Admiral William Standley State Recreation Area

Looking for a pawsome park that's off the beaten path? If you and Fido find yourselves driving through Branscomb in Mendocino County, be sure to stop by the Admiral William Standley State Recreation Area, located 14 miles west of Laytonville! The southernmost redwood park along the Eel River, this 45-acre site is nestled near the headwaters of the river's south fork, at an elevation of 1,700 feet in the Coastal Range. Not too many people know about this park, making it the pawfect place for spending some quiet time in nature with your pup.

The Admiral William Standley SRA is a roadside park without a designated parking area, so you'll have to pull over on the side of Branscomb Road to see the redwoods up close. Once you and your pooch have hopped out of the car, you will find small to medium redwood trees standing among a dense huckleberry and tanoak understory. To see the park's biggest redwoods, head to Mud Creek Road, which can be reached by taking an unmarked dirt road that leads into the woods. 

Be sure to grab a couple of doggie waste bags from the car before you and your dog go for a leashed stroll in the park. Help keep it clean and beautiful by picking up after Fido and packing out all waste. There are no facilities at the SRA, so the human members of your pawty will have to take a bathroom break somewhere else!

Visitors say there is no cell service in the area, but bring your phone anyway so you can take photos of your pup having a woofing good time among the redwoods. They'll appreciate stretching their legs and sniffing around at the SRA, especially if they've been sitting in the car for too long. Have water on hand for your thirsty adventure pup.

For a puptastic nature walk with Fido, visit the Admiral William Standley State Recreation Area!