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.