floating the Russian river

i think guerneville to monte rio is the most scenic. Lots of tall shady redwoods with nesting birds.

So I'm thinking Steelhead Beach to either Vacation Beach Rd. or Johnson's Beach.  Those of you in the know, what's the difference between those two? 

I'm choosing this route because most people I know who are interested in going have not done this before and having more people on the river could be a good thing (safer). 

Also, does anyone know what time the commercial float operators usually start?  I was thinking of meeting up earlier than those tours, which should allow our group to have more elbow room.  If we met at 8:30 or 9am? 

I'm thinking for this Saturday July 30. 

Thoughts and opinions welcome,
Nate

So I'm thinking Steelhead Beach to either Vacation Beach Rd. or Johnson's Beach.  Those of you in the know, what's the difference between those two? 

I'm choosing this route because most people I know who are interested in going have not done this before and having more people on the river could be a good thing (safer). 

Also, does anyone know what time the commercial float operators usually start?  I was thinking of meeting up earlier than those tours, which should allow our group to have more elbow room.  If we met at 8:30 or 9am? 

I'm thinking for this Saturday July 30. 

Thoughts and opinions welcome,
Nate

If you go to Johnsons Beach you know you have hit the end becasue you come to a Dam that makes you get out and exit to put back in on the other side. You know you have hit Johnsons Beach because its really crowded and there is a snack bar. There is also lots of parking at Johnsons beach if you go early. I have gone this route twice and have not really had any problems with to many people. The river is pretty safe, there are maybe like 3-4 little little rapids if thats what you want to call them. Its pretty much a lazy river.

Lookin' like pretty nice conditions on the ocean this week-end.

Gonna have to flip a coin and decide between hunting rockies or driftin' the river.

FYI....The vineman triathalon is on Saturday @ Johnsons beach. Staging a pickup vehicle in that area will be tough. Guerneville turns into a zoo until around noon. 

FYI....The vineman triathalon is on Saturday @ Johnsons beach. Staging a pickup vehicle in that area will be tough. Guerneville turns into a zoo until around noon.

Poor, thanks.  That could be a deal breaker for that day. 

Nate

FYI....The vineman triathalon is on Saturday @ Johnsons beach. Staging a pickup vehicle in that area will be tough. Guerneville turns into a zoo until around noon.

Poor, thanks.  That could be a deal breaker for that day. 

Nate

I agree. I'm gonna hit the ocean instead.

Nate - I'm down to go Sunday, or next week-end.

Toying with the idea of going this weekend.  Anyone else interested?  I'm thinking about going early, do a shorter drift (kid's first time) and take a longer lunch. 

Nate