Lower Russian River Trail (Proposed)

What & Why?

Regional Parks plans to develop a 19.3-mile-long, multi-use trail along River Road and Highway 116 between Mirabel Park and Highway 1. The paved trail will provide a safe walking and cycling alternative for residents and visitors traveling along the Russian River road corridor. The trail will link the Russian River communities such as Forestville and Guerneville and provide connections to residences, shops, restaurants, wineries, schools, parks and other popular destinations such as Steelhead Beach Regional Park and Riverfront Park in the Russian River area.

The River Road/Highway 116 area is a high-traffic, high-speed road with a history of multiple bicycle and pedestrian accidents. There are insufficient sidewalks, bike lanes, and no shared use pathway to allow pedestrians and bicyclists to travel safely along the rural corridor. The trail will provide a safe pathway that is separated from vehicle traffic. 

What's Next?

The Final Lower Russian River Trail Feasibility Study was approved at the February 11, 2020 Board meeting and will guide the trail development. The next steps include seeking funding, preparing preliminary engineering design plans, and identifying opportunities to implement the trail in phases per the feasibility study.