Monte Rio, California
Monte Rio, California offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures. A must-visit is the Bohemian Grove Trail, a moderate difficulty hiking route that spans 1.8 miles. Enjoy the sight of towering redwood trees and the sound of the Russian River flowing nearby. For a more challenging hike, the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve offers 805 acres of coast redwoods, some towering over 300 feet high. Kayaking and canoeing are popular on the Russian River, and Monte Rio Beach is a top spot for swimming and picnicking. Nearby, the Pacific Coast Highway offers scenic drives with ocean views. These outdoor attractions make Monte Rio a top destination for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures.
Top Spots in and near Monte Rio
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Monte Rio, California
Monte Rio Community Beach
Monte Rio Community Beach is located in the Sonoma County town of Monte Rio. The beach nestles up to the Russian River offering a great chance for families to kick back and relax by the water or bring your kayak or stand-up paddle board for fun on the water. Dog-Friendly: Monte Rio Community Be...Read more -
Monte Rio, CaliforniaMonte Rio Redwoods Loop
5.04.1 mi / 1375 ft gainMonte Rio Redwoods Loop is a hike located off of Bodega Highway in Monte Rio, California.Read more -
Guerneville, California
Johnson's Beach
Johnson's Beach is a public beach located on the Russian River in Guerneville, California.Read more -
Monte Rio, California
Islands in the Sky Vista Loop
4.03.83 mi / 883 ft gainThe Islands in the Sky Vista Loop in Monte Rio, California, is a moderately challenging hiking trail. Spanning approximately 3.83 miles, the loop offers a variety of terrain, including forested areas, open meadows, and rocky outcrops. The trail is well-marked and maintained, making it suitable fo...Read more -
Occidental, California
Watershed View Trail
4.01.54 mi / 174 ft gainThe Watershed View Trail is located off of Coleman Valley Road and shares a trailhead with the Hunters Camp and Creekside Loop. This trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back, which makes for a great trail to get the family out on to get some energy out. Be prepared for a muddy trail if there has been rec...Read more -
Occidental, California
Hunters Camp and Creekside Loop
5.05.36 mi / 853 ft gainHunters Camp and Creekside Loop is an almost 6-mile loop off of Coleman Valley Road in Occidental, California. This trail can get pretty muddy during the rainy season, but as an added bonus, it makes the waterfall along the Creekside Trail that much better. Dogs are not permitted on this trail.Read more -
Guerneville, California
East Ridge - Pool Ridge Loop
4.73.37 mi / 810 ft gainThis park most resembles Muir Woods, and if you're looking to get out of the tourist trap, head to Armstrong Redwoods and make a day of it. This 3-mile hike takes off from the sign pointing to East Ridge Trail. As you begin a slight climb up the trail, you'll be under the cover of the redwoods, s...Read more -
Guerneville, California
Pioneer Nature Trail
1.53 mi / 233 ft gainThe Pioneer Nature Trail, a gentle 1-mile pathway, offers one of the most accessible introductions to the majestic coastal redwoods of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Guerneville, California. This family-friendly trail provides an intimate encounter with towering ancient trees while r...Read more -
Forestville, California
Sunset Beach River Park
4.0Sunset Beach River Park is located off River Road in Forestville, California. The beach offers up picturesque views of the Russian River and is a great spot to end your float if starting at Steelhead Beach. The Beach: The beach is about a quarter of a mile walk from the parking area. Keep this ...Read more -
Occidental, California
LandPaths Grove of Old Trees
5.00.7 mi / 92 ft gainThe Grove of Old trees is a privately-owned preserve in Western Sonoma County that is open to the public year round. It is not large, only about 33 acres, but it makes a wonderful spot to go on a walk and to soak in the beauty of the redwoods. To get there from downtown Occidental, drive West up...Read more -
Guerneville, California
Parson Jones and Colonial Armstrong Redwood Trees
5.0The Parson Jones Tree is the tallest tree in the reserve, measuring more than 310 feet (94 m) in height. This is longer than the length of a football field! Named after a lumberman who chose to preserve this portion of the park in the 1870s, the Colonel Armstrong Tree is the oldest tree in the ...Read more -
Forestville, California
Mother's Beach ("Mom's Beach")
4.0Mother's Beach, known locally as Mom's Beach, is located in Forestville, California. This beach is a hidden gem situated on the scenic Russian River, between Steelhead Beach and Sunset Beach. Dog Friendly: Mom's Beach is a great spot to bring your pup on a leash. Times of Operation: The bea...Read more -
Jenner, California
Red Hill and Pomo Canyon Loop
4.93.91 mi / 937.66 ft gainPark in the Shell Beach parking lot, north of Bodega Bay proper but just south of Goat Rock State Beach on Highway 1. Cross the road to pick up the Dr. David C. Joseph Memorial Trail heading up away from the ocean. Follow the trail, staying right toward Red Hill. (The trail forks off down Pomo Ca...Read more -
Jenner, California
Shell Beach
0.18 mi / 62 ft gainShell Beach is a hidden gem along the rugged Sonoma Coast in Northern California, offering visitors a breathtaking coastal experience just minutes from the charming town of Jenner. Nestled within the Sonoma Coast State Park, this secluded beach features dramatic rocky shorelines, tide pools teemi...Read more -
Jenner, California
Bouldering at Sunset Boulders
5.00.6 miYou can see the boulders off the left side of the road. Couple of different pullouts you can park at to start your approach. It’s about half a mile from the road all downhill. It’s easy going when you’re on your way, but kind of a pain after you’re whooped from climbing. Bouldering, high balls, ...Read more -
Guerneville, California
Austin Creek State Recreation Area Loop
3.08.65 mi / 1722 ft gainThe hike starts at the Gilliam Creek Trailhead, halfway up Armstrong Woods Road on the way to Bullfrog Pond. There is an $8 fee to enter the park, to be paid at the ranger kiosk as you enter Armstrong Woods. HIKING Begin hiking by descending the Gilliam Creek Trail. The descent is long and ste...Read more
