Summer shuttle to Russian River beaches returns this month with new location

Visitors and residents looking to enjoy Russian River beaches this summer can take advantage of an improved Regional Parks River Shuttle when it returns for its third summer season starting Memorial Day weekend. This year, the shuttle will depart from the El Molino High School campus, located at 7050 Covey Road in Forestville, which is closer to the popular Steelhead and Sunset Beach river parks.

The Regional Parks River Shuttle is a convenient, low-cost way to visit Russian River beaches without the need for a personal vehicle. With new, expanded hours, the shuttle will operate 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekends and holidays, beginning Saturday, May 27, through Labor Day weekend, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. An all-day ticket costs $5, and youth under 18 ride for free. The extended hours (until 6 p.m.) will also allow more time for visitors to enjoy their day on the river.

"Regional Parks River Shuttle provides a convenient and sustainable transportation option for Sonoma County residents and visitors to enjoy the beautiful Russian River beaches while reducing their impact on the environment,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Chris Coursey.

“This is a valuable community benefit for the residents of Forestville and the greater Sonoma County,” said Sonoma County Board of Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, whose 5th District encompasses the lower Russian River area. “By starting the shuttle in Forestville, we provide a safe and free way for youth to access the river and enjoy a healthy activity during the summer. This public service reduces traffic congestion and neighborhood impacts, and it also contributes to the well-being of our community members.”

The shuttle service is part of a larger effort to ease traffic jams and parking impacts in river neighborhoods, and improve community river access on busy summer weekends. Park rangers temporarily close park entrances when parking lots reach capacity – a frequent occurrence on hot summer days – but the shuttle provides an alternative way to reach the beaches and reduces the number of cars traveling to and from these popular destinations. It also improves the experience for those floating or tubing between river beaches, eliminating the need for two private vehicles, one parked at each end of the float route.

The all-day shuttle ticket costs $5 and is available now at russianrivershuttle.mytrakk.com. Children and teens 18 and younger ride for free.

The shuttle features air-conditioned, ADA-accessible, low-emission vans, departing every 30 minutes from the El Molino campus and traveling to Steelhead Beach Regional Park and Sunset Beach River Park. Parking at the shuttle pick up location on the El Molino campus is free.

“We're excited to offer this improved shuttle service to our visitors and residents," said Regional Parks Director Bert Whitaker. "We hope that the new shuttle location and extended hours will improve the overall experience for those looking to enjoy the Russian River beaches this summer.”

For more information on the Regional Parks River Shuttle and route map, visit parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/visit/regional-parks-river-shuttle.

Charter buses and commercial shuttles are not permitted to park at the Regional Parks river beaches, with the exception of Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach, on the days of River Shuttle operation. Commercial shuttle and charter buses may make free reservations with C3 Transportation to transport passengers on the Regional Parks River Shuttle at least 48 hours in advance by calling (415) 727-7158.

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Media Contact:
Sarah Phelps, Marketing Specialist
Sonoma County Regional Parks
Sarah.Phelps@sonoma-county.org
(707) 331-9027

Sonoma County Regional Parks provides essential opportunities for people to connect with nature. We contribute to the vibrancy and well-being of our community by expanding access to recreation experiences, serving as responsible stewards of cultural and natural resources, and ensuring that our parks are clean, safe and welcoming. Learn more at SonomaCountyParks.org.