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Outdoor Activities

Johnson's Beach - Guerneville

  • Johnson's Beach is a longtime tradition, and extremely popular with summer visitors to the area. There's no lifeguard, but you'll find a roped-off area for kids to swim, a snack bar, and you can rent a canoe, kayak or inner tubes. You can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas. There are restroom facilities. Dogs are not allowed at this beach.
  • Reservations are recommended for any of the rental items as they sell out quickly.  Paid parking is available.

Guernewood Park Neighborhood Beach - Guernewood Park

  • Small neighborhood beach across from Old Monte Rio Road and River Road.  Parking is limited. There are no lifeguards on duty.

 Mother's Beach - Forestville

  • Get there early to stake out a prime spot for swimming, paddling, sunbathing and picnicking. Located at 10584 River Drive on the edge of Forestville, the park opens at 7 a.m. and closes a half hour before sunset. Admission and parking are free. There are no lifeguards on duty, restroom facilities are available from May to November.
  •  Dogs are allowed, but must be on a leash, no more than 6 feet long.
  • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on this beach.

Steelhead State Park - Forestville

  • Swimming, paddling, sunbathing, picnicking, and barbecuing are some favorite activities here during summer months. Fishing, birding, and wildlife viewing are popular activities year-round.
  • Canoes and kayaks can be launched from the beach and a launch for larger craft is available October through mid-May. The seasonal launch requires an annual permit ($45 recreational) and includes access to a seasonal launch at Wohler Bridge. 
  • Parking is $6 per day.

Sunset Beach - Forestville

  • Sunset Beach offers easy access to the Russian River and is a summer destination for swimming, paddling and picnicking and a year-round spot for fishing and bird watching. From the parking area, a short, unpaved trail passes a picnic area and leads to a rocky beach with beautiful views of redwood forests and the Hacienda Bridge. The paved parking lot has 40 spaces, 3 of which are disabled accessible stalls. There are an additional 40 unpaved parking spaces. Amenities include beach area, picnic areas and chemical toilet. Open daily from 7 a.m. to ½ hour before sunset. Dogs are allowed,but must be on a leash.

Monte Rio Community Beach - Monte Rio

  • Monte Rio Community Beach is the largest public beach on the lower Russian River and is ADA accessible. Enjoy swimming in the serene waters or rent a canoe, paddle board or kayak. There is a food concession stand that is stocked with cold drinks, ice cream and lunch items. Volleyball courts and horseshoe pits are free to any who wish to play. Built-in barbecue areas overlook the beauty and grandeur of the redwood covered hills across the river.
  • Monte Rio Beach, is open to the public Memorial weekend through the last weekend in September each year.

Please practice Leave No Trace principles and do not leave rafts and tubes on the beach at the end of your visit. All flotation devices left behind are trash and can pollute the river and harm wildlife.