“I also think it’s going to be healing for people after all the trauma people have experienced, with COVID and with the fires.” “I think it’s going to be something that people need,” he said. “I’m thrilled to have people in the park,” said Justin Lindenberg, new executive director of the nonprofit Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, which co-manages the park properties with California State Parks’ Russian River Sector. Only the valley floor will reopen to the public, but that’s where most visitors spend their time anyway, weaving among centuries-old redwoods in the protected grove and marveling at the size and grandeur of trees that defined the area before the advent of wide-scale logging.

Would-be visitors have been clamoring to get back onto the tranquil landscape north of Guerneville ever since flames backed down the hill from adjoining Austin Creek State Recreation Area and threatened the majestic coast redwoods, which draw more than 1 million visitors to the park complex in a normal year.

29, for the first time since the August 2020 Walbridge fire torched more than 55,200 acres, including much of the beloved state park. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, one of Sonoma County’s most iconic destinations, is set to reopen Friday, Oct.