Is Monte Rio worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you want a quieter alternative to Guerneville. The river beach is free, the Northwood Golf Course is a genuine MacKenzie design, and the redwood setting is as good as anything on the Russian River.

When is the Monte Rio river beach open?

Memorial Day through Labor Day. The water is warmest in July and August. Dogs are allowed on leash before 10 AM and after 5 PM.

How far is Monte Rio from Guerneville?

About eight miles west on River Road, roughly 15 minutes by car. The two towns are easy to combine in a day.

What is Northwood Golf Course?

A nine-hole course designed by Alister MacKenzie and opened in 1928, cut through the redwoods on the north bank of the Russian River. MacKenzie also designed Augusta National and Cypress Point. Greens fees are reasonable and tee times are usually available.

How far is Monte Rio from the Sonoma Coast?

About 20 minutes west on Highway 116 to Jenner, where the Russian River meets the Pacific. From there, Highway 1 runs north to Bodega Bay and south toward Point Reyes.

Things to Do in Monte Rio, California

Monte Rio sits on a bend of the Russian River about eight miles west of Guerneville, where the redwoods press close to the water and the town is small enough to walk end to end in ten minutes. It's quieter than Guerneville, which is the point. The beach is right in the middle of town, the river is calm enough for kids and dogs, and the drive in from Highway 116 through the trees is one of the better arrivals on the North Coast.

The River Beach

Monte Rio Beach is a free public beach on the south bank of the Russian River, open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The water is warm by July, the current is gentle, and there's a small snack bar. Bring a tube or a paddleboard. Dogs are allowed on leash before 10 AM and after 5 PM.

Northwood Golf Course

Designed by Alister MacKenzie (who also designed Augusta National and Cypress Point) and opened in 1928, Northwood is a nine-hole course cut through the redwoods on the north bank of the river. It's a short, quirky, beautiful track. Tee times are easy to get and the greens fee is reasonable. Worth a round even if you're not a serious golfer.

Bohemian Grove

The famous private encampment of the Bohemian Club occupies a large stretch of redwood forest on the north bank, just west of town. It's closed to the public, but the grove itself is visible from the road and the surrounding forest is part of what makes Monte Rio feel so remote. The encampment runs for two weeks each July.

Cazadero and the Austin Creek Watershed

Drive north on Cazadero Highway from Monte Rio and you're in one of the quieter corners of Sonoma County: a narrow road through redwood canyons, past the Cazadero Music Camp, and eventually into the Austin Creek State Recreation Area. The hiking is good and the crowds are thin. Bring water and a paper map; cell service disappears quickly.

Eating and Drinking

The Village Inn on the river has been serving food and drinks in Monte Rio since the 1940s. The patio over the water is the right place to be on a warm evening. For groceries and a better selection of restaurants, Guerneville is eight miles east on River Road.

From Our Team

Monte Rio is best in July and August when the river is warm and the beach is open. The Northwood Golf Course is worth booking in advance on summer weekends. If you're staying in Guerneville, Monte Rio is an easy afternoon drive west. If you're staying in Monte Rio itself, stock up on groceries before you arrive.