Rio Nido has the area's only public swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, mini golf, playground and bike rentals, and the Rio Nido Roadhouse for music. Close to public beach.(1 mile east of Guerneville on Hwy 116)
Rio Nido was originally named "Eaglesnest" when the land was purchased by San Francisco-based Eagle Lodge, and divided amongst its members for vacation homes. During the Big Band Era, when soldiers on leave flocked to this area en masse, accommodations were built and the town was renamed "Rionido." Today, Rio Nido is a slightly eccentric, rustic enclave with many activities available for all ages. There are numerous summer homes and cabins, as well as a few small businesses. Most of the homes are located in a redwood canyon which contains a small creek that flows into the Russian River, Rio Nido Creek. The main roads are named Canyons One, Two, Three, Four, Six and Seven (there is no Five).
River Info
For more info on boating, fishing and other river/ocean activities, see Daytime Activities below and for complete listing of all river activities: www.russianriveroutdoors.com.
The Russian River is clean and safe for swimming. The water is tested frequently to ensure its integrity. Beaches tend to be gravel, with some sandy areas. We recommend that you wear water shoes, which can be purchased inexpensively at several stores on Main Street in Guerneville.
River in Summer/Dry Season: In summer, spring and fall, the Russian River is breathtakingly beautiful. During this time, the River is gentle, with a moderate flow and no white water. Dams in the river are generally installed the middle of June, after the salmon have gone upriver to spawn, to keep the water level in Guerneville consistently high enough for swimming and boating. In the spring and early summer before the dams go in, the river level can be very low, rendering docks above the dams unusable. Therefore docks in Guerneville are not installed until after the dams are in and this varies from year to year. The dams are generally removed the end of September or beginning of October.
Whether or not the docks are in, there are areas where boating is always possible, even if the river is at its lowest. In the summer, the water is warm and the swimming season often runs from May into October. Although the river is never dry, it might be low enough that boats may need to be floated over shallow water areas during this period.
One of the dams provides a summer bridge between River Road and Neeley Road in the Vacation Beach area, a shortcut for people staying on the south side of the river heading into town or toward the coast. On the south side, look for a road called Beach. On the north side, the summer bridge is not marked; look for it a mile or so west of downtown.
Fishing is another important river activity. Spring brings the shad and catfish. During the summer months, large mouth, small mouth, and striped bass, along with blue gills, are caught here. For info about guided fishing trips and equipment rental, visit King's Sport & Tackle.
River in Winter/Rainy Season: During the winter rainy season, which generally extends from the middle of December through March, the River is very swift, cold, deep, muddy, and unsafe for swimming and boating. The Chinook head up river in the fall, followed by the Steelhead Trout. While Chinook must be released immediately if caught accidentally, Steelhead fishing is an exciting winter sport here. As long as the river is low enough for standing in waders, the river will be dotted with the hopeful. One of the most popular areas is just east of the Guerneville Bridge. Pick up a free fishing map at King's Sport & Tackle in downtown Guerneville.
Daytime Activities
Rio Nido Pool: Reasonably priced snack bar, real bar, wading pool, lifeguard, video arcade, grassy picnic area. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Peewee Mini-Golf: Off of River Road between Rio Nido Road & Canyon Seven Road just before the picnic area). They're open Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings from 5pm-8pm in the Summer.
Bruno Farnocchia Memorial Park: Shaded playground, picnic tables, giant redwood stump, winding path for beginning bicyclists & tricylclists. Past the Post Office, between Rio Nido & Canyon 7 Roads.
Tennis, Bocce, Basketball: Past the Post Office, between Rio Nido & Canyon 7 Roads.
Rio Nido Home Owners' Association Events: Memorial Day Chicken Barbecue, Independence Day Weekend/Hot Dog, Hamburger Night, Pancake Breakfasts, Rio Nido Art Festival, Labor Day Chicken Barbecue. All events are open to the public and held in the large, public picnic area, just off River Road between Rio Nido Road & Canyon 7 Road.
Rio Nido Beach: Small but very nice beach. The dirt path is steep with no handrails or steps, for the spry only.
Midway Beach: This beach is about a mile away.
