montgomery woods state reserve

OK... So, I read the reviews and I'm so grateful. This is actually a little hard to find. Google GPS would have you drive right past the entrance. Luckily, I knew that there was a port-a-potty and the path gores out to the left from the parking lot. this is how we knew we were in the right place because, even though the advice is to go in the afternoon, we like to go when things are less crowded. We went early and there was only 1 car in the lot when we arrived. By the time we left, the lot was full with some people making a poor decision to double park on the side. The woods are spectacular. You can see new young growth. You can see ferns so thick under trees so tall that there's a Jurassic Park effect. You can stand among trees that are so large that even with your arms all the way out you can't possibly span the trunk to hug it. Fabulous. The only other advice is that you might want to wear shoes that you can get muddy.... The port-a-potty was really unpleasant but we were still glad we were there. We brought in our own water and had snacks in the car for the ride back (over an hour from Mendocino). The road is long and windy but not as bad as the one from the Napa area at night. It's all completely do-able, just long.

If you are travelling through Mendocino County and looking for something to do...do this! Getting to the State Reserve is half the fun. We spent the previous night in Mendocino and were heading to the Napa Valley. The winding road from Mendocino took us through beautiful woodlands and high farming country. Once at the State Reserve the walking track takes you through a number of groves of giant redwoods. A truly magical experience. The only suggestion I would have for the Reserve management is that the walking track needs some more signs. The track, which is in the form of a loop, became undefined and we decided to retrace our tracks rather than doing the loop. But this wasn't a big issue as we got to walk throughout the redwood groves twice. The road through to Ukiah was even more twisty and narrow and full of more beautiful scenery. All roads are sealed and present no problem for the average driver in an average car.

Magnificent Redwood groves. Worth the somewhat twisty and bumpy ride (from Ukiah) or slightly more farmed (from Comptche/Navarro). The area is dazzlingly quiet, and cool. If you take the path to the left from the parking area, you eventually reach a grove and a looping path that is fairly level and about 1 mile long. A really fabulous detour when driving through northern California.

It took us almost 1 hour to drive here from Mendocino (to escape the fog) but it was worth the long, narrow and curvy drive. The trees are one of tallest I have seen on the North Coast. There are lot´s of trails to hike and even during the weekend only a handful of other hikers were around. Recommend!

After a long drive on a curvy, narrow country road we found a little gem of a forest. We were almost the only ones there due to our early arrival time (before 10 am) and when we left the parking lot was full. This is an easy hike for all ages and most levels of fitness. The ferns, the trees, the streams. It is quite, tranquil and I can't wait to go again!

I suggest you stretch your neck before setting off on a hike because you'll spend the majority of your time looking up. You might as well lie down!The road going to this place is narrow, gains/drops a lot of elevation within short distances and chock full of switchbacks! Super fun with a small vehicle! Just the drive alone was well worth the visit, but those redwoods are truly magnificent!There's a parking lot with restrooms (yay!). Just be sure to hide everything so your car doesn't get broken into. A sign was posted today (7/27/2014) that car windows have been busted and broken into in broad daylight, so don't leave anything out. Take it with you.Follow the trail and be in awe of your surroundings. The entire place is a photo op, so click away. I couldn't help but feel small next to these trees. It's amazing what nature can do. The trail gains elevation right off the bat, so be prepared. There are lots of exposed roots to trip on and sharp rocks... so be careful. If you look around, there are a lot of butterflies! I wouldn't call them "attack butterflies", but they do flutter across your face. They tend to rest on the tree bases, so as you walk by, they fly off. The ground is covered in redwood sorrel and provide a nice forest "carpet".I LOVE THIS PLACE! I plan on taking family and friends here. I have to share what I've seen!

