Tucked into the hills of Mendocino County near the small community of Yorkville, Mailliard Redwoods State Natural Reserve protects 242 acres of old-growth coast redwood forest in one of the most remote and least-visited reserves in California’s state park system. That seclusion is exactly what makes it special.

Unlike the heavily trafficked redwood parks along Highway 101, Mailliard offers a genuinely quiet forest experience. The reserve sits along the headwaters of Rancheria Creek, where second-growth and old-growth redwoods rise above a lush understory of ferns, tanoak, and Douglas fir. The canopy filters light into soft green columns, and the silence is striking — the kind of stillness that reminds you why these groves were set aside as a natural reserve rather than a recreational park.

Hiking is the primary activity here, though trails are minimally maintained and can be difficult to follow. This is a place for experienced hikers comfortable with route-finding and uneven terrain. There are no developed facilities — no restrooms, no picnic tables, no campgrounds. Bring everything you need and pack everything out.

The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when access roads are most reliable. Winter rains can make the unpaved roads leading to the reserve impassable. Summer fog keeps temperatures cool even in July and August.

Mailliard Redwoods rewards visitors who seek out quiet corners of California’s park system. With a 4.4-star rating from those who’ve made the trek, the consensus is clear: the effort is worth it.

Explore Nearby

• South Cow Mountain OHV Management Area — Public Land in California
• Cow Mountain Recreation Management Area — Public Land in California
• Point Arena Light — Lighthouse in California
• Point Cabrillo Light — Lighthouse in California
• Mendocino National Forest — National Forest in California