County of Sonoma
Sonoma County Regional Parks › Visit › Regional Parks River Shuttle
Visit

Regional Parks River Shuttle

Tubing on the Russian River

2022 Summer Season: The Regional Parks River Shuttle will return for the 2022 season. Beginning Saturday, May 21 it runs weekends and holidays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5, 2022.


The Regional Parks River Shuttle is a low-cost transportation option for visitors to Steelhead and Sunset Russian River beaches on summer weekends. Avoid full parking lots and the need to leave a car at each beach when floating the river by riding the River Shuttle.      

An all-day shuttle ticket costs $5. 

The Regional Parks River Shuttle travels a loop from Tom Schopflin Fields, 4351 Old Redwood Hwy., in Santa Rosa to Steelhead Beach Regional Park and Sunset Beach River Park in Forestville.

Regional Parks River Shuttle route map

Buy a ticket

  • Go to russianrivershuttle.mytrakk.com. (Reservations are not required, but seats are first-come, first-served.)
  • Select the Regional Park River Shuttle route, then click “Choose a Ticket.” You do not need to specify a departure time. 
  • Select the number of tickets you want to purchase and select your travel date. (Each ticket is round-trip and allows you to get on and off at more than one stop on your day of travel.)
  • Enter your contact information. (The email address and phone number you provide will be used to send you a QR code ticket.)
  • Enter your payment method, review your order, and submit.
  • You will receive an email and SMS text message with a link to view and manage your reservation/ticket.
  • Show the QR code on your phone when boarding the shuttle. (You will get a wristband that serves as your return ticket.)

How to float the river when arriving by shuttle

  • Take the Regional Park River Shuttle from Tom Schopflin Fields. (Coolers, deflated rafts/tubes, fishing poles and other gear are allowed on the shuttle.)
  • Get off the shuttle at Steelhead Beach to begin your float. Use the free inflation station near the entry kiosk to inflate your raft or tube – or bring a hand pump to avoid waiting in line.
  • Float from Steelhead to Sunset Beach. Travel time is about 4.5 hours. Due to low water flows during the drought, the trip might take additional time. 
  • Arrive at Sunset Beach and catch the shuttle back to Tom Schopflin Fields. 
  • Deflate your raft/tube and take it with you on the return shuttle. All floats left on the beach are trash and can pollute the river and harm wildlife.

For your safety

  • Alcohol consumption is not allowed on the shuttle or in the parks. 
  • Dogs are not allowed on the shuttle.

Secure your belongings, trash your trash

  • There is no place to store valuables on the shuttles or at the parks. If you are floating the river, you will need to keep your keys, phone and other belongings with you on the water.
  • Keep your trash with you. Pack out your trash and practice other Leave No Trace principles to keep beaches clean and wildlife healthy.

More information

;