It’s going to be a great year on the river, get out and enjoy it!
After a great rainy season, the Russian River is looking much better and more inviting than the slow, paltry flows of the drought years. We hope you are planning to go enjoy it this summer. If not, the coming summer heat might entice you to enjoy this slice of nature that flows through our community.
How can I access the Russian River?
Sonoma County Regional Parks has nine parks where you can access the river. If you or your family members are not strong swimmers, County parks all have life vests you can borrow for safety. Remember the river is not a pool and has steep drop-offs and strong currents in some areas so bring your common sense. Do get there early to find parking, on hot days the parking fills up by mid-morning if not sooner. If you’re a late riser, consider using the County Parks River shuttle service when lots are likely full. You can find shuttle details at the park’s website link above.
Another option is Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville, although there is a charge for parking it’s a wonderful place to spend the day, especially for families. They have boat rentals, a snack shack, and umbrellas for rent. One thing to always remember about going to the river is to avoid trespassing, if it’s not your property and you don’t have permission find a public access point. We have no right to trespass to get to the river so do use public access to avoid unpleasant consequences
What if you prefer more water activities than beach lounging?
Try one of our local outfitters and rent a canoe or kayak, they provide parking and shuttles so it’s convenient. In the Healdsburg area, you can try River’s Edge to enjoy the river around Fitch Mountain. Russian River Adventures runs inflatable canoes downstream of Healdsburg on the very peaceful middle reach to Wohler Bridge. The classic river experience awaits you at Burke’s Canoe Trips in Forestville with trips downstream to Guerneville through the redwoods. If a bit of salty water is more your style, try Water Treks in Jenner and paddle the estuary waters where the river meets the ocean.
What to bring to the river!
Sandals or water shoes are essential unless your feet are like leather. You’ll appreciate a hat for the sun and a reusable water bottle as it gets warm along the river. Some lunch is always nice if planning a day on the river. Bring your eyes and ears as there is so much to see and hear on the river and don’t forget to use them. Rivers are the intersection of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and are one of the most biodiverse natural systems. Look in the water for fish like bass, pike minnow, carp, shad, and if lucky maybe a juvenile steelhead trout. Look in the trees, air, and shoreline for birds from swallows to osprey and egrets and herons. Listen for kee-kee of the osprey, the croak of herons, or the staccato blasts of the kingfishers.
Pack it in-pack it out!
Take items you bring with you home! It is upsetting to see the things people leave behind so don’t forget to leave no trace. We always bring a trash bag, for our stuff, as well as what others left behind. Help your neighbor out if they forget something! The river and others thank you in advance! You can also make a game of it if you’re in the lower river. Thanks to Sonoma County Tourism, there is a Rewards of Rubbish program. Register at the online link, drop by King’s Sporting Goods in Guerneville and they will give you a bag and gloves and when you bring it back with trash you can get a reward and endless praise from Russian Riverkeeper.
Whatever you do this summer, do take a day to enjoy your river, it’s a great year for visiting your Russian River!