A Day of Adventure on the Russian River

The Russian River is home to all kinds of outdoor activities. We would be happy to help your group book any of the following activities. Start by checking out 5 fun things to do near the Russian River.

Biking

Biking near Monte Rio offers fantastic options for all levels, from scenic road rides on the Sonoma Coast (Hwy 1 to Bodega Bay) and Russian River loops (Bohemian Hwy, Armstrong Woods) to mountain biking within the new Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park on trails like the popular singletrack Monte Rio Redwoods Trail, with nearby parks like Armstrong Redwoods and Jenner Headlands Preserve providing more epic coastal/redwood adventures. 

Mountain Biking:

• Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park: The main spot, featuring the well-loved Monte Rio Redwoods Trail (singletrack through redwoods) and options like the Radar Love Loop (harder, ocean views) – note some trails are on private land and require permission.
• Nearby Parks: Explore Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Sonoma Coast State Park, and Jenner Headlands Preserve for more redwood and coastal mountain biking. 

Road & Gravel Cycling (Scenic Routes):

• Sonoma Coast Loop: A classic ride from Monte Rio along the Russian River to Hwy 1, heading south to Bodega Bay and back via Occidental Road and Bohemian Highway.
• Russian River Loops: Combine River Road, Westside Road, and Sweetwater Springs Road for varied scenery, including Armstrong Woods.
• King Ridge Loop: A longer, challenging road ride for experienced cyclists. 

Hiking

Hiking near Monte Rio offers diverse options from redwood groves to coastal bluffs, with top spots including Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park for redwood immersion and trails like the Pomo Canyon Trail in Sonoma Coast State Park for stunning ocean views, plus nearby classics like Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve and the Kortum Trail, featuring redwoods, meadows, and ocean vistas. Expect varied terrain, from easy creekside strolls to challenging loops, with options for hikers, bikers, and equestrians, plus dog-friendly trails (check park rules). 

Popular Hikes & Areas

• Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park: A network of trails through redwoods, including the gentle, pedestrian-only Dutch Bill Creek Trail and the more challenging Monte Rio Redwoods Trail, with options for hiking and biking.
• Sonoma Coast State Park (Pomo Canyon Trail): A highlight offering redwoods, coastal views, and meadows, often accessed from Shell Beach for free parking.
• Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve: A must-visit for giant redwoods, with easy options like the Pioneer Nature Trail and Grove Loop.
• Kortum Trail: Connects Shell Beach to Blind Beach, providing sweeping coastal views and diverse scenery.
• Islands in the Sky Vista Loop: A moderate loop within Monte Rio Redwoods with varied terrain and panoramic views. 

Trail Highlights

• Redwoods: Dutch Bill Creek Trail, Armstrong Redwoods Grove Loop, Monte Rio Redwoods Trail.
• Ocean Views: Kortum Trail, Pomo Canyon Trail, Seven Springs Trail (part of a loop near Willow Creek Rd).

Challenging: Sea to Sky to Raptor Ridge Loop, Radar Love Loop (private property access). Kayak, Canoe and Inner Tube

Zipline Adventure

Nestled off the coast of Northern California and deep in the Redwood forest, Sonoma Zipline Adventures is high adventure and completely unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. With two unique courses, each a two-and-a-half hour Guided eco tour that include multiple zip lines, sky bridges, a majestic spiral staircase, a rappel to the forest floor, you will be immersed in the unparalleled beauty of the world famous California Coastal Redwoods.

Golf

The primary golfing destination near Monte Rio is the scenic Northwood Golf Club, an esteemed public 9-hole course nestled among towering redwood trees. Located just a mile from the center of Monte Rio at 19400 Highway 116, this course was designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie (architect of Augusta National and Cypress Point) and is consistently ranked among the top 9-hole courses in the world. 

• Public Access: The course is open to the public, offering an "ethereal" and unique golfing experience.
• Amenities: It features a pro shop, a restaurant for post-round meals, a driving range, and golf cart and club rentals are available on-site.

Ocean activities

Near Monte Rio, ocean and river activities center on the Russian River's mouth, offering calm-water paddling (kayak, SUP), beach fun (volleyball, fishing), and even bioluminescence viewing at night, while nearby coastal spots provide surfing, tide pooling, and scenic views, with rentals and tours available from local vendors like WaterTreks or Rubicon Adventures. 

River Activities (Russian River Estuary)

• Kayaking & Paddleboarding (SUP): Rent gear at Monte Rio Beach (seasonal) for tranquil paddles where the river meets the ocean, exploring the estuary and wildlife.
• Bioluminescence: From mid-August to early October on dark nights, witness magical glowing algae in the water.
• Boating: Canoes and tubes are also available for rent during the summer season.
• Fishing: A popular activity, with access from the beach and riverbanks.
• Beach & Park Fun: Enjoy volleyball, horseshoes, BBQs, and picnicking at Monte Rio Community Beach. 

Coastal Activities (Near the Mouth)

• Surfing: The river mouth area can offer surf opportunities, with local surf clinics available.
• Tide Pooling & Beachcombing: Explore the unique black sand beaches for marine life and rock formations at low tide.
• Scenic Views: Relax and watch sunsets over the Pacific Ocean and dramatic rock formations.