The Montgomery Woods State Reserve is a grove of majestic Redwoods and Sequioas near Ukiah, California. The road to the reserve is curvy, potholed and in fair condition, and you should be prepared for narrow areas with oncoming log trucks and auto traffic - drive slowly. The up-side of the drive is that it is very scenic and beautiful getting there. After about a 15 minute drive you arrive at the woods, and a small parking lot. There are a couple signs warning that there have been break-ins to cars in broad daylight, so consider taking all valuables with you. The hike into the grove is approximately 3 miles and there is one steep ascent of 50 yards or so. But then you descend down into a magical wonderland of awe-inspiring Redwoods, lush ferns, and trickling creeks crossed by rustic bridges. Follow the loop through this incredible beauty and it will bring you back to the parking lot. This hike is not for the infirm or those with serious health restrictions, but for most hikers it is an easy trip and well worth the drive in and the short climb up the steep incline to reach this beautiful grove. The trail is well marked and there are many very nice, well maintained informative signs. There is a restroom there which was in dire need of cleaning, and a nice picnic area. Excellent way to spend an afternoon.

Great place to take visiting guests near Ukiah . One redwood tree was known as the tallest redwood until the top was broke off by lightning. Totally unmarked with no signs identifying this tree but fun to search and marvel at the size and beauty. Take Orr Springs rd from Ukiah and you will arrive 13 miles later. Great marked trail with moderate climb with a place to picnic or have family gatherings at the start of the trail. Parking is limited but with a short walk is adequate. Fun day trip.

We've visited a handful of redwood forests in California, and this was the most impressive. Incredibly peaceful, large clearings for great exploring, a creek that floods part of the path making the hike more interesting, and impressive fallen trees. Path was slightly muddy in February, but gradual and fairly easy to hike (even for our children). The loop was 5 miles. One toilet, no running water. No dogs allowed.

Recently explored Montgomery Woods State Reserve for the first time on a recent trip to Mendocino and beyond. Impressive redwoods ... but they are all impressive ... in an area not heavily visited. The drive getting there is a treat itself, although the last 6+ miles is on a rough, not well-maintained road. I did the loop walk, about 2 miles, originating from the parking lot just after you enter the Reserve. First 1/4 mile is pretty steep, but then it levels off and is an easy stroll through the redwoods. Until 2006, this was home to the tallest tree in the world (367 ft). Although it can't claim the title as tallest tree anymore, it is pretty impressive. Since it is located off the beaten path, relatively few people on the trail.

Great old growth, very pretty. We took some friends here when they visited California. Good trails, plenty of picture opportunities!

A far away from the maddening crowd trek into spectacular redwoods. It does have a handicapped parking space but I can't figure out why because about 100 feet into the mile and a half hike it is impossible footing for anyone disabled or in a wheel chair. I feel it could be very easily fixed to allow more access. Be ready for some hiking to see the big trees.

Montgomery Woods has been there for hundreds of years...I have been visiting for 50 years..I slightly hesitate at making this review as it will bring more people to it.But last year some money was put in to parking, spruced up the out-houses etc...so it it well known.You must ask where the Comptche Road.(just south of Mendocino and called Orr Springs Road in Ukiah. It is a gem. There is an easy trail that circumnavigates it after climbing a mildly steep hill.The trees are some of the largest(one is and is not marked), in this area. If you can go off season, even better. Yes, no strollers. Picnic there, reflect there and try to soak in the majestic peace of the place...quietly.

When asked which forest I wanted to go to, the four or five star of equidistance from our starting point, I chose the five star. This forest was well worth the 2 1/2 hour drive (including the curviest road I have ever been on). Such a beatiful and serene place to hike and explore. There are many little foot trails off the beaten path that are worth the exploration if you're up for a little adventure. Make sure you take warm clothes because the sun doesn't penetrate through the dense canopy in large areas at a time. The trees were huge, and noticably, so were the clover.

Montgomery is a beautiful place to go for a hike--even for kids (walking age, there's a fairly steep hill hiking in and areas where strollers--even the all terrain kind--just won't be able to navigate well)