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Lower Russian River Trail (Proposed)

Russian River view from Highway 116

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. Once completed, 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 Regional 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 pathways 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.

The Final Lower Russian River Trail Feasibility Study was approved by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on February 11, 2020. The document will guide the trail plans and development.  

What's Next?

We’re currently seeking project funding, preparing preliminary engineering design plans, and identifying opportunities to implement the trail in phases per the feasibility study.

A public input survey is open now to gather feedback on a priority stretch of the Lower Russian River Trail, from Mirabel Road to Scenic Drive, as part of a state funding grant application. Take the survey now!

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