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California | Sonoma County / Forestville
Russian RiverHealdsburg Avenue dam carry to Guerneville River Park
A long lower Russian River itinerary from the Healdsburg dam carry through Wohler, Mirabel, Steelhead and Forestville to Guerneville River Park.
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Need to know
Why this call
Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.
Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
Forecasts can change. Check current conditions again before leaving.
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Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
A long lower Russian River itinerary from the Healdsburg dam carry through Wohler, Mirabel, Steelhead and Forestville to Guerneville River Park.
Access map
Put-in
Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach / below Healdsburg Avenue damUse only named public access sites and obey posted seasonal and water-quality notices.
Take-out
Guerneville River Park non-motorized boat launchUse only named public access sites and obey posted seasonal and water-quality notices.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- Use only named public access sites and obey posted seasonal and water-quality notices.
Watch for
- USGS 11467000 trend and seasonal structures
- Seasonal dams, strainers and shallow bars
- Long distance, water quality and Guerneville access hours
Plan this paddle
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Conditions
Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast
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USGS measurements
More about this gauge
These measurements come from the gauge station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Russian River at Hacienda Bridge near Guerneville, CA. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Gauge detail
Water-level history and forecastDetailed view
Gauge
Recent trend
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Gauge source
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Route gallery
Photos
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Score & sources
Why this score
See the gauge, weather, and source notes behind today’s call.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Russian River at Hacienda Bridge near Guerneville, CA |
| Discharge | Checking |
| Gauge height | Checking |
| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
| Current band | Checking |
| Rain last 24h | Checking |
| Rain last 72h | Checking |
| Air temp | Checking |
| Water temp | Checking |
| Wind | Checking |
| Gusts | Checking |
| Rain timing | Checking |
| Preferred range | 500 cfs to 2,500 cfs |
| Low threshold | 500 cfs |
| High threshold | 2,500 cfs |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Local route guidance |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | Dreamflows Russian River reach and gauge flow trigger levels |
| Gauge source | Checking |
| Weather source | Checking |
| Rainfall source | Checking |
NotesWhat to know before you go
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Lower-river access and distanceHealdsburg Avenue dam carry to Guerneville River Park; 19.5 miles
California State Parks and Sonoma County identify Steelhead, Forestville and Guerneville River Park as public Russian River access sites; the lower reach is a documented popular paddling corridor.
- Scoring bandDreamflows 500–2,500 cfs reach/gauge flow triggers
Dreamflows lists this route-specific range for Healdsburg-to-Guerneville at Hacienda Bridge. The trigger levels are community indicators, not safe operating limits; check live flow and local conditions.
- Direct gaugeUSGS 11467000 at Hacienda Bridge near Guerneville
Direct lower Russian River telemetry for the route corridor; recheck live value and trend before launch.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
- California State Parks Russian River boating facilities
- Sonoma County Regional Parks Russian River access
- California Creeks Russian River flow guide
- California OSPR Russian River protected-site coordinates
- Russian River House Healdsburg-to-Steelhead paddle itineraries
- USGS Russian River gauge
- Dreamflows Russian River Healdsburg to Guerneville reach
- Dreamflows Russian River reach and gauge flow trigger levels
- Sonoma County Guerneville River Park access map
- USGS Hacienda Bridge gauge
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
Reports
Paddler reports
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Russian River paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Healdsburg Avenue dam carry to Guerneville River Park route on the Russian River?
Paddle Today watches Russian River at Hacienda Bridge near Guerneville, CA and treats 500 cfs to 2,500 cfs as the target band for this route, with weather and recent trend included in the final score.
Where does the Healdsburg Avenue dam carry to Guerneville River Park route on the Russian River start and end?
This route starts at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach / below Healdsburg Avenue dam and ends at Guerneville River Park non-motorized boat launch, about 19.5 river miles on the water.
Is the Healdsburg Avenue dam carry to Guerneville River Park route on the Russian River suitable for beginners?
This is listed as an easy route, but conditions still matter. Check today's score, water level, weather, and access notes before you go.
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