Probably the most remote of California’s 31 redwood parks, this jewel of a natural reserve is a beautiful fern forest that is home to five separate redwood groves that have never been logged. You can access them by walking along a 2-mile loop trail that follows Montgomery Creek. The really dramatic old-growth scenery begins about one third of a mile into the park.
The tallest known tree in the world from 1996 to 2000 grew in Montgomery Woods. Called the Mendocino, it has since been edged out by more recently discovered trees in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, but remains in the top 10 of the world’s tallest known trees. Another redwood, the largest (by mass) known in Montgomery Woods, the Montgomery Giant, is one of the 20 tallest known trees in the world. Altogether there are 18 trees in Montgomery Woods that are more than 350 ft. in height.
One of the less well-known attractions of Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve is its fern forest, a large expanse of 4- to 5-foot-tall giant chain ferns that grow along the Montgomery Woods trail. Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve is off the beaten track, but once you get there you will experience one of the world’s true natural wonders. Parts of the reserve are somewhat marshy, so it’s not a bad idea to bring along mosquito repellent if you’re visiting during the summer. The park is open for day use only, and there is no fee.
WHERE: Located about 13 miles west of Ukiah on Orr Springs Road. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for the drive along this picturesque but steep, winding road.
MORE INFO: 707-937-5804
