Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve and the adjoining Austin Creek State Recreation Area offer the equestrian over 20 miles of trails exploring 6000 acres of deep cool redwoods, shady conifer and oak woodlands, sunny chaparral, open grasslands, and the riparian habitats of five streams. Elevations range from 120 feet above sea level to 2000' Coastal Mountain vistas. Trails are frequently steep, rugged and narrow but nothing treacherous to experienced trail horses and riders comfortable in mountainous terrain. This is a popular park for endurance trainers.

DAY RIDERS can park their trailers for free and unload in the Entrance Parking Lot by the East Ridge Trailhead. Some horse owners prefer to pay the $6 day-use fee and park by the Maintenance Yard behind the picnic area where trailheads connect to the East Ridge Trail or Pool Ridge Trail. Buy a map at the Entrance or Visitor Center so you don't get lost.

TRAILS:

• A popular 6-mile loop uses the East Ridge Trail crossing over to the Pool Ridge Trail at the top of the connecting 1400' ridge. To the east of the open ridgetop meadow, a glade of trees hides a spring flowing into a horse trough hewn from a log, with pure drinking water suitable for refilling your canteen.
• More ambitious riders continue on a 14- or 20-mile loop past the trough, up McCray Mountain and past Bull Frog Pond Campground. Cross the road and continue on an unmarked trail to the fire road descending to Gilliam Creek. To the left of the bridge is a trail that connects to Gilliam Creek Trail back up the mountain, taking Pool Ridge Trail down the other side of the mountain to your trailer, completing a 14 mile loop.
• Or cross the bridge and continue along the creek, up Thompson Ridge to Tom King Camp or on to Austin Creek. A mile upstream are the two Mannings Flat Camps. The 20 mile loop crosses Austin Creek following a fire road downstream to Gilliam Creek Trail. Follow Gilliam Creek until it climbs back over the mountain picking up Pool Ridge Trail on the other side which returns to your trailer or our Pack Station.

HORSE CAMPING:

• The State Park allows horses only in the three primitive Tom King and Mannings Flat Backcountry Campsites, 8 to 10 miles from the trailhead.
• Backcountry permits required, available on a first-come, first-served basis for $15 per night.
• Park behind the Picnic Area by the Maintenance Yard after acquiring your permit at the Ranger Station between 8am and 4pm summers or phone for ranger schedule off-season.
• Both camps have adequate creek water for horses but must be purified for humans. Except for Spring, feed is marginal and requires supplements.
• No corrals, and hitching rails are inadequate. Horses must be hobbled to graze and take rope for overhead picket lines.
• Each campsite has a pit toilet, picnic table with critter cupboard, and fire ring but no ground fires allowed all summer to the rainy season, so take a campstove. No fishing or hunting.

For more information, phone Laura & Jonathan Ayers, ranch and pack station owners, in the evening at (707) 887-2939.

ARMSTRONG WOODS  PACK STATION

Jonathan & Laura Ayers  guides/outfitters/ owners - Since 1983  Box 287, Guerneville, CA 95446  (707) 887-2939   All rides reserved by phone conversation only.