California | Sonoma County / Forestville

Russian RiverMirabel Park to Guerneville River Park

A lower Russian River day reach from Mirabel Park through Steelhead and Forestville to Guerneville River Park.

Route location

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Plan this route

DistanceAbout 9 river miles
DifficultyEasy
Typical timeAllow 5–8 hours with seasonal structures
ShuttleCar shuttle
The Russian River broadens near Jenner on California’s north coast.
River contextRussian River near Jenner; same-river context, not an endpoint or current-conditions photograph river-level context — not necessarily this exact reach.Photo by Wikimedia Commons contributor

Need to know

Why this call
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Trip details

Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.

Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
DifficultyeasyThe selected lower reach is generally Class I with slow current and seasonal shallow water; hazards and channel conditions change after storms and summer recreation structures.
PermitsCheck posted rulesConfirm current Sonoma County parking, seasonal launch, shuttle and closure rules before unloading.
CampingDay tripNo overnight camping is included; use separately permitted campgrounds or lodging and never camp on private banks or public access beaches.
SeasonJan-DecThe lower Russian River responds to winter rain and summer recreation structures. Check the Hacienda Bridge gauge, trend, weather, water quality, seasonal dams and lower-river access notices before launch.

Tomorrow and the weekend

Forecasts can change. Check current conditions again before leaving.

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Plan your trip

Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.

Access and shuttle

A lower Russian River day reach from Mirabel Park through Steelhead and Forestville to Guerneville River Park.

Access map

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Start

Put-in

Mirabel Park river access

Use only named public access sites and obey posted seasonal and water-quality notices.

Finish

Take-out

Guerneville River Park non-motorized boat launch

Use 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
  • Mirabel gate, shallow bars and strainers
  • Guerneville access hours and Johnson’s Beach dam downstream

Choose your trip times

No account needed. Check the selected access points above, then choose both dates and times. For an overnight paddle, set take-out to the following date.

Trip schedule

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Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast

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Water-level history and forecastDetailed view

Recent trend

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Hourly forecast

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Short-route forecast

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Why this score

See the gauge, weather, and source notes behind today’s call.

Data status
Checking live inputs.

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Data 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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Water levels, published guidance and update times

These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.

Gauge siteRussian River at Hacienda Bridge near Guerneville, CA
DischargeChecking
Gauge heightChecking
24h trendChecking
24h changeChecking
Current bandChecking
Rain last 24hChecking
Rain last 72hChecking
Air tempChecking
Water tempChecking
WindChecking
GustsChecking
Rain timingChecking
Preferred range500 cfs to 2,500 cfs
Low threshold500 cfs
High threshold2,500 cfs
Evidence strength behind the rangeLocal route guidance
Gauge observedChecking
Paddle Today updatedChecking
Main source behind this scoreDreamflows Russian River reach and gauge flow trigger levels
Gauge sourceChecking
Weather sourceChecking
Rainfall sourceChecking
What 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 distanceMirabel Park to Guerneville River Park; 9 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.

    Source

  • 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.

    Source

  • Direct gaugeUSGS 11467000 at Hacienda Bridge near Guerneville

    Direct lower Russian River telemetry for the route corridor; recheck live value and trend before launch.

    Source

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Russian River paddling FAQ

What water level is best for the Mirabel Park 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 Mirabel Park to Guerneville River Park route on the Russian River start and end?

This route starts at Mirabel Park river access and ends at Guerneville River Park non-motorized boat launch, about 9 river miles on the water.

Is the Mirabel Park 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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Access, hazards, wood, and shuttle details change. Send a quick correction if something looks off.