A forest hike at Monte Rio Redwoods

Just south of the town of Monte Rio, a 2.4-mile hike takes you from the banks of Dutch Bill Creek into the forested hills of Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Open Space Preserve, one of the newest additions to Sonoma County’s parks system. 

The Monte Rio Redwoods Trail and River Mountain Trail offer a steady climb beneath coast redwoods, Douglas firs and California bay laurels and can be hiked as a partial loop, with the option to add a short extension to the scenic knoll known as “Hiker Haven.” 

The route offers a good introduction to this 2,030-acre park, which protects a broad landscape of redwood and mixed evergreen forest, riparian woodland, grassland, chaparral and coastal scrub. The park's forests and creek corridors provide important wildlife habitat, while tributaries of Dutch Bill and Willow creeks support endangered coho salmon and threatened steelhead. 

The consistent climb on the first half of this hike gives you time to take in the forest. The tall trees create a canopy overhead, and ferns and other shade-loving plants line the trails. As you gain elevation, changes in vegetation, light and terrain reveal different aspects of the landscape. For this itinerary you'll travel newer single-track trail and former logging roads.

Try this route exploring Monte Rio Redwoods Trail and River Mountain Trail

Note: Use the interactive map above for reference or download this route to your phone via the AllTrails app to follow along, even without cell service. (Cell service can be spotty at the park, so be sure to do this in advance.)   

Route details 

• Degree of difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation gain: 606 feet
• Route length: 2.4 miles
• Estimated time: 1 to 1.5 hours  

Route description 

1. Start at the Main Street trailhead: Follow Monte Rio Redwoods Trail from the parking lot at 9610 Main St., crossing a footbridge over a seasonal creek. You will soon come to a steep staircase leading you across the ravine of the next creek.
2. Continue uphill on the Monte Rio Redwoods Trail: After the staircase, you’ll reach an intersection with the Dutch Bill Creek Trail. Turn right to stay on the Monte Rio Redwoods Trail and continue a generally gentle climb through a mix of fir, laurel and second-growth redwood.
3. Head straight through The Junction: At about 0.4 miles into the hike, you'll arrive at a major landing and four-way trail junction descriptively called "The Junction." At this intersection where the Monte Rio Redwoods Trail meets the River Mountain Trail, continue straight to remain on the Monte Rio Redwoods Trail and continue your ascent.
4. Look for the transition to single track: Your route here mostly follows a former logging road until you reach a switchback and begin heading northwest on a newer single-track trail built by the local trail artisans Redwood Trails Alliance. Take a moment to appreciate their design of the wide, looping turns on this section, a pleasant break from the more direct paths of the logging road.
5. Climb toward Hiker Haven: You'll cross one more seasonal creek with prominent ferns and then climb a bit more until you experience a very welcome grade change and begin your descent. This fun section features narrow passes and tight downhill curves until you intersect with River Mountain Trail. It's worth your time to turn left here and visit the Hiker Haven knoll, an ideal spot for a picnic break. As you look around, you may notice evidence of past prescribed fire used to support forest health.
6. Choose your return route: From Hiker Haven, you have two options to complete your journey. For the more gradual route, retrace your steps on the Monte Rio Redwoods Trail. Hiking the purpose-built single track in the opposite direction gives you a different perspective of the trail and forest. For a shorter, more direct return, take the River Mountain Trail downhill toward The Junction. This converted logging road has some very steep grades, so take your time and watch your footing. We strongly recommend you carry a hiking pole or sturdy walking stick.
7. Return to Main Street parking lot: At The Junction, take the Monte Rio Redwoods Trail and follow it downhill to the parking lot.

Know before you go 

• Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Open Space Preserve is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 30 minutes before sunset. Parking is $8 or free for Regional Parks members.
• The park features a growing network of trails that range from wide multi-use trails for hikers, cyclists and equestrians (though there is no parking for horse trailers at this time) to narrow single-track trails for hikers and cyclists only. A few trails are only for hikers or only for cyclists, and those designations are noted on the park map and trail signs.
• Dogs are allowed on leash.  
• The park’s only restroom is a portable restroom at the Main Street trailhead.
• Drinking water is not available at the trailhead or elsewhere in the park.
• Download a trail map and learn more before your visit at SoCoParks.org/MonteRio