Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ing, it hasn't lost its honky-tonk vibe - fun-seeking crowds still come to canoe, hike red-
woods and hammer cocktails poolside.
Downriver, some areas are sketchy (due to drugs). The local chamber of commerce has
chased most of the tweakers from Main St in Guerneville, but if some off-the-beaten-path
areas feel creepy - especially campgrounds - they probably are.
Four miles downriver, tiny Monte Rio has a sign over Hwy 116 declaring it 'Vacation
Wonderland' - an overstatement, but the dog-friendly beach is a hit with families. Further
west, idyllic Duncans Mills is home to a few dozen souls, and has picture-ready historic
buildings, now converted into cute shops. Upriver, east of Guerneville, Forestville is where
agricultural country resumes.
Sights & Activities
Look for sandy beaches and swimming holes along the river; there's good river access east
Road, Forestville; per car $7; 7am-sunset)
. Fishing and watercraft outfitters operate mid-
May to early October, after which winter rains dangerously swell the river. A
farmers
market
meets downtown on Wednesdays, June through September, from 3pm to 7pm. On
summer Saturdays, there's also one at Monte Rio Beach, 11am to 2pm.
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
FOREST
707-869-2958;
www.parks.ca.gov
; 17000 Armstrong Woods Rd; per car $8; 8am-sunset; )
A magnificent redwood forest 2 miles north of Guerneville, the 805-acre Armstrong Red-
woods State Reserve was saved from the saw by a 19th-century lumber magnate. Short in-
terpretive trails lead into magical forests, with trees 30-stories high. Beyond lie 20 miles of
backcountry trails, through oak woodlands, in adjoining
Austin Creek State Recreation
Area
, one of Sonoma County's last-remaining wilderness areas. Walk or cycle in for free;
pay only to park.
Burke's Canoe Trips
CANOEING
noe/kayak rental incl shuttle $65/$45;
10am-6pm Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm Sat & Sun)
