Her Name Is Monte Rio

Chilling at Monte Rio Beach on the Russian River

06.08.2017

You’ve heard of Throwback Thursday; how about Old-School Saturday (or Sunday!). For a scene that’s a pure summer classic, head to the Russian River’s Monte Rio Beach. Enjoy lounging and picnicking at an expansive, exposed beach made for sunbathing, barbecuing, and enjoying concession-stand munchies (Popsicles, cheeseburgers, nachos…).

Monte Rio has been attracting beachgoers for decades, but if you’re looking to escape the crowds for a bit, rent a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or tube from the concession stand and explore the redwood tree–lined river, flowing very nicely these days. Nose up to a sandbar for a picnic or snack break and stake your own private paradise.

From Hwy. 101 north, go 5 miles past downtown Santa Rosa and take the River Rd. exit toward Guerneville. Stay on River Rd. for 18 miles until you reach Monte Rio. The beach is on the sunny side of the river by Monte Rio Bridge. Rental fees: Canoe or two-person kayak: $20/hour or $40/day. Single kayak: $15/hour or $35/day. Kids kayak: $10/hour or $25/day. Lifejackets provided. Water shoes recommended. Concession/Rental stand open 10:00 a.m. weekends, 11:00 a.m. weekdays (closed Tuesdays). The dog-friendly part of the beach is downstream from the bridge.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Napa Valley Paddle kayaker and paddle boarder on the Napa Valley river

    Napa's Wild Side

    It’s wine country’s Amazon. The gentle Napa River is an ecological—and recreational—delight. And Napa Valley Paddle sets you up for maximum enjoyment of this experience.

    View

  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View

  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Hike Mount Tamalpais into Muir Woods

    Muir Woods Through the Backdoor

    A backdoor entrance into Muir Woods? Hike a tranquil trail that starts in Mount Tamalpais State Park and quietly leads into Muir Woods, letting you avoid the busyness of the main parking area.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

    View

  2. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View
  4. Hike to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout in the Lakes Basin

    Lookout for This View!

    Sierra Buttes Lookout, at a lofty 8,591 feet, is a memory maker for its pucker-worthy stairway to the tower’s balcony. It's a 5-mile (round-trip) hike to reach it. And the reward? Epic!

    View