Redwood trees photo taken 2012 October 19

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Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve

4.8

·415 reviews·Ukiah, United States

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

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more tranquility

CrowdLow

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Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more tranquility

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into a serene, ancient redwood cathedral. Discover towering old-growth trees, lush ferns, and a profound sense of peace.

4.8

(415 reviews)

"This place has this kind of ancient, mossy magic that hits different. Like entering a secret redwood cathedral."

TIP

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:

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 424 reviews

Type

State Park

Address

15825 Orr Springs Rd, Ukiah, CA 95482, USA

Website

parks.ca.gov/?page_id=434

👶 Good for kids🅿️ Accessible parking

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Ancient Atmosphere

Montgomery Woods offers a serene escape into old-growth redwood groves. Prepare for a slightly steep initial climb on the main trail, but the effort is rewarded with breathtaking ancient trees and a profound sense of peace. It's a place to slow down and truly connect with nature.

Best Footwear and Hydration

Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for the trails, as they can be a bit hilly, especially at the start.

Bring water and snacks, as amenities are limited. The fresh forest air and majestic trees make it a perfect spot for a leisurely, unhurried exploration.

Best Times

When

Weekday afternoons

Why

Fewer crowds, more tranquility

Crowd

Low

When

Rainy season

Why

Lush greenery, unique atmosphere

Crowd

Low

When

Spring

Why

Wildflowers and fresh growth

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

explore the redwoods with me!! 🌲#redwoods #california #treesofmystery #nature #fyp

@sophia.h.murray

45.6K likes • 420.4K views

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:

100% freak for the creek 😅. #creek #river #lake #inyocountycalifornia #california #inyonationalforest #mammothlakes #Outdoors #Hiking #fyp

@openyourmind11_11

36.6K likes • 173.2K views

🌲 Let’s hike Montgomery Woods! Just a short, stunning drive on Orr Springs Road will lead you to Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve. It’s open for day use which makes this the perfect stop when you’re out exploring Ukiah. The two-mile trail loops, which makes getting back to the start easy with only a steep climb to begin. Once you’re on the trail, you’ll find towering redwoods throughout pl...

visitukiahca

296 likes • 4.2K views

Take Your Time

This magical place deserves to be savored. Don't rush your experience; soak in the stillness. ⏳

Respect the Silence

The ancient groves create a profound quiet. Whisper and walk slowly to fully appreciate the atmosphere. 👂

I dedicate my visit to Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve to the Pomo people of California. I got the chance to experience some rich in solitude, silence, and great groves of coast redwoods. It was worth the eight-hour drive from Los Angeles. The Pomo people have lived in present Mendocino and Sonoma. The Pomo frequently traveled through the redwoods. The name Pomo means "those who live at r...

auravasquezofficial

87 likes • 1.3K views

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. ⏳

Respect the Silence

The ancient groves create a profound quiet. Whisper and walk slowly to fully appreciate the atmosphere. 👂

Look for Albino Redwoods

Keep an eye out for the rare and fascinating albino redwood mutations. ✨

What Travellers Say

4.8

(415 reviews)

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

Majestic ancient redwoods

Magical and serene atmosphere

Fresh forest scent

What People Dislike

Steep initial trail incline

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.+1

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.