Stretching almost 100 miles from the mountains of Mendocino County through the wine valleys of Sonoma County before flowing into the Pacific Ocean at Jenner, the Russian River is one of the most picturesque rivers in America. It has inspired generations of artists, writers, and naturalists, and provides the climate and appellations for some of the world’s finest chardonnay, zinfandel and pinot noir.

Known by the Southern Pomo as Ashkowana, meaning “east water place,” the River’s present name refers to Russian trappers, who explored the River in the early 19th Century and established Fort Ross, a trade colony, ten miles up the coast from its mouth. These Russian trappers may have been the first Sonoma County residents to learn the lesson of sustainability. After hunting the local sea otter population to near extinction, they were forced to move on, leaving Northern California’s other magnificent natural resources to others to manage more responsibly.

Today, tens of thousands of people visit the Russian River each year – some who swim, fish, kayak, raft and canoe its waters, while others simply enjoy the tranquil River experience from campgrounds, resorts, and the various small towns that make up the River community.

Beyond recreation, the Russian River is one of the most drawn upon Rivers in the nation, providing irrigation for vineyards and other agriculture, drinking water for more than half a million residents in Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin Counties, and gravel for the mining companies continuing to operate in and near the River.

Like other Rivers along the California coast, the Russian River, its estuaries, and tributaries are home to an abundant wildlife community in and along the River, and are a key spawning ground for native Coho and Chinook salmon, and its famous Steelhead trout.

Today, tens of thousands of people visit the Russian River each year – some who swim, fish, kayak, raft and canoe its waters, while others simply enjoy the tranquil River experience from campgrounds, resorts, and the various small towns that make up the River community.

To rent a canoe or kayak, please visit the following businesses on the Russian River:
River's Edge, Healdsburg, CA , http://www.riversedgekayakandcanoe.com/ or phone (707)433-7247
SOAR Inflatable Canoes, Healdsburg,CA,http://www.soar1.com/ or phone (707)433-5599
Burke's Canoe Trips, Forestville,CA, http://www.burkescanoetrips.com/, (707)887-1222

Some flooding possible in rainy months(Dec-Mar.)

Fees: none