Salt Point State Park’s Pygmy Forest

Just south of Gualala on the Sonoma Coast, set at the highest elevation within Salt Point State Park, lies one of the world’s wonders: A pygmy forest filled with tiny trees! Fully mature and, in some cases, more than a century old, these typically towering giants grow only a few feet tall and grow together in this miniature grove in Salt Point State Park, where you can wander like Alice in Wonderland or Gulliver on his travels.

About the Pygmy Forest

The tiny trees in this unique forest consist of Bishop and Bolander pines, Mendocino cypress, and redwoods. In Salt Point State Park, the stunted growth of the pygmy forest is caused by a unique combination of acidic, nutrient-free soil and a highly dense layer of hardpan soil just below the surface that blocks soil drainage and prevents roots from settling deeper to grow taller.

Pygmy Forest Trails

The Pygmy Forest Trail is a 3.8-mile, two-hour loop that takes you through evergreens and a grassy prairie with occasional signs describing how various plants were used by the area’s first residents — the Kashaya Pomo.

To reach the pygmy forest, start on Central Trail near the ranger station. After about one-and-a-half miles, turn left onto North Trail to walk through the pygmy forest. 

To continue the loop, turn left at Water Tank Trail for a short stretch. Then, turn right to rejoin the Central Trail and return to the ranger station.

Other Things to Do at Salt Point State Park

Besides over 20 miles of hiking trails and a pygmy forest — there are more things to do at Salt Point State Park. Rocky promontories, panoramic ocean views, and kelp-dotted coves beckon from six miles of rugged coastline. Gray whales can be spotted between December and April. You can camp with a reservation, and picnicking, horseback riding, fishing, and skin and SCUBA diving are all on the table at Salt Point State Park — open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Find more things to do in Gualala, The Sea Ranch, and Jenner.