This is a roughly three-hour float. Your float. Located right on Main Street, this local breakfast spot is a favorite among locals. Don't trespass. Even a few hours in mid-day sun can lead to dehydration and heatstroke. Many of the beaches are rocky so you may find these helpful. It’s time to get your BEST floats out, form floatillas with all your friends and float down the Russian River! Steelhead Beach - 9000 River Road, Forestville. Plan to be at Steelhead by 10 a.m. and on the water by 11 a.m. at the latest. Russian River Shore Steelhead Fishing 2017 (Sick Catch) - Duration: 8:40. It is an excellent spot for birding, viewing river wildlife and for picnicking. If you walk in, you won't have to pay parking. Put-in at Steelhead Beach. Plan to arrive even earlier if it's a weekend, holiday, or the temperature will be over 90 degrees. // A rope. Squiglly bright colored (chartreas) plastice and some rattle traps while water clears should be good. Any… Russian River: Steelhead Beach Regional Park to Guerneville is a 8.3 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Forestville, California that features a river and is rated as moderate. Tubing on the Russian River can be a fun, memorable experience if you plan ahead. Find park adventures, trail tips & and other outdoors stories. You can also rent kayaks and paddleboats at Johnson's Beach but you can only row upstream from there because they have the river blocked off. This float is more than six hours long. Plan to be at Steelhead by 10 a.m. and on the water by 11 a.m. at the latest. The river depth is rarely overhead, and sometimes you may need to get up and walk it gets so shallow. When fishing a larger river like the Skykomish, Snoqualmie, Skagit, or Wynoochee, you can’t go wrong with a … Steelhead has a large parking lot that runs down close to the launch point, making it easier to drop off tubes there. There are rafters. Steelhead has a large parking lot that runs down close to the launch point, making it easier to … Where to Go. Bonus! You don't want to finish a nice, long float and have to walk back to your car along the narrow shoulder of River Road, with traffic speeding past. The trail is primarily used for nature trips and bird watching and is accessible year-round. Janelle Wetzstein is a former marketing specialist with Regional Parks. Steelhead Beach State Parks : Sonoma Coast State Beach . Parking is $7 per vehicle or free for Regional Parks members. Raven Floats and Steelhead Nov 3, 2019 | Fishing Reports , Fishing Spots , News In the past ten years or so since Bob started using Raven Floats on his steelhead fly rods over in NY his clients hook up rate has dramatically increased. ... his first steelhead, this morning in Monte Rio, we’re going to float the river tomorrow and see how we do. Swimming, paddling, sunbathing, picnicking, and barbecuing are favorite activities here during warm months. All rights reserved. Here are Sonoma County Regional Parks' do's and don'ts for a successful float trip, including our only recommended route: Steelhead Beach to Sunset Beach in Forestville. It's a good idea to check the businesses' own websites before visiting to get the latest information, as well as the official guidelines of Sonoma County which still has a ban on large gatherings. At the mouth of the river in Jenner, there is a small boat launch next to the Visitor's Center. Mother’s Beach is a smaller beach in a more residential area, so parking may be tougher to find. To the east of Guerneville you can launch at Steelhead Beach in Forestville where there is a day use fee. // An electric pump. Austin Creek State Recreation Area . During the pandemic, they are serving through a takeout window at back and have limited outdoor seating. The other is Steelhead Beach in Forestville off River Road. Please don't abandon your float on the beach when you're trip is over. This is notriver rafting. If you're looking for a short-and-sweet trip, perhaps with kids, this is one is just an hour long. It was very funny as I've been trying to get him into steelhead fishing for years, and he is not a real serious fisherman. We will launch from Steelhead Beach and float 4 miles down the lazy Russian River. Fishing, birding, and wildlife viewing are popular activities year-round. But a tubing adventure can go flat in no time if you don't plan ahead. Anticipate at least an hour to get things in order. Similar issues arise along other routes, including having to walk parts of the journey or hitting areas where the flow is so slow you'll have to paddle with your hands. Russian river Steelhead. This station is located approximately 3.8 miles east of Guerneville. Municipal trash service is not a thing here. Stick to this advice, and you are well on your way to a great float experience in Sonoma County. Hunger, thirst, sunburn, and the call of nature will have you ready to exit the river after five hours. Russian River Flowing through Sonoma Valley to the Pacific Coast, the Russian River offers a fairly tranquil and relaxing float. // Higher Ground Organic Espresso (16350 3rd St, Guerneville) is a low-key shop filled with eclectic books and artwork and serves up fresh organic coffee from Bean Smoke micro roaster out of Sonoma County. Mirabel Road at 8600 River Road, Forestville CA (707) 887-1222 Russian River Adventures: Russian River. Hit up these local spots for some great grub or a drink. Parking lots fill quickly. The Russian River is a promising fishery that offers steelhead and smallmouth bass fishing without having to leave the Bay Area. For later, when you realize you drank too much rosé and forgot to reapply that sunscreen. Steelhead Beach to Mother's Beach. Here are some recommended options. The half deli, half market offers takeout box lunches with sandwiches, sides, cookies, and fresh fruit—gluten-free and vegan options are available. And Swimming! Steelhead has a large parking lot that runs down close to the launch point, making it easier to drop off tubes there. You are invited to join us on the Russian River for a day of fun and an unforgettable adventure! Watch Queue Queue Steelhead Beach Forestville, CA. Healdsburg Memorial Beach – Healdsburg, Steelhead Beach – Forestville, Johnson’s Beach – Guerneville, Monte Rio Beach – Monte Rio, Duncans Mills, Willow Creek – Upstream from Jenner, Downtown Jenner – Jenner. The only Russian River tubing route we recommend is the 2-mile stretch from Steelhead Beach to Sunset Beach in Forestville. Russian River: A hot day on the Russian River at Steelhead Beach - See 33 traveler reviews, 13 candid photos, and great deals for California, at Tripadvisor. Respect the areas you pass. Steelhead Beach to Sunset Beach. Check their site for new Covid guidelines. Drink lots of water. It was very funny as I've been trying to get him into steelhead fishing for years, and he is not a real serious fisherman. The Russian River spans more than 100 miles in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. ... large groups of visitors coming from around the Bay Area to spend time at the beach or float down the river. // River shoes. Another plus: plenty of parking here for your shuttle vehicle. You can also pick up some food or snacks for the trip. Johnson's Beach offers a range of lodging for a comfortable stay, with some of the most sought-after Guerneville accommodations, including vintage cabins from the 1920s, and an urban campground, complete with BBQ area and laundry facilities. 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Please take your float with you or find it a new owner who will take it home. Here are photos of a day of tubing on my birthday with my friend, Jessica. We started at Hacienda Bridge in Forestville and got out of the river at the Russian River Pub, also in Forestville. FREE event, but you do have to pay for parking. // At Soar Inflatables & Russian River Adventures (20 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg) you'll find inflatable rafts that come with a paddle if you want to go a bit further. Steelhead Beach to Mother's Beach This is a roughly three-hour float. You can hang out at Sunset Beach post-float. Fishing, birding, and wildlife viewing are popular activities year-round. ©2020 County of Sonoma. You can also rent one at Johnson's Beach in Guerneville - (707) 869-2022. Steelhead Beach Regional Park on the Russian River. Just be prepared with a lot of sunscreen and water. You can also make a reservation for tasting at Inizi Wines on weekends. It can take 4–8 hours of floating depending on your start and end points, wind conditions, and the current streamflow of the river (check here). Bobcats are sighted on the hills above the river. Looking to be able to float for a good 6-8 hours. There are Redwoods. Monte Rio Beach is the largest public beach on the lower Russian River and is ADA accessible.East of the Monte Rio Bridge and known locally as Big Rocky Beach, this is the location of the Independence weekend children’s games organized under the banner of Big Rocky Games.A lighted boat flotilla and fireworks follow for an old-fashioned family experience. Bring plenty of water, and drink often. Start Point: Steelhead Beach 9000 River Rd, Forestville, CA 95436 . // A cooler. Fish found in the Russian River include: Large and Small Mouth Bass, Striped Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Shad, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead Trout. Jan 31, 2019 - Floating down the Russian River is one of Sonoma County's most popular summer activities - for both visitors and locals. When I fish the Russian river I have NO expectations of respect from fellow fisherman bait or fly. FREE event, but you do have to pay for parking. It’s free, it’s very shallow, and during the summer it’s very slow moving. If you carried in a full water bottle, carry out an empty one. Order online for curbside pickup. Pack up your trash. // Sunscreen + hat + sunglasses. Cheryl took off with the truck back to Guerneville and we started off down the river drifting as there was a good current from the recent rains. This is an excellent spot for