinating mutation of the iconic redwood species.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Ancient Atmosphere
Best Footwear and Hydration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be a bit steep and hilly, especially at the start. Good footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Pack Water & Snacks
Limited facilities mean you should bring your own provisions for a comfortable visit. :water_wave: :snack:
Take Your Time
This magical place deserves to be savored. Don't rush your experience; soak in the stillness. :hourglass:
Respect the Silence
The ancient groves create a profound quiet. Whisper and walk slowly to fully appreciate the atmosphere. :ear:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be a bit steep and hilly, especially at the start. Good footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Pack Water & Snacks
Limited facilities mean you should bring your own provisions for a comfortable visit. :water_wave: :snack:
Take Your Time
This magical place deserves to be savored. Don't rush your experience; soak in the stillness. :hourglass:
Respect the Silence
The ancient groves create a profound quiet. Whisper and walk slowly to fully appreciate the atmosphere. :ear:
Look for Albino Redwoods
Keep an eye out for the rare and fascinating albino redwood mutations. :sparkles:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe Montgomery Woods as a 'magical' and 'beautiful' place, highlighting the 'majestic' ancient redwoods and the 'fresh' scent of the forest. The serene atmosphere and the feeling of stepping into an 'ancient cathedral' are frequently praised. While the initial trail incline is noted, most agree the effort is well worth the breathtaking experience.
"So beautiful and magical. We are fortunate to have discovered this place while staying for a few days close by. The trees are majestic and the minute you get out of your vehicle it smells so fresh. We met some workers who are making improvements on the trail and they've done a wonderful job so far. As everyone says, there is an incline at the beginning, but once you get to the top it levels out and definitely worth the hike."
Kathie Atencio
"Special magical quiet place. Highly recommend going unhurried and taking it in. Six of us walked ~4 miles over 3 hours on a weekday summer afternoon. Pack water, snacks and wear good shoes for this relatively easy slightly hilly hike. There were many stumps to pause on , get still and meditate on the fact that some of these trees were around before the renaissance."
Bay Walker
"I’ve hiked a lot of places, but Montgomery Woods has this kind of ancient, mossy magic that hits different. The moment I stepped onto the trail, I felt like I had entered a secret redwood cathedral quiet, cool, and full of wild energy. These trees are seriously old. Like… older than most countries old. And they’re still standing tall and majestic like Earth’s original guardians.
The hike itself is peaceful, not too strenuous, and full of little surprises twisty roots, spring flowers, and that filtered sunlight that makes everything look straight out of a fairy tale. I even spotted a banana slug just vibing in its own little world. Respect.
I brought some water, took my time, and just soaked in the stillness. There’s something deeply grounding about this place. It makes you want to whisper and walk slower. I didn’t expect to get emotional in a forest, but here we are.
If you’re looking to reconnect with nature, slow your roll, and breathe some real-deal fresh air, Montgomery Woods delivers. Just don’t rush it this place deserves your full attention.
Five stars from me. Can’t wait to come back and bring someone I care about."
Marc A. Tager
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Montgomery Woods is located off Orr Springs Road, a scenic drive from Ukiah. The road can be winding, so drive carefully. It's a popular stop for those traveling along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Orr Springs Road can be subject to closures due to weather, especially during the rainy season. It's advisable to check road conditions before your visit, particularly if traveling during winter months.
From Los Angeles, it's an approximately eight-hour drive to Montgomery Woods. Many visitors make it a destination on a longer road trip through California.
Public transportation to Montgomery Woods is very limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle, making it a great destination for a road trip.
Yes, Montgomery Woods is a fantastic stop for those exploring the PCH, offering a serene redwood experience away from larger crowds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve is free to enter and is open for day use, making it an accessible natural wonder.
The reserve is open for day use. Specific hours can vary, so it's always a good idea to check the official California State Parks website for the most up-to-date information.
No, advance booking is not required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit on a first-come, first-served basis during daylight hours.
Yes, events like 'Take Me to The Trees' have been held to benefit the Montgomery Woods Initiative, supporting visitor experience improvements.
Typically, pets are not allowed on trails within California State Natural Reserves to protect the natural environment. Please verify with the park for the most current pet policy.
🎫 🌲 Onsite Experience
The main trail is a loop that begins with a steep incline but levels out, offering a relatively easy hike through stunning redwood groves and fern-filled areas.
A leisurely hike can take around 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the ancient trees and serene atmosphere, covering about 4 miles.
Restroom facilities are generally available, but it's always wise to confirm their operational status with the park service.
Visitors have spotted banana slugs and a variety of forest birds. The focus is on the ancient flora, but wildlife sightings are a bonus.
The initial steep incline might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues, but the overall experience can still be enjoyed with careful planning.
📸 📸 Photography
The towering redwoods, moss-covered trees, and dappled sunlight create magical photo opportunities throughout the reserve.
Yes, albino redwoods are a unique sight and can be photographed. They are a fascinating mutation to capture.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light, with soft, filtered sunlight creating a mystical ambiance.
Drone usage is typically restricted in California State Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check park regulations before flying.
Consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the trees. Adjusting for low light and using a tripod can help with sharper images.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, and make it a point to take your time, allowing everyone to soak in the wonder of this ancient forest.🧘 Solo Travelers & Nature Seekers
📸 Photographers
+1 Look for unique subjects like the albino redwoods or the interplay of light and shadow. Early morning or late afternoon often provide the most dramatic and magical lighting conditions for capturing the essence of this ancient forest.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of Coast Redwoods
The Montgomery Woods Initiative is actively working to enhance the visitor experience at this special place, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
+1 This includes efforts to improve trails and facilities, making the reserve more accessible while maintaining its wild character. The dedication to preserving these ancient groves highlights their ecological and spiritual significance.Beyond the towering redwoods, the reserve is a vibrant ecosystem. Keep an eye out for albino redwoods, a rare genetic mutation that results in white or pale trees due to a lack of chlorophyll.
These unique specimens add another layer of wonder to the forest. The presence of ferns, streams, and mosses further enriches the forest floor, creating a lush, verdant environment that feels like stepping into another world.+1A Journey Through the Woods: The Hike
As you traverse the path, you'll encounter twisty roots, vibrant spring flowers, and the iconic filtered sunlight that casts a magical glow on everything.
+1 The quietude of the woods is profound, encouraging visitors to walk slower and speak in hushed tones, fostering a deep connection with nature.Many visitors describe the hike as not too strenuous once past the initial ascent, making it accessible for a wide range of fitness levels. The experience is often described as stepping into a secret redwood cathedral,
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit