Austin Creek State Recreation Area is just 7 miles north of Guerneville in Sonoma County. It sprawls across nearly 6,000 wild acres of redwood canyons, oak woodlands, and grassy ridges. This pristine slice of Northern California wilderness offers a perfect blend of serenity, adventure, and ecological richness—ideal for hikers, campers, and families seeking refuge from the city.
What Makes Austin Creek Unique
Austin Creek SRA is defined by its dramatic topography, from 150 ft creek beds to nearly 1,900 ft ridges with Pacific views. The park stands out as a post-fire ecological success story—restored trails and renewed wildflower blooms following the 2020 Wallbridge Fire. It also preserves a unique cultural asset—the historic Pond Farm Pottery site—once home to famed ceramist Marguerite Wildenhain.
Activities & Amenities
Hiking & Nature Trails
With roughly 20 miles of trails winding through oak, chaparral, redwoods, and riparian habitats, the park is a hiker’s paradise . Main routes include:
- Austin Creek Trail: A 9-mile rugged canyon trek—backpackers’ favorite.
- Gilliam Creek Trail: A 4-mile creek-side route lined with oaks and shaded terrain .
- Pool Ridge & East Ridge Loop: A 4–8-mile loop with dramatic ridge-top views and mixed forests.
Camping Sites & Group Camping
Bullfrog Pond Campground—currently closed due to infrastructure recovery—is vehicle-accessible and includes ~20 family campsites with fire rings and picnic tables (no showers) . Three backcountry campsites—Tom King, Manning’s Flat, and another—feature tables, fire rings, pit toilets, and creek water that must be purified.
Picnic Areas & Fire Amenities
Day-use picnic spots scattered along trails and at camps, equipped with fire rings and BBQ grills where permitted—note: fire restrictions may apply during high-risk seasons .
Fishing & Wildlife Viewing
Bullfrog Pond is open to licensed anglers catching sunfish and bass, while streams remain closed to protect spawning trout and salmon . Wildlife is abundant: look for deer, bobcats, foxes, wood ducks, spotted owls, great blue herons, and more.
Bird Watching & Nature Interpretation
The varied habitats support hundreds of bird species—from turkeys and wood ducks to rare spotted owls and raptors . Docent-led interpretive hikes, including wildflower and plant-ID walks, are offered seasonally by Stewards of the Coast & Redwoods.
Restrooms, Drinking Water & Showers
Currently, there are no restrooms or potable water at day-use areas—campground and backcountry toilets are basic pit types . Bring ample water and purification gear.
Equestrian & Mountain Biking Trails
Trails permitting horseback riding include Gilliam Creek and many ridge roads. Mountain bikers enjoy shared use on service roads and gentler trail sections, but cross-country riding is prohibited to protect habitat.
Scenic Views & Nature Trails
Ridge routes deliver panoramic views across Sonoma County to the Pacific. Creek corridors offer peaceful exploration breaks. Pond Farm Pottery also provides a serene escape.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Fees: $10/vehicle day-use; $9 for seniors. Backcountry camping $25/night, Bullfrog Pond $35/night ($33 senior) .
- Parking: Small lots at kiosk, Bullfrog Pond, and trailheads. Drive carefully on narrow, blind-curve roads—use horn to alert uphill vehicles .
- Pets: Leashed dogs allowed in campground only; not allowed on trails .
- Water & Restrooms: Bring your own water and purification system; pit toilets only, no showers .
- Fire Rules: Use fire rings only, check for seasonal bans; collecting wood is prohibited .
- Trail Closures: Gilliam Creek Trail remains closed; check posted updates before visiting .
- Safety: Cell service is limited; pack for backcountry conditions and inform someone of your plans .
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Plan your visit for spring (March–May) when wildflowers—Douglas irises, lupine, shooting stars, and poppies—blanket the ridges . A hidden gem: hike out to the Pond Farm Pottery ruins for a quiet picnic among historic ceramics—particularly magical as golden hour light filters through oak groves. After dark, the ridge sites offer stellar night skies perfect for stargazing.