floating the Russian river

Thinking about floating the Russian river with my kids and dog and looking for suggestions to put in and take out.  Kids are young, so not looking for rapids.  Just a lazy float day with swimming and sight seeing.

Thanks, Nate

For just floating, I usually put in at Steelhead Beach, and take out at a little dam that is just west of Memorial Beach in Guerneville.

What Rock Hopper said is problaly the most popular run. It takes most of the day.  Johnson's to Monte Rio is really mellow too. Even Johnson's to the summer brigde (Vacation beach) would work. That's a pretty short run.

when u going Nate?

when u going Nate?

I'm down for this, as well. Haven't done it in two years, and this year the river is NICE.

when u going Nate?

I'm down for this, as well. Haven't done it in two years, and this year the river is NICE.

I was thinking the wknd after Albion.  Wanna form an armada?

I'm in for week-end after Albion. 

Just need to figure out logistics for drop-off/pick-up of yaks.

Are these spots found on google maps?  If not, which maps would show these names?  I'm trying to get the information for meet up, put in, and take out spots.

For Steelhead Beach search for Argonne Court, Forestville. If you follow that road down to the water, that is Steelhead Beach.

And the take-out I was talking about is Vacation Beach Road, Guerneville. There is some parking at both spots. I believe there is an entrance fee for Steelhead Beach.

I can transport two kayaks.

I will watch for the trip... Might bring my new 6 place trailer and go with you all pick up and drop off trailer?

So I have done this trip Two times now in the past couple of months. I would be down again. If you are looking for a full day of the river the best bet would be to start at Steelhead. There is a charge for parking there. Your takeout would be at johnson beach in Guerneville, the parking there is free, you just have to be out by 6pm. According to the phone this is about a 9 mile run on the river.

If you are looking for a shorter run, you could do Johnsons Beach to Monte Rio wich is around 4 + miles.

The last trip I took was on the weekend of the 4th so since it was crowded we ended up parking both cars at Johnsons and paying for a cab ($28) back to steelhead. That way when we got out we didn't have to go and fetch a car.

***Just remember to get their early. The parking lots can fill up by 11 or noon. ****

If you have anymore questions feel free to ask. I have only done the route a few times but I feel like I know it like the back of my hand.

Just my two cents the reach you are thinking of can get pretty crowded on the weekends. For my money the Healdsburg to Steelhead Beach is the most scenic and not filled with party canoes. You do have to portage over 1 dam but it's a snap and the fishing is much better. I would tag along but I'm committed to Heritage Day at the Fort

Just my two cents the reach you are thinking of can get pretty crowded on the weekends. For my money the Healdsburg to Steelhead Beach is the most scenic and not filled with party canoes. You do have to portage over 1 dam but it's a snap and the fishing is much better. I would tag along but I'm committed to Heritage Day at the Fort

Where do you put in at Healdsburg?

memorial beach, you can launch downstream of the damn

I dunno, It's kinda out of my way.....