Hendy Woods State Park — Attraction in Ukiah

Beautiful, prehistoric-looking, MASSIVE Redwood trees in a California State Park, There is an ADMISSION FEE, at attended entrance gate...(i think it was like $8 per car summer 2019?) There is campground, with lots of different skill levels of trails, rentable little cabins & tent sites( I’ve never stayed overnight yet- but hope to soon!) there’s bathrooms, at trailheads & in campground. All of this is located after a gorgeous, leisure-paced ( PLEASE TAKE IT SLOWLY! Hwy 128 is a very curvy, hilly, often under-construction, 2 very narrow laned senic road...) it will take at least an HOUR to get to Hendy Woods from Ukiah, CA (Mendocino County’s largest city & county seat)- Hwy 128 starts at the south end of Ukiah, go WEST off the 101 Freeway; towards Booneville. There are too many wineries now, and they overwhelm what was a hidden gem of a true “Farm to Table community”, before THAT was a trend... Booneville is an interesting little town in that it has/had it’s own language for a long time, “Boontling”, it was also host to the Sierra Nevada Music fest, and to the Springtime Mendocino County Fair, Apple festival and more... Hendy Woods is a bit difficult to find: look for the signs about 5? miles west of Booneville, turn south, cross the river((or find a safe, legal place to park your vehicle & walk in, across the river(most of it is less than 18” all the way across) if it’s in the summer! The park & campground are just over that bridge to your LEFT.... CAUTION- after you turn off of hwy 128, if the sun is shining, there will probably be a LOT of people (locals) playing & swimming under that bridge- also lots of kids running around- USE CAUTION when coming or leaving!)) Try to get there early to enjoy Hendy Woods & the river, in time to leave by at least 45 minutes pre-sunset time! After exiting Hendy Woods Campground, go WEST on Hwy 128 to continue on your senic drive to the Pacific Ocean, to watch the sunset at one of the many pullouts or beach accesses along Hwy 1, the Pacific Coast Hwy.... Go North to Mendocino Village & Fort Bragg, where there are MANY wonderful places to eat, enjoy local entertainment, and sleep, then you can get back to civilization after an hour long, EXTREMELY CURVY Hwy 20 car ride🚓 (But it is beautiful!- that hour includes a 10 minute stop about 1/2 way at a very nice, safe, easy on & off, place to walk, stretch & go to the restrooms, - if you have passengers, STOP here!!! (This road is hard on anyone, esp. passengers!))Hwy 20 was built on what was a patch work of former logging roads, and “skid trails” -where they drag the logs down or up hills with (steam)donkeys* - find out more at the Newly (2019) Updated County Museum in Willits!- Fortunately, after driving only about 22 miles (as the crow flies!) east, from the Pacific Ocean, that’s right where you’ll be- in Willits, CA; “The Heart of Mendocino County”! (And MY Hometown!) (SEE my notes on what to do in Willits, CA... )(Mandatory- ROOTS OF MOTIVE POWER!) Turn North at Main Street, & go approx 1/3 mile, on the left(west) is Mariposa Market, where you can buy all the healthy groceries (ready to eat foods, as well!) you want- All without preservatives or...

Five stars isn't even enough to do justice to Hendy Woods State Park - this place is an absolute gem of Northern California. The park is a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, offering a beautiful natural setting that's perfect for hiking, camping, or simply taking a leisurely stroll.

The park's main attraction is its towering ancient redwoods, which are simply awe-inspiring. These majestic giants stand tall and proud, casting a cool, refreshing shade over the forest floor. It's hard not to feel humbled in the presence of these magnificent trees, which have stood here for centuries, weathering countless storms and bearing witness to the passing of time.

But Hendy Woods is more than just a pretty place - it's also a haven for wildlife, with plenty of opportunities to spot local critters like deer, raccoons, and even the occasional black bear. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it a great place for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

If you're looking for outdoor recreation, Hendy Woods has got you covered. The park offers plenty of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes that will take you deeper into the forest. There are also picnic areas, campgrounds, and even a swimming hole where you can cool off on hot summer days.

All in all, Hendy Woods State Park is a true treasure of Northern California. Whether you're a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the city, this park is definitely worth a visit. Five...

I want to give this campground all the stars, but I can’t and this is why: Went with my adult daughter in late August 2025, the host and rangers were super nice and the assigned spot for tent camping in the Azalea loop was very spacious and lovely. We saw many deer in our camp site, a big spider, a scorpion living in the crack of a tree and a salamander. The loop trail was close to our space and it was a nice walk among the redwoods backing up to the Apple orchards next door. Definitely check out Gowans cider!!! The problem was mainly with the facilities. There is no soap in the bathrooms and no hand towel paper or blowers and you have to pay for showers! The wood bundles are pretty big and cost $10 so the extra pieces adds up and that’s ok, but paying $45 per night for a tent site with no soap or way to dry your hands then pay extra for showers is not a deal and makes the $45 seem overpriced. We had just stayed in Oregon at Harris Beach and I have to say, they’ve got the California redwoods beat when it comes to comfort. Be sure to bring everything to the bathrooms at this place. I would love to go back again if they update the amenities… I mean come...