Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve

On California’s Pacific Coast, the 317-acre Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve offers one of the prettiest walks you’ll ever find. From mid-April to mid-June, the Reserve’s rhododendrons burst into bloom, adding a spectacular pink vibrancy to the cool, green forest of redwood trees, tanbark oak, and Douglas fir. 

Here’s your guide to walking among these natural wonders blooming at this natural reserve, located north of Jenner in Sonoma Wine Country.

The cheery, ruffled blossoms that dazzle this site each season are called Rhododendron Macrophyllum, commonly known as Big Leaf, Coast, or Pacific Rhododendron, but fans affectionately refer to them as “Rhodies.” This broadleaf evergreen species of rhododendron is an impressive, colorful sight, native to the western part of North America and found largely along the Pacific Coast. 

With springtime streams flowing at this reserve, you’ll also see lacy fronds from big ferns and colorful wildflowers of all kinds. Look for the California huckleberry, bearing pretty pink flowers in spring and purple berries in summer. Watch for an assortment of flowering shrubs, like the Pacific wax myrtle and salal evergreens. 

Traverse the beautiful trails at this natural reserve. The 2.25-mile round-trip loop trail (slight 200-foot elevation) winds through all the beauty, including seasonal waterfalls at Phillips and Chinese Gulches. 

View and download a handy brochure with a map for this reserve and the adjacent Salt Point State Park — another scenic spot worth exploring. Once part of Kruse Ranch, dating back to 1880, this scenic land is now open to the public, since generously donated by the Kruse family in 1993. 

Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The rustic one-mile drive to the parking lot is an unpaved one-lane road, not recommended for large vehicles. Dogs and bicycles are not allowed on the trails. Entry is free. Restrooms are closed due to service/budget cuts. 

Discover nearby dining and lodging options in this part of scenic Sonoma County.

• The iconic Timber Cove Resort boasts ocean views at its Coast Kitchen restaurant.
• The cozy Ocean Cove Lodge offers an inviting Bar & Grill nestled in the coastal redwoods.
• The Fort Ross Lodge offers a variety of room types and amenities on a scenic bluff above a sheltered cove.

Local campsites offer more opportunities to experience nature along the Sonoma Coast.

• Gerstle Cove Campground
• Ocean Cove Campground
• Stillwater Cove Regional Park
• Timber Cove Boat Landing and Campground
• Woodside Campground

Together, we can protect and preserve the beauty and natural resources of Sonoma County for generations to come. Check out our page on Sustainable Travel, and look over the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.