01
Best overall pick
Hendy Woods State Park
Anderson Valley Along Highway 128 • Classic Old-Growth Redwood Park • Best All-Around Redwood Hiking Base
A compact state park with multiple mellow trails weaving through towering redwoods just minutes from downtown Philo.
If you only have time for one hike near Philo, Hendy Woods is the sure bet. Short loops like the Discovery Trail feel immersive without being strenuous, and you can easily link paths together for a longer wander. The mix of shady groves, open meadows, and easy navigation makes it equally friendly for casual walkers and hikers looking to log a few miles.
02
Most peaceful redwood loop
Big Hendy Grove
Inside Hendy Woods State Park • Gentle Cathedral-Like Redwood Loop • Best Easy Stroll For All Ages
A flat, quiet loop that circles through some of the tallest and most photogenic redwoods in Hendy Woods.
Big Hendy Grove feels like stepping into a natural cathedral, with wide paths, soft duff underfoot, and trunks rising straight up into filtered light. Benches tucked along the loop make it easy to linger, birdwatch, or simply listen to the wind in the canopy. It’s an ideal choice for families, slower-paced walkers, or anyone easing into the redwoods at an unhurried pace.
03
Best riverside wander
Navarro River Redwoods State Park
Navarro River Corridor Toward The Coast • Riverside Redwood Corridor With Pullouts • Best Scenic Drive-And-Walk Combo
A long, linear park where you can pair a shaded riverside stroll with a scenic drive out toward the ocean.
Following Highway 128 from Philo toward the coast, you’ll slip into the cool Navarro River canyon lined with redwoods on both sides. Multiple pullouts and informal paths let you leave the car, stretch your legs, and walk along the river or into small groves. It’s less about a single named trail and more about stringing together short walks and viewpoints as you make your way toward the mouth of the Navarro.
04
Most dramatic grove climb
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve
Inland Hills Between Philo And Ukiah • Steep Forest Reserve With Hilltop Views • Best Workout Hike In Deep Forest
A steeper loop that climbs to a hidden redwood basin, giving you both a workout and classic big-tree scenery.
From the small parking area, the trail climbs steadily before dropping into a lush basin packed with towering redwoods. The grade is noticeably steeper than most Anderson Valley walks, so you earn your time under the canopy, but the payoff feels pleasantly remote. On the drive in and out, the winding country roads give you a very different side of Mendocino County than Highway 128 alone.
05
Best coastal side trip
Van Damme State Park
Mendocino Coast Near Little River • Fern Canyon And Coastal Forest Park • Best Mix Of Ferns, Fog, And Ocean Air
A coastal forest park where fern-filled canyons and a nearby beach trail make a refreshing contrast to inland redwoods.
About a scenic drive from Philo, Van Damme feels noticeably cooler and foggier, with lush fern walls rising along the canyon trail. The walking is mostly gradual, and you can tailor your distance by turning around at any point. Combine a forest hike with time on the adjacent beach to round out a full Mendocino Coast outing before heading back over the ridge to Anderson Valley.