Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve is a complete hidden gem that was established in 1945 for the purchase price of $69,000. This park sits on 2,743 acre park is located down the narrow, twisty and curvy Orr Rd just outside Ukiah. Or if you are coming from highway 1 in Mendocino then its about an hour drive. Either way, this park has about 80 acres of virgin first growth redwoods that should not be missed.
Weather Forecast For Ukiah, CA:
Quick Information:
* Address: 15825 Orr Springs Rd
Comptche, CA 95427
* Phone: (707) 937-804
* Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
* Established: 1945
* Size: 2,743 Acres
* Elevation: Approx. 730 feet
Day Use Fee:
Free
Dogs:
Allowed on leash in parking lot only.
Potable Water:
No
Toilets:
Yes, pit
About Montgomery Woods:
The written history of the area is as old as the state of California, if not older. The land is named for Andrew and Elizabeth Montgomery. The property they owned consisted of 647 acres, though they didn't personally have much interest in the way of preserving the redwoods. From what is recalled from descendants of Mr. Montgomery, he sold most of his portion of the land in 1865 for a mere $500 and a "span of mules". The first parcel of land given to the state parks was 9 acres from Robert Orr in 1944 as a memorial to his mother. Another portion of land was donated by E.A. Sinclair, though the records of exactly where and how much was given is lost to time.
As you come down into the hill, you can feel a change of temperature. Above the forest, you see rolling green hills with stunning views. When we were there in November it was warm at about 70 degrees on the top of the hill at about 2500 feet in elevation.
But upon the descent into the redwood canyon, the misty fog appeared in the road. It was magical. The temperature dropped to a chilly 50 degrees and the road grew moss in places due to the constant dampness. This dampness causes the ferns to thrive, like something out of Jurassic Park.
Montgomery Creek runs along Orr road and feeds Orr Hot Springs on your left (if you're coming from Ukiah). The hot springs have been in use by pioneers dating back to at least the mid 1800s due to the healing properties. Plus, who doesn't love a dip in naturally hot water out in nature. With a story from 1899 about a get together where one woman caught a 15 pound steel head.
Facilities at Montgomery Woods:
This state park is pretty basic when it comes to amenities. There is no running water, so be sure to bring your own. There is no cell service once you are down in the park. And if you are headed to Mendocino, you won't have cell service till you are almost to highway 1. There is one single stall pit toilet, which was ok. Cleaner than some other park restrooms but not the best.
Dogs:
As with many of our state parks, this one is no exception. No dogs are allowed in this nature preserve as to protect any flora and fauna. However, I did see people there with dogs on leash walking the trail.
What Can I Do At Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve?
Though the park isn't tiny, being it's over 2,700 acres, there is only 1 main trail inside the park and 1 other just outside the main area of the park. In order to preserve the old growth redwoods, this has to be the way. Redwoods are susceptible to major damage should the dirt around their base become compacted. In 1996 a tree was located within the park that was declared to be the tallest tree in the world. Given the name of Mendocino Tree, it measured 367.6 feet tall, or five stories taller than the Statue of Liberty.
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve Map:
Trails:
Montgomery Grove Trail: There are only 2 trails for Montgomery Woods. The main trail and the most known is in the park. The Montgomery Grove Loop Tail is just under 2 miles. As it heads away from the road the trail can be a little steep but levels out, and you get to enjoy multiple redwood groves in the park with detailed signs.
Montgomery Woods North Side Trail: This trail below is lesser known and is a newer trail acquired by the Save-The-Redwoods-League. This trail is 1 mile in and out, ending at private property, so care needs to be taken to not trespass. Though a bit overgrown, it gives us another area to encounter some large first growth redwoods.
What's Nearby?
This park is located about 12 miles from Ukiah and about 17 miles from Fort Bragg. Though those 17 miles take an hour to drive. Orr's Hot Springs are still in use and are the only other attraction nearby.
Helpful Resources:
I found a majority of my research via historical newspapers and my visit there with my family. The information is hard to come by for some of these State Parks, I would like to keep some of their history alive.