Johnson's Beach: This blast from the past offers food, drink and beer, as well as inner tube, kayak, canoe, paddleboat, and beach umbrella rentals, all at great prices. There's a roped-off, shallow lagoon for the little ones, and deeper water for swimming and boating, plus a boat launch. With real bathrooms and changing rooms, this is a great place for family and friends to while away those vacation hours. Beach open daily Memorial Day into October (while the dams are in) 10am-6pm, except during the Blues and Jazz Festival weekends. No dogs. Free parking. Swim Lessons June-August. Check out this great review of Johnson's Beach.
King's Kayak and Canoes/Sport and Tackle: Kayak rentals and river trips. Camping gear, sporting goods, salt and freshwater tackle. Beach gear, inflatable boats, novelties and toys. Resort and Swimwear. 16258 Main Street T: 707-869-2156
Bike Rentals through Bike Partners: They will deliver your bike rental to your home or into town. They offer an assortment of bikes, Singles and Tandems. You can also rent a child carrier attachment for the bike. The bikes are fold away bikes. Which means you can fold them and put them in the trunk of your car and drive to whichever location you would like to ride. $40 for a 24 hour rental. Plus a $1/Mi. delivery charge.
Call for inquiry: 1.855.483.3732 (toll free)
Hiking in Armstrong Woods State Reserve and Austin Creek State Recreation Area: Not to be missed, this is where an ancient stand of redwood trees survives to awe the fortunate visitor. There is a level trail of less than two miles which allows the visitor to get a good sense of the mystic magic of the redwood forest. Combined with the Austin Creek recreation area there are over 6800 acres with many hiking trails, some quite strenuous. Unfortunately dogs are not permitted on the trails, but they are permitted on leash on the road through the park.
Horseback Riding with Armstrong Woods Trail Rides & Pack Station: Horseback adventures through the giant redwoods and coastal mountain wilderness of Armstrong Redwoods and Austin Creek State Parks. T: 707-887-2939
Korbel Champagne Cellars: Established in 1882, Korbel Champagne Cellars has been a part of America's greatest celebrations for more than 120 years. It has been the exclusive champagne of the past five presidential inaugurations, and was the champagne of choice for the Camelot years of the Kennedy administration. Located a few miles east of downtown Guerneville, on River Road, Korbel offers an extended tour of the famous Cellars to learn how champagne is made, ending with complimentary tasting. The Korbel Wine Shop and Tasting room features Korbel champagnes, wines and brandies. The gift shop presents treasures of wine country, including unique glassware, pottery, cookbooks and wine accessories. Tour the Korbel Rose Garden Tour and lunch at the Korbel Delicatessen. For area information, check out the Russian River Visitor's Center on site.
Public Library, Guerneville: With free Internet access, on Armstrong Woods Road, across from the fire station.
The Gym: Complete weight lifting facility for everyone. 15250 River Road; T: 707-869-5919
Local Radio: 97.7 FM/The River plays classic rock. 95.1 FM/The Bridge is a non-commercial community radio station which provides a bridge between the Guerneville Community Church and the Russian River Communities.
Shopping
Guerneville has the nearest shopping.
Coffee, Dining & Nightlife
Rio Nido Roadhouse: Live music and other events, good food and drinks year round. 14540 Canyon 2 Road by the entrance from River Road & the Rio Nido Inn. Tel. 707-869-0821.
Deli at Korbel: 13250 River Rd, Guerneville. Tel. 707-824-7313
Coffee Bazaar at Cinnabar, on Armstrong Woods just north of Main Street in Guerneville, is an Internet café with outdoor seating (with misters on hot days). They offer a full array of coffee and teas, as well as pastries and light meals.
Starbucks: in Safeway at Main and Mill. There has been much controversy in town about Safeway's decision to add the Starbucks when Guerneville has two good locally owned coffee shops already.
Guerneville Restaurants: Guerneville has an array of eating establishments, including fabulous Mexican and Thai food, great hamburgers, top-notch pizza, and some excellent dinner houses. See our Restaurant Guide
Groceries & Banks
The nearest 24-hour Safeway is at the corner of Main and Mill Streets in Guerneville.
Nearest Wells Fargo ATM located inside Safeway in Guerneville. Bank of America ATM in the old bank building at Main and Mill in Guerneville.
Events
Rio Nido Home Owners' Association Events: Memorial Day Chicken Barbecue, Independence Day Weekend/Hot Dog, Hamburger Night, Pancake Breakfasts, Rio Nido Art Festival, Labor Day Chicken Barbecue. All events are open to the public and held in the large, public picnic area, just off River Road between Rio Nido Road & Canyon 7 Road.