birding, viewing river wildlife, and for picnicking. We've used River's Edge 3 times and always had great customer service and a great paddle down the Russian River. Steelhead Beach is a destination for summer fun on the Russian River. Cloverdale River Park - 31820 McCray Road, Cloverdale Veterans Memorial Beach - 13839 Old Redwood Hwy., Healdsburg Riverfront Park - 7821 Eastside Road, Windsor . We strongly recommend one with a mesh bottom, headrest, and cup holder for maximum relaxation. // A waterproof speaker. Swimming, paddling, sunbathing, picnicking, and barbecuing are favorite activities here during warm months. When winds pick up in the early evening, the current can push you upstream. You'll need a car-powered air pump (there are no outlets at the beaches), coolers with food and drinks, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, water shoes, life jackets, car keys, driver’s licenses, cell phones, a garbage bag, and other necessities. // Trash bags. Over 100 miles long, the Russian River is most digestible if you focus on the lower section—especially for weekend warriors. Guerneville, California Chill out with a low-key cruise on this shallow river full of mild currents and lined with peaceful beaches for pit-stops and picnics. For casual tubers, Meda Freeman, communications manager for Sonoma County Regional Parks, recommends the 2-mile float from Steelhead Beach to Sunset Beach, both in Forestville -- … // If you are a locally made goods connoisseur, head to The Farmhand (15025 River Road, Guerneville). The brewery has a huge selection of beers, including cult favorite Pliny the Elder, a well-balanced, limited supply double IPA, and the Blind Pig, a full-bodied, citrus forward IPA. // Not only does Guerneville 5 & 10 (16252 Main St, Guerneville) sell inner tubes, they blow them up for you. Our friendly and accomplished staff is waiting to roll out the red carpet – offering guest services and an attention to detail that is unmatched. Fishing, birding, and wildlife viewing are popular activities year-round. It takes about five minutes to drive from Steelhead Beach to Sunset Beach but four and a half hours to float that distance. The sun is bright and shade is practically non-existent on the river. Tubing on the Russian River is a popular activity, and the river can get quite crowded with float groups. For a bit longer float than the last, add an hour or so to your trip by exiting at Sunset Beach instead of Mother's. Floating down a river with your friends, a cold drink, and groovy tunes is the best way to spend a Saturday in summer. This Art Deco-style Guerneville Bank Club (16290 Main St, Guerneville) has multiple vendors beneath one historic roof. May 30, 2020 - Floating down the Russian River is one of Sonoma County's most popular summer activities - for both visitors and locals. Find out more about which parks are open and what activities are allowed. Hooking your floats and coolers together is essential to keep the group in tact. For your custom playlist, of course: #FloatTrip2019. There are Redwoods. (Pro tip: You can also buy their biscuit mix online!) For a bit longer float than the last, add an hour or so to your trip by exiting at Sunset Beach instead of Mother's. Excellent! There are many places along the 50 mile stretch to float the river. Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information », alcohol consumption is not allowed at Steelhead and Sunset beaches and at Forestville River Access. Swimming, paddling, sunbathing, picnicking, and barbecuing are favorite activities here during warm months. This cute local bar from the Boon team has an all-around chill vibe, a focus on mezcal and tequila, and is open for limited outdoor seating on Fridays and Saturdays during the pandemic. Unlike the Truckee River, the Russian River does not offer shuttle services, so it helps to drive two cars; park one at the take-out spot and bring the group back to the put-in location in the other vehicle (unless you want to take a taxi between the two). The Winter Steelhead Float Rod is probably the longest fishing rod you will ever own. Virtually empty parking lot. With that said, here's how to plan your Russian River float trip. Johnson Beach is closed on weekdays after Labor Day so we found street parking nearby for the takeout. This video is unavailable. Steelhead has a large parking lot that runs down close to the launch point, making it easier to drop off tubes there. Decide if you want to rent or buy a tube (keep reading for recommendations on local shops to hit up for gear). Steelhead Beach to Sunset Beach. Courteous and always willing to try to find an opening if you call, even in high season. Steelhead Beach to Mother’s Beach. Having two cars will save you stress, money, and time. Other float routes pose issues, which we’ll address later in this post. A solid 4.5-hour float, you can launch from Vacation Beach. However, if you want to bring your donut or unicorn-shaped floatie, nothing wrong with that. 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