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East Ridge - Pool Ridge Loop

Guerneville, California

4.5/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

3.37 miles

Elevation Gain

810 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by The Outbound Collective

Avoid the crowds at Muir Woods and trek this beautiful 3-mile hike under redwood canopies. Armstrong Redwood's East Ridge - Pool Ridge Loop is a great chance to get outside and get moving if you're wine tasting in the afternoon.

This park most resembles Muir Woods, and if you're looking to get out of the tourist trap, head to Armstrong Redwoods and make a day of it. This 3-mile hike takes off from the sign pointing to East Ridge Trail. As you begin a slight climb up the trail, you'll be under the cover of the redwoods, so sun won't be too big of an issue. Stay on this trail for approximately 1.25 miles, where you'll reach a trail junction with the option to make the hike a bit longer and stay on the East Ridge Trail. If you're feeling good and choose this route, take it to the further up connection with the Pool Ridge Trail, then drop onto Discovery Trail to head back to the parking lot. 

If you choose to stay with the original, shorter hike, hang a left and head downhill covering a few switchbacks for the next 0.4 miles. Just over 1.5 miles in total, you'll cross a bridge, which will take you into another parking lot. From here, head south on the road until you arrive at the sign for the Pioneer Trail. At 2-miles, Pioneer will meet up with Discovery Trail. Head onto Discovery, which will bring you back to the visitor's center and your car.

Keep in mind, it's free to park in the visitor's parking lot, but if you decide to park inside of the park, there is a fee $.

If you're thinking of heading up here and are looking for a place to go tasting, make an appointment at Porter Bass and take in the local landscape while enjoying a glass of your favorite wine.

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Features

Hiking
Easy Parking
Forest

East Ridge - Pool Ridge Loop Reviews

Less crowded than Muir Woods! Such a magical place to hike amongst the giant redwoods! Since you’re in the trees, I’d you’re here during the cooler months. But a wonderful relief if you’re here during the summer.

This park is amazing! It offers such unique scenery, incredibly massive trees, and crowds like no other 😂 however if you are up to a good hike, take either Pool Ridge on the left or East Ridge on the Right for some Quad Burning exercise. Although it has some breaks through the climb, it can get steep and it is fairly relentless, so be ready to climb. Thankfully the trees offer amazing protection. My favorite part of this park is that Austin Creek is right behind, and once youve hit the ridgeline you can choose to drop down the backside into Austin Creek, which is completely different. If choosing this option, be prepared as there is decent elevation gain and no potable water, although with proper filtration Austin Creek would be able to help in times of distress

I love this reserve and agree, it is not as crowded as Muir Woods and has some of the most beautiful old growth groves. If you can get there during early morning hours on a weekday, it's such a treat with the morning light and quiet atmosphere. It's fun to make an adventure day out of a visit here! We added on a canoe trip on the nearby Russian River. And then you probably need to stop in to the Russian River Brewing Co. on your way home. =)

Every time I run the trails here I feel like a dinosaur or an Ewok might jump out at me. Or some sort of fairy creature. Looks amazing and smells amazing! Giant ferns and towering trees, if you can catch it on a slow day during the week or the off season you might even get the park to yourself. Best to avoid weekends as the crowds can get insane and the earlier the better. Try the trail head to bullfrog pond at the back of the park for a longer adventure.

thanks for sharing, I just went to Jack London State Park over the weekend and didnt realize this park is close. This is on my list next for outdoor hiking. BTW if you havent been to Jack London right off Arnold dr in Glen Ellen, CA check it out.

Leave No Trace

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