Russian River Towns

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Learn about the towns that make up the Russian River Area

The Russian River Resort Area consists of a string of sometimes charming, sometimes off-beat, always interesting towns running along the redwood-studded Russian River from Forestville to the Estuary at Jenner. Guerneville is the main town in the Russian River area of west Sonoma County, 15 miles west of Santa Rosa, 70 miles north of San Francisco, in Northern California. Rio Nido is its own little community just east of Guerneville and just west of Korbel, with easy access to wine country. The area's only public pool is located here.

Forestville is most convenient to the River, wineries, Sebastopol, and Santa Rosa. The Northwood golf course area is 2 - 3 miles west of Guerneville and, although this is technically Monte Rio, these homes are as close to Guerneville as they are to central Monte Rio. There is little difference in temperature between Guerneville and central Monte Rio. Forestville will be slightly warmer, while Duncans Mills and Cazadero will be slightly cooler.

Duncans Mills is close to the ocean, with some marine influence, yet still enjoys warm, sunny days in the summer. Cazadero is redwood forest, with an all-year creek running through it; in general, the most secluded homes will be found here. Jenner is located 15 miles west of Guerneville, where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean, and has a coastal climate with frequent morning fog. The climate here is cooler than in the other river towns, with substantial marine influence. The homes are mountainside, with views of both the river and the ocean.

Jenner is less than a five minute drive to Goat Rock State Park Beach and 10 miles north of Bodega Bay. There are a 24-hour Safeway and a health food store in Guerneville and smaller markets in Forestville and Monte Rio, as well as a general store in Cazadero. On Hwy 116 in Sebastopol, Pacific Market and Andy's Market further north are worth a stop. Speer's Market is just off River Road in Forestville. Guerneville has bicycle rentals. The best shopping is in Guerneville and Duncans Mills.

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Cazadero is redwood forest with homes scattered on the hills and along Austin Creek and Ward Creek. 

Duncans Mills offers great shopping in historic, picturesque buildings, wine tasting, art galleries, old trains, museums, restaurants, general store, wine shop. 8 miles west of Guerneville on Hwy 116.

Forestville's Hacienda Beach area has forests, several beaches, a market, and is the entry to the Westside Road wineries. 

Guerneville is the largest town on the Russian River. It is a charming small town with shops, restaurants, bars, bike and boat rentals, and Armstrong Woods State Park. 

Quaint oceanside village overlooking the mouth of the river. Great views, terrific restaurants, near Goat Rock State Park with its spectacular beach and harbor seal nursery. (16 miles west of Guerneville on Hwy 116)

Monte Rio was once known as "Vacation Wonderland," and although the numerous hotels and resorts from the railroad aera are gone, this village is still the cultural heart of the Russian River.

Rio Nido has the area's only public swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, mini golf, playground and bike rentals, and the Rio...