Austin Creek State Recreation Area
Use the park page to learn about local hiking, nature, trailheads, trail and route maps, and groups that meet here. If you know something about this area. Please feel welcome to write about it here.
General Information
Austin Creek State Recreation Area is connected to the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. The forest is rich with giant redwoods, rolling hills, and meadows. As in many redwood forests, there are a number of small creeks intertwined with hiking trails because they bring nourishment to the giant trees. There are many hills, offering more challenging hikes and tremendous vistas once the hikers get to the top.
The forest area is quite large and there are many different outdoor activities. Hiking is obviously one of the favorite activities in the park, but there is also horse-riding and camping. Overall, there are tens of miles of different hiking trails.
Trailheads
We currently do not have any record of trailheads in this park.
Routes and Trails You Can Travel
We currently do not have any record of good routes in this park.
Hiking
Trails
-Austin Creek Trail - unpaved trail winding down the canyon through forest meadows. There is a steep drop in elevation. After approximately 5 miles, the Austin Creek Trails intersects the Gilliam Creek Trail which can be a good way for hikers to return, rather than just retracing their steps down the Austin Creek Trail. The hike is not easy as it takes a few hours to cover the 9 miles round trip
-Gilliam Creek Trail - narrow, steep trail through oak tree forests. After close to 4 miles it meets the Austin Creek Trail
- East Ridge Trail - leads through the diverse forests of Armstrong Redwoods adjacent to Austin Creek, and Austin Creek itself. The trail is approximately 4 miles long and has quite a bit of elevation
Climate and Weather
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The weather and terrain at Austin Creek Forest can be quite varied with the seasons. While the summer months are dry and can bring temperatures over 100 degrees, the winter weather at Austin Creek Recreation Area can get extremely cold. Each day has weather fluctuations as well. The morning fog can bring in a lot of moisture from the Pacific Ocean. People tend to dislike the fog, but the fog brings moisture to the redwoods during the dry season, enabling the unique wildlife of the Bay Area forests.
Bring extra layers of clothing with you if you plan for a longer hike as the evening weather can change and drop in temperature. You definitely do not want to be caught in the middle of a forest without enough clothing to keep you warm.
History
Wildlife
There are many different types of birds, plants, and animals in the Austin Creek Forest. Some of the animals hikers can see in the park are squirrels, deer, foxes, coyotes, skunk and raccoons, feral pigs, bobcats, and an occasional black bear or mountain lion. For hikers interested in the forest's plants, the flower-blooming season is Spring when hikers can find plants such as the Douglas Iris, Indian Paint Brush, Buttercups, Lupines, Brodiaes, and California Poppies.
Some of the birds hikers may see in the Austin Creek Forest are wild turkeys, wood duck and the spotted owl, great blue herons, ravens, black-shouldered kites, California quail, various woodpeckers, hawks such as the Red tail hawk, and flycatchers.
Birds
Trees
Flowers
Other Plants
Camping Possibilities
Other Information
Parking
Driving Directions
Healdsburg, California 95448
Park Map
Photos From This Park
So far there are no photos which have been uploaded from this park. You can be the first!
Hiking or Walking Groups Nearby
Group Name: test
Group Description: test
Group Name: GRN Hike
Group Description: Hiking!
Group Name: Sacramento Backpacking
Group Description: Sacramento-area based group with a preference for multiple-day excursions into the backcountry.
Group Name: Hiking Pacifica Coast
Group Description: Hiking in Pacifica. Splendid views on a sunny day. Hikes range 4 to 7 miles - some elevation (up to 625). Eat/drink at local places.
Group Name: Sonoma County Wanderers
Group Description: This is a hiking group for the intermediate hiker! For a hiker that enjoys a relaxed pace, conversation, picture taking and the journey as much as the destination. We usually do between 4 and 10 miles with moderate elevation gain.
Come join us!
Group Name: Muir Woods and Marin Hiking
Group Description: hiking in Muir Woods and other nearby areas. There is even a trail with a small bar at the end of it - join us!
Group Name: Roam the Woods: Women Specific Backpacking
Group Description: Get Trail Smart! Roam offers one and two week backpacking learning vacations for women. We utilize National Parks and Wilderness areas across the U.S. as our "classroom". Have you ever wanted to see glacier fed lakes, long distance trails, dormant volcanoes, waterfalls, lush meadows, mountain streams, awe inspiring peaks…and have the confidence to accept every lesson Mother Nature provides? Roam will show you the way! Visit: www.roamthewoods.com for more information
Group Name: Amazon HIking and Adventure Group
Group Description: Fairfield, CA based Women's Hiking & Outdoor Adventure Group! The Amazon Group is a group for meeting other Women in their 20's and 30's who enjoy hiking, outdoors, and fitness. This group is for healthy/fit women who love to be outdoors and enjoy activities like: Hiking, backpacking, river-rafting, kayaking, and camping! Whether you are an experienced hiker or have never hiked before, join us! Other events include girl's night outs, hanging out, and day trips to fun new places. We also often stop at nearby places for good brews, food and conversation after hikes. Have fun while getting fit! Make new friends! Take time out of your busy life and get outside, and meet new people.
