Hike & Camp Hendy

Hike Hendy Woods in Anderson Valley

We're lucky to have some remarkable redwood parks in the Bay Area: Muir Woods, Big Basin, Redwood Regional Park. And one tucked demurely away in beautiful Anderson Valley: Hendy Woods State Park. The 845-acre park butts right up to the bank of the Navarro River and its charming old bridge.

Its star attraction? Ancient redwood trees. Take an easy 2-mile (round-trip) hike among the park's lovely redwood groves on the Discovery and Upper Loop trails. Walk among 300-foot coastal redwoods in Big Hendy Grove (the grove's Discover Trail is wheelchair-accessible). This was the home of the Pomo people for thousands of years, and more recently the "Hendy Hermit," a Russian immigrant who built a hut from a fallen redwood and resided there for more than a decade. The cathedral-like canopy of redwood beauties makes a nice respite on hot days, when the sun's rays filter through in small beams, only occasionally touching down on the clover-blanketed ground. Afterwards, relax on the banks of the Navarro River, reached via a short trail that descends to the sand-and-pebble riverbed.

BONUS CAMP: Hendy Woods State Park has 92 campsites sprawled under redwoods; most have to be reserved ahead of time but there are a few first-come, first-served options. There are also 4 stand-alone (and bare-bones) cabins (including one with a ramp for wheel-chair accessibility.)

From Boonville, take Hwy. 128 west and follow the sign to Hendy Woods State Park. The first bridge you cross goes over the Navarro River and leads to the park entrance. The best access point to the Navarro riverbank is to the west of the bridge (take the trail that appears as if it leads away from the river; there's an earlier access-point trail, but it's very steep). Hendy Woods State Park campground is dog-friendly! No dogs on trails. The Navarro River is dog-friendly! 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View