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Monte Rio, California

Monte Rio, California offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures. A must-visit is the Bohemian Grove Trail, a moderate difficulty hiking route that spans 1.8 miles. Enjoy the sight of towering redwood trees and the sound of the Russian River flowing nearby. For a more challenging hike, the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve offers 805 acres of coast redwoods, some towering over 300 feet high. Kayaking and canoeing are popular on the Russian River, and Monte Rio Beach is a top spot for swimming and picnicking. Nearby, the Pacific Coast Highway offers scenic drives with ocean views. These outdoor attractions make Monte Rio a top destination for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures.

Top Spots in and near Monte Rio

  • Monte Rio, California

    Monte Rio Community Beach

    Monte Rio Community Beach is located in the Sonoma County town of Monte Rio. The beach nestles up to the Russian River offering a great chance for families to kick back and relax by the water or bring your kayak or stand-up paddle board for fun on the water. Dog-Friendly: Monte Rio Community Be...
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  • Guerneville, California

    Johnson's Beach

    Johnson's Beach is a public beach located on the Russian River in Guerneville, California. 
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  • Monte Rio, California

    Islands in the Sky Vista Loop

    4.0
    3.83 mi / 883 ft gain
    The Islands in the Sky Vista Loop in Monte Rio, California, is a moderately challenging hiking trail. Spanning approximately 3.83 miles, the loop offers a variety of terrain, including forested areas, open meadows, and rocky outcrops. The trail is well-marked and maintained, making it suitable fo...
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  • Occidental, California

    Watershed View Trail

    1.54 mi / 174 ft gain
    The Watershed View Trail is located off of Coleman Valley Road and shares a trailhead with the Hunters Camp and Creekside Loop. This trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back, which makes for a great trail to get the family out on to get some energy out. Be prepared for a muddy trail if there has been rec...
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  • Occidental, California

    Hunters Camp and Creekside Loop

    5.36 mi / 853 ft gain
    Hunters Camp and Creekside Loop is an almost 6-mile loop off of Coleman Valley Road in Occidental, California. This trail can get pretty muddy during the rainy season, but as an added bonus, it makes the waterfall along the Creekside Trail that much better.  Dogs are not permitted on this trail. 
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  • Guerneville, California

    East Ridge - Pool Ridge Loop

    4.5
    3.37 mi / 810 ft gain
    This park most resembles Muir Woods, and if you're looking to get out of the tourist trap, head to Armstrong Redwoods and make a day of it. This 3-mile hike takes off from the sign pointing to East Ridge Trail. As you begin a slight climb up the trail, you'll be under the cover of the redwoods, s...
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  • Forestville, California

    Sunset Beach River Park

    4.0
    Sunset Beach River Park is located off River Road in Forestville, California. The beach offers up picturesque views of the Russian River and is a great spot to end your float if starting at Steelhead Beach. The Beach: The beach is about a quarter of a mile walk from the parking area. Keep this ...
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  • Occidental, California

    LandPaths Grove of Old Trees

    5.0
    0.7 mi / 92 ft gain
    The Grove of Old trees is a privately-owned preserve in Western Sonoma County that is open to the public year round. It is not large, only about 33 acres, but it makes a wonderful spot to go on a walk and to soak in the beauty of the redwoods. To get there from downtown Occidental, drive West up...
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  • Guerneville, California

    Parson Jones and Colonial Armstrong Redwood Trees

    5.0
    The Parson Jones Tree is the tallest tree in the reserve, measuring more than 310 feet (94 m) in height. This is longer than the length of a football field!  Named after a lumberman who chose to preserve this portion of the park in the 1870s, the Colonel Armstrong Tree is the oldest tree in the ...
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  • Forestville, California

    Mother's Beach ("Mom's Beach")

    4.0
    Mother's Beach, known locally as Mom's Beach, is located in Forestville, California. This beach is a hidden gem situated on the scenic Russian River, between Steelhead Beach and Sunset Beach.  Dog Friendly: Mom's Beach is a great spot to bring your pup on a leash.  Times of Operation: The bea...
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  • Sonoma County, California

    Red Hill and Pomo Canyon Loop

    4.8
    4.73 mi / 981 ft gain
    Park in the Shell Beach parking lot, north of Bodega Bay proper but just south of Goat Rock State Beach on Highway 1. Cross the road to pick up the Dr. David C. Joseph Memorial Trail heading up away from the ocean. Follow the trail, staying right toward Red Hill. (The trail forks off down Pomo Ca...
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  • Jenner, California

    Bouldering at Sunset Boulders

    5.0
    0.6 mi
    You can see the boulders off the left side of the road. Couple of different pullouts you can park at to start your approach. It’s about half a mile from the road all downhill. It’s easy going when you’re on your way, but kind of a pain after you’re whooped from climbing.  Bouldering, high balls, ...
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  • Guerneville, California

    Austin Creek State Recreation Area Loop

    5.0
    8.65 mi / 1722 ft gain
    The hike starts at the Gilliam Creek Trailhead, halfway up Armstrong Woods Road on the way to Bullfrog Pond. There is an $8 fee to enter the park, to be paid at the ranger kiosk as you enter Armstrong Woods.  HIKING Begin hiking by descending the Gilliam Creek Trail. The descent is long and ste...
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  • Jenner, California

    Bouldering at Lamb's Rock, Sunset Boulders

    5.0
    Lamb Boulder, located within the "Sunset Boulders" collection, contains four fun and challenging V2 - V6 bouldering routes. They are: Calambity: V6Rock Scar: V3+Skullcracker: V2 RThe Specialist: V4 Lamb Boulder is located directly across from the Sunset Boulder itself and its trad routes. To get ...
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  • Forestville, California

    Steelhead Beach

    Steelhead Beach offers two great spots to access the river. There's a small beach on the right-hand side of the beach (south end) and a launch site on the left (north end) of the beach. The launch point makes for a great spot to start your float down the river. Make sure you have a shuttle car or...
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  • Sonoma County, California

    Kortum Trail

    9.27 mi / 968 ft gain
    The Kortum Trail in the Sonoma Coast State Park connects Goat Rock with Wrights Beach, winding along the top of the sea cliffs and affording incredible views of the California Coast and its numerous sea rocks and arches.  To get there take the Pacific Coast Highway / Highway 1 to either Wright's...
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Camping and Lodging in Monte Rio

AutoCamp Russian River
Guerneville, California

AutoCamp Russian River

From $149 / night

Liberty Glen (Lake Sonoma)
Liberty Glen Campground

Liberty Glen (Lake Sonoma)

Warm Springs Rec Area
Geyserville, California

Warm Springs Rec Area

Cloverdale / Healdsburg KOA
Cloverdale, California

Cloverdale / Healdsburg KOA

San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA
Petaluma, California

San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA

Guides, Insights and Stories from Monte Rio

Meet Caroline Beteta: President & CEO of Visit California

Meet Caroline Beteta: President & CEO of Visit California

The Outbound Collective

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Point Reyes Can Be the Most Amazing Place You've Ever Been To

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Looking For Wildlife at Point Reyes National Seashore

Looking For Wildlife at Point Reyes National Seashore

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Black Diamond Men's Momentum Climbing Shoes Review

Black Diamond Men's Momentum Climbing Shoes Review

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Escape to Marin for a Winter Weekend Getaway

Escape to Marin for a Winter Weekend Getaway

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