Hendy Woods

Hendy Woods State Park protects 816 acres of magnificent old-growth coast redwood forest in the heart of Anderson Valley wine country, less than three hours from San Francisco in Mendocino County. The park centers on two ancient redwood groves: Big Hendy covering 80 acres and Little Hendy spanning 20 acres, containing trees over 300 feet tall and nearly 1,000 years old. The park also encompasses 3.3 miles along the banks of the Navarro River, providing the only public access to the river within Anderson Valley. Warmer and less foggy than coastal redwood parks, Hendy Woods offers a unique combination of towering ancient forests and river recreation. The park's location amid Anderson Valley's renowned vineyards and apple orchards makes it a popular destination for wine country visitors seeking natural beauty. The area has a fascinating human history including thousands of years of Pomo occupation, the lumber boom era, and the colorful story of the Hendy Hermit who lived among the trees in the 1960s-70s. Today, the park serves multiple purposes: preserving irreplaceable old-growth ecosystems, providing outdoor recreation, and offering environmental education in a stunningly beautiful setting.

Hendy Woods State Park supports diverse wildlife communities thriving in the protected redwood groves and riparian corridors. Black-tailed deer are frequently observed browsing in forest openings and meadows, particularly during dawn and dusk hours. The Navarro River and surrounding forests provide habitat for black bears, which are sometimes seen among berry bushes during late summer and fall. Smaller mammals including raccoons, gray foxes, weasels, rabbits, skunks, and chipmunks inhabit the forest floor and understory. Bobcats and mountain lions, while rarely seen, patrol the area as apex predators. The forest canopy hosts numerous bird species including Steller's jays, thrushes, and various woodpecker species including the pileated woodpecker. Acorn woodpeckers create characteristic granary trees storing thousands of acorns. The restful sounds of wind in the trees are complemented by bird calls echoing through the forest. The Navarro River supports fish populations including native steelhead trout and various aquatic invertebrates. Banana slugs, those iconic redwood forest inhabitants, are abundant on the moist forest floor where they serve as important decomposers. The interface between redwood forest, mixed hardwood forest, and river corridor creates exceptional habitat diversity within the park's 816 acres.

The vegetation at Hendy Woods State Park is dominated by magnificent old-growth coast redwood forest representing some of the finest examples of this ecosystem type. The ancient redwoods in Big Hendy and Little Hendy groves reach heights exceeding 300 feet and ages approaching 1,000 years, creating a cathedral-like atmosphere beneath their towering canopy. These giants demonstrate the redwood's remarkable longevity and resistance to fire, insects, and disease. The forest understory features lush growth of sword ferns, five-finger ferns, redwood sorrel, trillium, and various mosses that thrive in the filtered light and moist conditions. Mixed forest areas include madrone with its distinctive reddish bark, Douglas fir, and California laurel adding diversity to the forest composition. The Navarro River corridor supports riparian vegetation including bigleaf maple, red alder, willows, Western azalea, and various moisture-loving plants. The meadow areas feature grasses and seasonal wildflowers. Second-growth redwood forest demonstrates the species' remarkable regenerative capacity, sprouting from stumps and roots of harvested trees. The relatively intact forest ecosystem provides valuable scientific insights into old-growth forest ecology and serves as a benchmark for forest restoration efforts elsewhere.

The geology of Hendy Woods State Park reflects the complex tectonic and erosional history of the California Coast Ranges. The park sits within the Franciscan Complex, a geologically diverse assemblage of rocks formed through subduction processes along California's ancient continental margin. The Navarro River has carved a valley through these rocks over millions of years, creating the relatively flat valley floor where the redwood groves thrive. The valley's orientation and topography create ideal conditions for redwoods, concentrating moisture and providing shelter from extreme weather. Alluvial deposits along the river create deep, well-drained soils essential for supporting massive redwood trees. The valley's inland location and elevation create warmer conditions than coastal areas while still receiving adequate rainfall to support redwood growth. Stream cutting continues to shape the landscape, with the Navarro River and its tributaries actively eroding banks and transporting sediment. The area's geological stability, compared to steeper coastal terrain, has allowed old-growth forest to persist, as catastrophic landslides are less common. Visitors can observe various rock types along the river, including sedimentary and metamorphic rocks of the Franciscan assemblage. The valley's geological setting makes it particularly well-suited for agriculture, explaining the surrounding vineyards and orchards.

Hendy Woods State Park experiences a Mediterranean climate with warmer, less foggy conditions than coastal redwood parks due to its inland Anderson Valley location. Summer temperatures are pleasant, typically ranging from the 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, making it ideal for camping, hiking, and river activities. The warmer summer weather attracts swimmers to the Navarro River, though water levels drop considerably by late summer. Marine fog occasionally reaches the valley but is less persistent than along the coast. Annual rainfall averages 40-50 inches, concentrated between November and April, with December through February being the wettest months. Winter temperatures are mild, rarely dropping below freezing, though occasional cold snaps can occur. The Navarro River flows strongly during winter and spring from watershed runoff, creating excellent conditions for kayaking and canoeing in late winter and early spring. Spring brings moderate temperatures and the river at ideal levels for recreation before summer heat sets in. Fall provides comfortable temperatures and beautiful changing colors in deciduous trees including bigleaf maples. The redwood canopy moderates temperature extremes, creating a cooler microclimate within the groves compared to surrounding areas. Visitors should bring layers as temperatures can vary significantly between sun and shade.

