Russian River and the North Coast Self-Guided Day Trip

The Russian River and the
Northern Sonoma Coast

The Russian River and the North Coast of Sonoma has its own sense of place separate and apart from the serene beauty of the rolling vineyards of the valleys.

This self-guided day trip will let you taste wines while you drink in the stunning beauty of the Russian River Valley. You’ll start the trip from Healdsburg, heading west and then south on Westside Road. Most of the wineries don't open until 10:00 a.m., so enjoy a leisurely breakfast at one of the cafes or bakeries in Healdsburg Square.

There are no restaurants along Westside Road, the first part of this day trip. You might consider a stop before starting out, to buy some local cheeses, fruits and fresh bread for a picnic. Serial wine tasting can numb the taste buds. A lunch break at one of the inviting winery picnic grounds will give your palate a rest and leave it refreshingly discriminating for the afternoon's wine sampling.

The Backroads Beauty
of Westside Road

Lovely Westside Road has scenic surprises for you as it wends through hilly vineyards, with wineries nestled amongst the trees. You’ll be able to almost inhale the serene beauty along this winding back road, as each turn provides a new picture postcard scene. There are a number of good wineries explained in more detail on the Russian River map and self-guided tour page.

Follow Westside Road and you’ll eventually come to Wohler Road, off to the left. Take a short detour just to cross this wonderful old bridge and enjoy the view of the river below. At a safe spot in the road on the other side of the bridge, turn around. Be on the lookout for oncoming cars, as this road has many blind curves and the scenery can be distracting to drivers.

Returning to Westside Road, you'll have a couple more wineries to visit before reaching the intersection with River Road.

Rollin' on the River

Once on River Road, if you like champagne, stop at Korbel Winery and sip some bubbly. The rose garden is delightful in bloom, and the gourmet food deli has some especially tempting items.

You’ll pass public beaches along sandy river banks. A favorite, friendly spot is Johnson's Beach, a friendly, family-owned place to enjoy the sun and a rent a variety of river "toys." Your trip to the Sonoma Coast will take you through quaint river towns, past roadside vendors, rustic vintage stores, riverside cafes, neighborhood saloons, organic coffeehouses, biker bars, and old summer cottages that have survived decades of often-severe winter flooding.

At Guerneville turn right to the Armstrong State Woods. Stop at the park's gift shop for information and choose from a selection of nature books and items, the sales of which benefit the park. If you park your car outside you can walk in free. Feel yourself enveloped by the mystery and power of these mighty old trees. If you haven't had lunch yet, this is a great place to enjoy that gourmet picnic and listen to the concert the wind plays in branches a couple hundred feet above you!

Make your drive along Russian River leisurely so you appreciate the uniqueness of this rugged valley. River Road will hug the Russian River as it heads west to the Pacific Coast. Along the way you’ll be able to observe the life of the river people, a colorful mix of conservative working folks willing to make the commute from Santa Rosa to live in the natural beauty of the river valley, artists, over-the-hill hippies, young free spirits who enjoy their secret nude sunning spots on the river, and nature lovers dedicated to protecting the redwoods, seals and all living things.

As you approach the coast, the river widens. At the intersection with Highway 1, you can turn south and cross the river to drive the short distance to Goat Rock and Shell Beach on the coast. Take a stroll on the sand bar. Seals sun themselves at the mouth of the river. From March through June you can observe seal pups. Volunteer members of the Stewards of Slavianka, a Russian River conservancy organization, are available on the weekends to provide information and to keep visitors a safe distance from the seals. (The Russian River was called “Slavianka” by the Russians, which means “little Slavic Girl.”)

Two notes of caution: Don’t approach the seals as they can bite, especially females protecting their pups. If you explore cliffs and tidepools along the coast, look out for “sneaker waves,” which can surprise unwary hikers and sweep them off the rocks.

The Northern Sonoma Coast

At the rustic little town of Jenner you’ll find an interesting cluster of shops and eateries. Stop by the Visitors Center, staffed by the Stewards of Slavianka. From here Highway 1 rises on its way north. If you want to enjoy the spectacular views on this section of the coastline, pull off at a turnout and park, as this is a very curvy and narrow road.

Ten miles up the coast road Highway 1 you will come to 3,157-acre Fort Ross State Historic Park. Its reconstructed stockade and original structures will take you back to a time when the Russian sea otter trade flourished in this area.

Continue on as the highway curls and dips into small coves following the shoreline on its way to Salt Point State Park. The park includes one of the first underwater marine parks in the state, and offers camping, picnicking, photography, fishing, skin and SCUBA diving, as well as hiking and riding. Salt Point has a small visitors center open in the summers and on weekends the rest of the year.

In May take the short ride north to Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve, where the forest blazes with color as rhododendrons come into bloom. Five miles of hiking trails cross over fern-filled canyons formed by seasonal streams during the heavy winter flood months.

Sonoma Coast Rural Route

No need to take the tortuous road south again. Return to the Russian River Valley via a scenic drive through rural farmland and forests. You will have glimpses of how country folk hereabouts live. As the road snakes its way down to merge with Highway 1 above Jenner, you’ll be treated to unbeatable views of the southern Sonoma Coast.

On your return east along the Russian River Valley follow Highway 116 to Guerneville. It will veer off to your right, but you keep going straight on River Road and follow the Russian River eastward.

Your palate has had time to recover from its serious wine tasting earlier in the day, and it's time to sample some more Russian River Valley appellation. The River Road wineries are numbered on the Russian River map and day-trip guide.

Take River Road to Highway 101 and drive north to Windsor to visit the wineries situated where the Dry Creek and Russian River appellations meet.

To round out your day trip to the Russian River Valley, consider a stay in Windsor, which offers a restful, rural wine-country town atmosphere. If you want a lively evening, drive five miles north to Healdsburg Square. For travelers on a budget, Santa Rosa, just 14 miles south, has a number of good modest chain hotel and motel accommodations.

Wherever you choose to spend the night, you are in the hub of the Sonoma County wine country and ready to start your next backroads and byways self-guided day trip.

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