[2] The Reserve occupies the headwaters of Montgomery Creek, a tributary of Big River, which flows into the Pacific Ocean at Mendocino Headlands State Park.

The virgin groves of Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) in Montgomery Woods are examples of a now rare upland riparian meadow habitat; most other preserved redwood groves are on broad alluvial plains.

A moderately steep trail from the parking area climbs uphill along Montgomery Creek about three-quarters of a mile.

Once in the grove, the trail makes a meandering three miles (4.8 km) loop, with substantial use of boardwalks to protect the fragile forest floor.

Earlier well-publicized candidates for the world's tallest tree suffered damage from stresses resulting from crowds of tourists.