How to get free admission to see the redwoods in Sonoma County
If you're thinking about heading into the outdoors on the long Thanksgiving weekend, Save the Redwoods League and California State Parks are now offering free day-use admission and parking fees to more than 40 redwood state parks on the day after Thanksgiving.
More than 2,500 free vehicle day-use passes will be available for use on Nov. 24, 2017, at participating redwood state parks, including Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Sonoma County, Big Basin Redwoods State Park and Calaveras Big Trees State Park.
Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis for those who secure them online at RedwoodsFriday.org.
“Californians are so fortunate to have such spectacular state parks in our home state,” said Sam Hodder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Save the Redwoods League. “And what better way to spend the day after Thanksgiving than walking among the giant ancient redwoods with friends and family.
Save the Redwoods League is delighted to invite the people of California to explore our spectacular redwood state parks, to connect with friends and family and to be thankful for the people and places - and parks - that we care so much about.”
Parks included:
Sonoma County
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Austin Creek State Recreation Area
Fort Ross State Historic Park
Jack London State Historic Park
Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve
Russian Gulch State Park
Salt Point State Park
Sonoma Coast State Park
Marin County
Mount Tamalpais State Park
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
Mendocino County
Admiral William Standley State Recreation Area
Hendy Woods State Park
Jug Handle State Natural Reserve
Mailliard Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Mendocino Headlands State Park
Mendocino Woodlands State Park
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve
Navarro River Redwoods State Park
Smithe Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area
Van Damme State Park
Keep in mind:
-Passes are limited. They will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis according to each park's capacity.
-Only one day-use pass is needed per vehicle, per park.
-The pass covers day-use admission and parking fees. Pass does not guarantee a parking space or entry if the park is full due to high demand.
-To ensure valid entry and avoid fines, printed passes must be presented to park staff members at entry gates or displayed on vehicle dashboards if no personnel are on duty.
-Electronic images of the pass will not be accepted.
-Consider visiting a state park during the off-peak hours – opening time to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to closing time.
-Visitors without passes are welcome, but must pay admission.
-Park visitors must review and obey park rules.
-Experiences will be collected on social media using the hashtags #RedwoodsFriday and #CAStateParks.
For detailed information, including a full list of participating state parks, park operating hours and outdoor safety tips, please visit RedwoodsFriday.org.
UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy: