I feel like I shouldn't review this for fear the spot blows up but it is so very lovely. I've been…read morecoming here for years, it is unofficially "the secret spot" on Fitch Mt. in Healdsburg. There is enough room for about 7 cars in the parking lot off the road in addition to available roadside parking where allowable. This is in the neighborhood and NOT off the official regional park section of the woods. It is about 2.5 miles up Fitch Mt. from town and down a meandering trail that goes along behind some homes to the stretch of gravel beach that this beauty exists amongst. It is truly a hidden gem. I don't try to bring too much since you have a good .50-.75 mile trek down to the beach to set up camp for the day. Mostly sun exposed so plan accordingly. The water is the real treat here - it is like bath water so warm and inviting you won't want to leave! Not super shallow and definitely swimmable. It's a quiet and serene stretch of the Russian River that feels magical to get away so close to home.

Parking in Sonoma County Park Recreation areas are first come first serve. We arrived just after…read moretwo other cars pulled into 2 of 3 vacant parking spaces and came to find these girls holding a parking space for their friends that were not there. We tried to find a place to park on the street, however it was too far to walk. About 15 minutes later we circled back and the girls were still standing in the parking space. This is when I took the photo. For those that don't know, it's a violation of Sonoma County Parks Rules to hold parking spaces. Please respect our parks and abide by the rules. This is so that we all can enjoy these wonderful public places.

My family and I had an excellent experience. The river was challenging, but it was a very memorable…read moretrip! This is run by a lovely, local couple who almost felt like family in the short time we were there. They boosted the confidence of my son with reassurance and also took the time to help us get back to our vehicle after it unexpectedly broke down on our way to the river. Just wanted to say they are really good people. They also gave us great guidance to navigate the river with quality equipment!

First off, we do this river day trip every year. We -highly- recommend experiencing the river, it's…read morealways fun and rarely disappoints (even as our kids get older!) While we have used different outfits lately - we had a great experience with Russian River Adventures a few years back, so we came in excited to return. Unfortunately, this visit was disappointing, mainly due to poor planning by the staff. We booked for four people on a Thursday - my wife, myself, and our two teens (14 and 16)--with the expectation that we'd have two boats, which is standard for this group size. However, the team miscounted the boats that morning. When we pointed this out, instead of fixing the mistake, they pulled us aside and crammed all four of us into a boat intended for three, squeezing in an extra seat to make it "fit." Visibly frustrated, the team promised to speak with the owner and make it right (it was two high schoolers running it that day). I didn't argue and wanted to at least try to have a good time and not be that Dad. The result on the boat? A very cramped and uncomfortable setup that made the inflatable much harder to steer and navigate--especially on a 9-mile river trip. This wasn't the experience we paid for or expected based on our prior trips. The staff seemed more focused on moving us along rather than making it right. Still haven't heard from the owner. We'll likely explore other options next time around. Disappointed to see the service slip like this.

Beautiful to run over. Historic bridge. Parking lot has river access. You can drop your boat in…read morehere and float down the river. There is a dam structure about a 1/2 down the road that you have to portage. The portage spot is on the left handside of the river as you float down. Gate is closed, possibly aligning with the closing of fishing season. I'm not sure the exact hours. When fishing season is open, you can see several fisherman lined up on the banks.

Used to be my nice secluded spot of choice, but too many run-ins with naked amorous folk,…read moresunbathers, kids, and other picnickers has made realize that word about this place is out, so I might as well post without fear. Access gates are open sunrise to sunset from October through mid-May- otherwise, park and hike. Parking in the lot is $5 per vehicle and they do ticket so pay up. Apparently there's a boat ramp here, but you can get info on fishing and ramp-access fees off the website. I go here to kick-back, splash around with a friend, and get dirt between my toes :) What can I say, I'm a dirty girl.

Thinking of tubing on a weekend? Come early. By 10am the lot is very likely to be full. It's $12…read moreper car. We would take 1 car with all the floaties and air pumps and park around 9am. On our recent trip we inflated 14 floaties using a combination of 4 different air pumps and it took us an hour. Last year we were not as prepared and needed to used the free public pumps. Never again. It took forever. It took us 4.5 hours to get to the end at Sunset Beach and that was with a 30 minutes lunch break. It's always fun. We've been making it an annual group thing and each time it gets better and better when we are more prepared.

If you are planning on tubing, the new Russian River Shuttle makes Steelhead Beach the perfect spot…read moreto start your adventure! The $5.00 round trip fee (per person) includes free parking, drop off at Steelhead Beach, and pick up at Sunset Beach, all in a comfy air-conditioned vehicle. When you arrive at Steelhead Beach, be prepared to stand in a long line to pump up your tubes at the pump stations. Alternatively, we brought with us an inflatable kayak pump for our kayak, and a "Compressed Air Duster" (Amazon: https://a.co/d/bMSSmrV) which blew up 4 huge tubes with headrests in under 10 minutes! We put that in our dry bag, and were happy to have the kayak pump to deflate everything quickly at the end of our trip. Hot Tip: Once you are ready to get in the water, follow the path on the far south of the picnic area which takes you slightly upstream. You will find a perfect spot to plop in your tube and relax while the gentle current starts you on your fun journey!

We went to the Monte Rio Park on 9610 Main St Monte Rio.the signage is beyond horrible. We ended up…read moreby a large parking lot where their is a coffee shop, a wonderful neighborhood garden and paths along the river. A helpful perdón told us where the park entrance was located and we drove there since the signage is horrible from both directions. There is very limited parking, a porta bn potty and a picnic table. A sign warns you about a very steep path which has no handrails but the site is very quiet and beautiful.

2021 summer: algae floating everywhere, underwater, in water, above water. At first sight I felt…read moregrossed out. There are signs that warn dogs children and adults not to touch the algae. Hopefully it is better other years. Not sure how it is normally. The space is large and roomy for everyone to spread out. I enjoyed it. Food service is friday thru Sunday only. Water is deeper as you walk further away. Maybe 5 feet in the middle. I didn't go all the way to the other side. Plenty of parking. If you're carrying a lot be ready to haul the heavy items for a while at the same time walking on rocks. No lifeguards, make sure kids have life jackets if they tend to wander off. I love a good day in the water and sun so I'm happy anywhere I can do that.

Review is during Winter and I'm not sure if it's greatly improved in Summer. We were looking for a…read morefun body of water for the kids to enjoy, they can spend an hour easily throwing rocks and sticks into water. The parking lot has about 40 spaces and porta potties, the entire round trip is 3.9 miles. We did about half and turned around so not sure if there was an amazing payoff at the end but we checked and it looks like a smal rock beach where you can chill and hang near the river. Most of the trail you are walking pretty far from the water and there isn't much excitement along the way. At some point it got monotonous so we tried getting closer to the water, these smaller trails are overgrown and the water during Winter is still and smells. I don't know if conditions improve in Summer but I definitely wouldn't go swimming in that water, just stick to the river at the end. Would not recommend coming here in Winter, there are other places nearby that are better.

Sunset Beach is a fun place to post up and enjoy the Russian River. You'll be in a prime position…read moreto see (and possibly help) people go by on their tubing adventures. Sunset Beach is unique because it has a shallow area and a lagoon-like area which is fun for families to float around in safely without fear of being caught in the current. However, just across the lagoon you'll find great access to a medium-fast current perfect for older children and adults who want to float in tubes, then walk back to do it all over again! Hot Tip: Expect lots of company throughout the afternoon because Sunset Beach is the ending point for tubers catching the Russian River Shuttle back to their vehicles. Extra Hot Tip: Please avoid the rope swing. It looks so fun, but ends in tragedy for at least a few people each year, including 2025.

A great day! Sun was shining, crystal clear water, small beaches for lunch, wildlife, adventure,…read moreand super friendly hosts - everyone was so nice. They provide some necessities and small coolers. From the shuttle to the finish line it was a great time. I'll be back.

My family and I have kayaked on rivers all over the U.S. This kayak trip stood out as our favorite,…read moreby far. The staff was friendly and helpful, the river absolutely beautiful (and uncrowded when you start up in Healdsburg as they do), and so relaxing and fun. We already want to come back.

SCW and I visited Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Park one day while staying nearby. I'd use…read morecaution when using a driving app to get here as we were led along a very narrow road through a local residential area with no room and switchbacks galore. Suffice it to say we saw a few locals along the way that seemed perplexed why we were driving very slowly through their neighborhood. I think that had to do with a bridge closure. Anyways... The return was not the same route thankfully. The park has for pay parking areas and what seemed to be free parking along the road to the park at your own risk. We found a spot in the paid lot ($10). Get a receipt, put it on your car's dashboard and off you go. There's a small welcome center and info at the entrance as well. The Redwoods are incredible here, some alive for 1400 plus years. You simply can't see the tops of the Redwoods from the ground. Truly incredible. The trails are well marked and it's highly discouraged to get off the trails as the environment is very ecologically sensitive. Unfortunately we saw some disregard for that. Stay on the trails people! You'll find placards noting interesting names and places along the way in addition to information about the flora and fauna. The history of the park and previous residents from indigenous peoples to the parks name sake are along the trail. It's an incredible park to visit and appreciate nature. The redwoods are incredible and certainly worth a visit.

Wow! What can I say that will convince you to come visit the splendor at Armstrong? We walked…read more Hiked. And drove our vehicle up a tiny one lane hillside road to the top for a spectacular view of the whole area. It was beyond words! The park was immaculately clean. Everyone was kind and polite. The air was so fresh. I hope to return soon.