Group Name: San Francisco Hiking Group
Group Description: Scenic hikes and challenging rock climbing along the Bay with views of the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Bridge, Presidio, and Sausalito. Good way to make friends with San Francisco locals and enjoy some good hiking!
Group Name: Snowdogs
Group Description: Hiking, Running, Skiing/Snowboarding and other outdoor activities
Group Name: test group
Group Description: Group for testing
Group Name: Bay Area Birders
Group Description: This group is for birding people in the San Francisco Bay area. I figure we can open it to everyone. I will not be the "leader", but I hope that each of you will step forward now and then to lead some kind of outing. Roy
Upcoming Hikes
There are no upcoming hikes. Be the first to start one!
Past Hikes
Ultra Long Hike Which Requires Training | 62.4 km away
Date: Sunday, 3-7-2010
Description: I want to train with some people to do a really long and strenuous hike - maybe around 30+ miles. Maybe find some record to break :) Any ideas?
Shipwreck Hunt During Low Tide | 62.1 km away
Date: Saturday, 1-29-2011
Description: The original shipwreck hunt was a very popular event, so we are scheduling another event to see the two ships that can be spotted in the ocean during low tide! We will meet at: 870 El Camino Del Mar, San Francisco, California That is the trailhead. The hike is 2 miles each way. The terrain is pretty easy, but in the middle there are few mid-sized hills. Here is a page describing Lands End: http://www.hikingsanfrancisco.com/san_francisco_hikes/lands_end_national_park.php
Alviso Slough loop | 98.2 km away
Date: Sunday, 2-6-2011
Description: Meeting point Alviso Marino park - there must be parking there.It is easy hike 9-10 miles along Alviso slough. It is 100% flat. Hope it will be good bird watching opportunities. You can bring small lunch with you or we may decide to try Alviso town restaraunt
Tuesday hike | 96.5 km away
Date: Tuesday, 2-8-2011
Description: Meet 10am Edgewood P&R near, 10am Homestead Square shopping center Cupertino, 10:15 Page Mill P&R, or 10:30 at Orchard Glen picnic area in the park.
Water and restrooms at the start.
park map: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=8505
back to Page Mill & I280 by 3:30.
Shipwreck Hunt Hike | 62.1 km away
Date: Sunday, 2-13-2011
Description: Since this was such a popular event last time, we will be doing this hike again. The hike is scheduled specifically during a time of low tide when tops of two drowned ships can be seen. One ship is during the middle of the hike and the other ship is at the end of the hike. The event is free, but donations on the site or at the event are appreciated since it takes a lot of time and effort to organize the event. Here is a link to Lands End to see what you can expect: http://www.hikingsanfrancisco.com/san_francisco_hikes/lands_end_national_park.php Children are welcome on this hike, but must be closely supervised by their parents.
Pulgas Ridge/Edgewood Tuesday hike | 86.8 km away
Date: Tuesday, 2-15-2011
Description: Here's my tried and true hike for threatening weather. Showers or rain are expected Tuesday, so I've picked this two-parter in case it becomes more than showers. Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve and Edgewood County Park hike Tue February 15 10:30am-3pm 4 or 8 miles, 800 or 1600 feet elevation gain Meet 10am at Homestead Square shopping center in Cupertino. Meet next to Homestead Rd. near the Homestead Square sign. or meet 10:30am at the Pulgas Ridge parking lot (directions below) Edgewood County Park info http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/smc/department/home/0,,5556687_12305995_12328420,00.html Pulgas Ridge info http://openspace.org/preserves/pr_pulgas_ridge.asp Here's a great combination hike, with gentler trails than I typically lead. We'll start at Pulgas Ridge, where we'll hike up, down and around through this Open Space preserve. Then we'll head across Edgewood Rd. to Edgewood Park, where we'll have lunch near the restrooms. After lunch, we'll hike up around the rid ....
Cannons, Ecology and Palace of Fine Arts Hike at the Presidio | 62.9 km away
Date: Sunday, 2-20-2011
Description: This will be a really beautiful and historic hike through the Presidio. We will meet at the Arguello Gate, walk along the Ecology Trail, then through the army base to see the old Officers Homes and a display of historic cannons used by the army. We will then go to the Palace of Fine Arts for a break and a little snack (10-20 minutes), and then we will head back. Here is some information about the Presidio: http://www.hikingsanfrancisco.com/san_francisco_hikes/the_presidio.php
Shipwreck Hunt Hike | 62.1 km away
Date: Sunday, 2-27-2011
Description: Since this was such a popular event last time, we will be doing this hike again. The hike is scheduled specifically during a time of low tide when tops of two drowned ships can be seen. One ship is during the middle of the hike and the other ship is at the end of the hike. The event is free, but donations on the site or at the event are appreciated since it takes a lot of time and effort to organize the event. Here is a link to Lands End to see what you can expect: http://www.hikingsanfrancisco.com/san_francisco_hikes/lands_end_national_park.php Children are welcome on this hike, but must be closely supervised by their parents.