The Hendy Woods area has been home to humans for thousands of years. The Pomo people lived in the region as hunter-gatherers, developing sophisticated knowledge of the forest and river ecosystems. They utilized redwood bark for housing, fashioned tools from various materials, harvested salmon and steelhead from the Navarro River, and gathered acorns and other plant foods seasonally. The Pomo's sustainable resource use allowed them to thrive for countless generations. European contact beginning with Russian fur traders in the early 19th century brought devastating changes, with the Pomo forced into servitude and their lands claimed. Following California's American period, Joshua Hendy, an English-born blacksmith who came west during the Gold Rush, built a large sawmill on the Navarro River. When Hendy died in 1891, he willed the property to his nephews with a stipulation that the redwood groves be protected. However, Samuel Hendy eventually sold the property to Pacific Coast Lumber Company. Remarkably, the groves remained unlogged and became a popular picnicking spot. The 1938 visit by Al Strowbridge to the Anderson Valley Unity Club sparked local conservation efforts. By 1948, Masonite Corporation owned the groves, threatening them with the post-war lumber boom. State acquisition in 1958 and formal dedication in 1963 preserved these magnificent trees.

Hendy Woods State Park was established through determined local conservation efforts and state action. In 1938, the Anderson Valley Unity Club, a women's service organization, heard Al Strowbridge speak about California's vanishing redwood forests and committed to saving the Hendy groves. When Masonite Corporation acquired the property in 1948, intending to harvest the timber, conservationists intensified their efforts. The State Legislature, encouraged by Save the Redwoods League and local advocates, purchased the original 586 acres in August 1958. The park was formally named and classified in 1963, with dedication ceremonies attended by state senator Frank S. Petersen, musician Ethel Waters, and local dignitaries. Between 1979 and 1988, additional purchases expanded the park to its current 816 acres. The park gained unexpected color from Petrov Zailenko, known as the Hendy Hermit, who lived in the forest from the 1960s through 1970s in burned-out tree hollows called goose pens. The Russian WWII veteran survived on scavenged items and became a local legend before his death in 1981. The Hermit Hut Trail commemorates his presence. The park has evolved to serve multiple purposes: protecting old-growth ecosystems, providing camping and recreation, offering environmental education, and supporting Anderson Valley's wine tourism economy. The park's All-Access Trail represents California's commitment to making natural areas available to all visitors.

Hendy Woods State Park features approximately five miles of hiking trails, mostly easy to moderate difficulty, accessible from the campgrounds. The Big Hendy Loop offers 1.6 miles of level trails through 80 acres of spectacular old-growth redwood forest, providing an immersive experience beneath ancient giants. This trail is wheelchair accessible as part of the park's All-Access Trail system, making old-growth redwoods available to all visitors. The Little Hendy Trail provides a half-mile loop through the smaller 20-acre grove, offering a more intimate forest experience. The Hermit Hut Trail leads to rustic structures built by Petrov Zailenko, the Hendy Hermit who lived alone among the trees, adding human interest to the natural beauty. All trails feature interpretive signs explaining redwood ecology, forest processes, and the area's history. The Navarro River is a major attraction, offering swimming during warm summer months when pools along the river provide refreshing recreation. Late winter and early spring bring higher water levels ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Fishing for steelhead and other species attracts anglers, though regulations protect declining native fish populations. The campgrounds themselves are attractions, offering the experience of camping beneath ancient redwoods with modern amenities. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the park. The proximity to Anderson Valley wineries makes the park a popular base for wine country exploration.

Hendy Woods State Park offers comprehensive facilities making it one of Mendocino County's most developed parks. Two campgrounds provide a total of 92 campsites between the Big Hendy and Little Hendy groves, accommodating both tents and RVs. Campsites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and wooden food storage boxes for bear protection. Modern amenities include restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers. Four rustic cabins provide an alternative to tent camping for those seeking a roof overhead. The park is one of only two in Mendocino County fully complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act, featuring wheelchair-accessible trails, facilities, and campsites. The meadow day-use area includes two shade ramadas, picnic tables, barbecues, and accessible bathroom facilities. A small visitor center, staffed by volunteers during certain hours, provides information, souvenirs, and educational materials. The campfire center hosts ranger programs during peak season. The park is located near the town of Philo in Anderson Valley, accessible via Highway 128. Nearby towns including Boonville and Philo offer services, restaurants, and access to the valley's renowned wineries. The park is approximately 30 miles inland from the Mendocino coast and about 2.5 hours north of San Francisco. Cell phone coverage is limited. The park is open year-round with a day-use fee of $10. Campsite reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends.

Hendy Woods State Park faces several conservation challenges despite its protected status. The old-growth redwood groves, while remarkably resilient, require active management to maintain their ecological integrity. Climate change poses threats through altered precipitation patterns that could stress the redwoods, which depend on adequate moisture year-round. Warming temperatures may make the inland location less suitable for redwoods in the future, though the species shows adaptability. The Navarro River system has been degraded by historical logging, agriculture, and development throughout its watershed, affecting water quality and native fish populations. Restoration of steelhead trout and salmon runs requires watershed-scale efforts beyond park boundaries. Sudden Oak Death, a pathogen affecting tanoak and other species, threatens forest composition and wildlife habitat. Park managers must balance protection of dying tanoaks with visitor safety and forest health. Invasive plant species including English ivy, French broom, and various non-native grasses compete with native vegetation, requiring ongoing removal efforts. Visitor impacts from camping and recreation necessitate trail maintenance, erosion control, and education about low-impact practices. Fire management addresses the redwoods' fire-adapted ecology while protecting facilities and public safety. The park collaborates with surrounding landowners, conservation organizations including Save the Redwoods League, and state agencies on landscape-scale conservation. Long-term monitoring tracks forest health, wildlife populations, and visitor impacts. Education programs promote understanding of old-growth forest ecology and conservation needs. The park's preservation represents success in community-driven conservation that future efforts can emulate.