Russian River
Russian River
Russian River

Russian River Tours and Tickets

88 reviews

California's Russian River is one of the longest rivers in the San Francisco Bay Area, beginning in Mendocino County and cutting through Sonoma County on its way to the ocean. The area is famous for its wine and farm-to-table cuisine, and in warm weather the river is a hotspot for outdoor adventures like canoeing, swimming, and fishing.

  • California

Tours and Tickets to Experience Russian River

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What are people saying about Russian River

Carolyn_P, Sep 2023
Highly Recommended
Our kayak trip with Erik and Tim was fun and informative. They took great care of our group of 10 (5 kayaks.) They wove the area’s history and ecology into the trip. We saw merganser ducks, cormorants, great blue herons, an osprey , a kingfisher, pelicans, and numerous harbor seals. I recommend this activity for anyone who wants to learn more about the area where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean. Thank you, Erik and Tim!
Aubrey_D, Oct 2023
So peaceful!
This trip was absolutely breathtaking! Erik was so knowledgeable on the area and the wildlife and made the kayak trip so relaxing and peaceful! Highly recommend!
JAMIE_F, Aug 2023
Fun and Educational Tour!
We really enjoyed this tour. Erik was on time, prepared, friendly, and taught us so much about the local wildlife and history of the area. He was easy to talk to and laid back and equally professional. Totally recommend this tour.
Kenneth_C, Jul 2023
Great way to see the coast
Truly a highlight of our time in California. Out on the water in a beautiful setting and getting some exercise…. It was amazing. Erik and Tim were excellent guides. Couldn’t have been better!
Frequently Asked Questions
People Also Ask
Q:Is the Russian River in Napa or Sonoma?
A:The Russian River Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) is in the heart of Sonoma County, but the river itself flows through both the Sonoma and Mendocino counties of Northern California. Top Napa wineries source their cool-climate grapes from the Russian River Valley AVA, which produces excellent pinot noir, chardonnay, and zinfandel.
Q:What makes the Russian River Valley special?
A:The Russian River Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) is especially renowned for its award-winning pinot noir and chardonnay wines. There’s enormous soil variety in the valley and the particular composition of the soils (containing volcanic ash, sand, silt, and clay) is ideal for pinot noir grapes in particular, a grape that’s notoriously difficult to grow.
Q:Can you swim in the Russian River?
A:Yes, you can swim in the Russian River and there are many great swimming beaches. Some are only open seasonally, while others can be used at any time—although lifeguards won’t always be present. It’s a good idea to wear a life jacket because the river can be unpredictable.
Q:Are motorboats allowed on the Russian River?
A:Yes, motorboats are allowed on the Russian River. However, non-motorized means of travel along the river are more common, such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddle-boating. Motorized boats must limit their noise, and a 5-mile (8-kilometer) per hour speed restriction applies when passing swimming beaches, diving platforms, or other places with people moving around.
Q:How many wineries are there in the Russian River Valley?
A:The Russian River Valley in Sonoma County is home to 70 wineries, which produce 30 different types of wine. The Russian River Valley has some of the oldest grape vines in California and wine has been made there since the 1870s. It now produces gold-standard California pinot noir and chardonnay.
Q:What wine is the Russian River Valley known for?
A:Northern California’s Russian River Valley is best known for its cool-climate wines, particularly pinot noir and chardonnay. Its particular combination of climate and terrain means the conditions are especially good for hard-to-grow pinot-noir grapes. The Russian River Valley also produces good zinfandel, syrah, and sauvignon blanc, among other varieties.