Presidio Ridge Trail To Golden Gate Bridge | 62.9 km away
Date: Sunday, 3-13-2011
Description: This will be mid-difficulty hike. We will meet at the Arguello gate and hike along the (relatively newly built) Ridge Trail which is very scenic. The hike goes to the bottom of Golden Gate Bridge.
Once we get to the bridge, we will go back along the same path to where we started.
Arrowhead Marsh Bird Walk | 72.3 km away
Date: Sunday, 3-20-2011
Description: This walk is by Arrowhead Marsh near the Oakland Airport. The area is popular with birders because of winter waterfowl population, and frequent sighting of California Clapper Rails. We meet at 1:00 pm in the main parking lot. From 880, head toward the Oakland Airport. Turn right at Pardee Drive, then left on Swan Way, and right to enter the park. Ignore the first 2 parking areas, and continue to the end of the road by the observation tower. Approach the water. I will be sitting on the fishing dock, wearing a dorky white hat with a cape. High tide is at 1:42 pm, offering a good change of seeing a clapper rail or two. If that fails, we can try again in the late afternoon. Meanwhile, we can wander about various pond and shoreline areas to observe a variety of waterfowl. Here is a link to park information and a park map. http://www.ebparks.org/parks/mlk All walking is level and paved. Bicycles are allowed. Distance depends on what we care to do. The loop around the New Marsh and seasonal p ....
Lost in the Presidio Hike Adventure | 62.9 km away
Date: Sunday, 3-27-2011
Description: This will be an experimental hike where we take trails we don't really know and see if we get lost, and can find our way back. Do not worry! The Presidio is not very big and I know it pretty well. So really, we won't be very lost. But it will be fun to orient ourselves and see if we can figure out different trails in a somewhat unusual and experimental situation where everyone can contribute. We will meet at the Arguello gate. There is plenty of parking on the streets there.
Musical Chairs Presidio Hike | 62.9 km away
Date: Saturday, 4-2-2011
Description: To make the hike more fun and social, we will do some experiments with playing musical chairs with whom you hike next to, and who leads the hike. The focus will be on making it fun, healthy, social, and creative. Game suggestions are welcome The hike will be through many different Presidio trails. There is plenty of parking on the streets.
San Francisco Hilltop Tour | 67.2 km away
Date: Saturday, 4-9-2011
Description: Great for ALL LEVELS of hiker! A popular favorite, we sample all the great views from San Francisco's central hills. Hikers are encouraged to do any portion of the hike, stopping to do other city-things when they've had enough, or catching a bus or calling a cab--you can even join us along the way if you call and track us down en route. The entire loop is 13 miles and goes from Bernal Hill to Holly Park, Glen Canyon, Mount Davidson, Twin Peaks, Tank Hill, Monument Hill, the Vulcan and Saturn Steps, Corona Heights with the Castro, Dolores Park and the wild murals of Clarion Alley on the way back to Bernal. This will be the fourth time Mike has led this hike. The route is similar to this: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Ellsworth+St&daddr=Unknown+road+to:Esmeralda+Ave+to:Elsie+St+to:Unknown+road+to:37.74304,-122.44537+to:37.7454984,-122.4463794+to:37.74606,-122.44726+to:37.746284,-122.4433892+to:37.7469013,-122.4450711+to:Portola+Dr+to:37.738394,-122.453243+to:Twin+P ....
Length of Golden Gate Park Hike and Learning About Nature | 64.1 km away
Date: Sunday, 4-10-2011
Description: Spring is a great time to see the different blooming wildflowers and other plants. I don't know too much about flowers or plants, but I promise to read up on it and share what I know. The hike itself will be the length of Golden Gate Park and back. It will take about 45 minutes each way and we will break in the middle by the ocean.
Lowest Tide Sunrise Shipwreck Hike | 62.1 km away
Date: Tuesday, 4-19-2011
Description: This will be super-low-tide and I think the ships will be most visible exactly at this time and date of the month. We will also probably catch the sunrise. The hike is very early in the day, so if we will all be awake we will have a little historic talk and about an hour hike. After that we will all probably take the bus to work together. :) I am very excited about this particular tide because it is supposed to be extremely low. There is plenty of parking in the area, and we will all gather at the sign which says Lands End.