Free Public Parking
Free parking lot
Windsor, CA 95492
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
RiverCA
Russian River Swimming Spots In Sonoma County
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Russian River: Sunset Beach Parking and Rules. Check named access, current restrictions and separate overnight services before visiting.
Swimming restriction
The archive identifies Sunset Beach in Forestville, not a second current pool. County information documents swimming and paddling. Use 11403 River Road and the park entrance, not old neighborhood parking advice. Hours are 7 am until 30 minutes before sunset. Parking is $8 in fall/winter/spring and $12 in summer, free for members. Street parking is unavailable; entry may close temporarily when the lot fills. An unpaved trail leads to the rocky beach. The county says no lifeguards are on duty; summer loaner life vests are available. Sunset is its recommended endpoint for a Steelhead-to-Sunset summer float, but confirm transport, permitted route and river conditions independently. Dogs must stay leashed even while swimming. Alcohol is prohibited Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and beach fires/barbecues are prohibited. Portable toilets and picnic facilities are near parking. Accessible facilities do not make the soft river trail a guaranteed accessible water entry. No camping or clothing-optional permission inferred.
Official sources checked:
Water type
River
Access
Informal
Fee
Parking is $8 in fall, winter and spring and $12 in summer; Regional Parks members park free. The archived $7 rate is obsolete.
Best season
Use the named destination's current schedule and conditions
Nearby towns
Santa Rosa, Windsor, Guerneville
Water body
Russian River
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Santa Rosa, Windsor, Guerneville
Access location not verified
GUERNEVILLE, CA
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Sunset is the named county entrance
The archive identifies Sunset Beach in Forestville, not a second current pool. County information documents swimming and paddling. Use 11403 River Road and the park entrance, not old neighborhood parking advice.
Budget for current parking and the trail
Hours are 7 am until 30 minutes before sunset. Parking is $8 in fall/winter/spring and $12 in summer, free for members. Street parking is unavailable; entry may close temporarily when the lot fills. An unpaved trail leads to the rocky beach.
No lifeguards and no safety guarantee
The county says no lifeguards are on duty; summer loaner life vests are available. Sunset is its recommended endpoint for a Steelhead-to-Sunset summer float, but confirm transport, permitted route and river conditions independently.
Dogs, alcohol and access needs
Dogs must stay leashed even while swimming. Alcohol is prohibited Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and beach fires/barbecues are prohibited. Portable toilets and picnic facilities are near parking. Accessible facilities do not make the soft river trail a guaranteed accessible water entry. No camping or clothing-optional permission inferred.
Read the named visitor information
Getting There
Use the designated park parking lot at 11403 River Road, Forestville, then the unpaved trail to the rocky beach. Do not park on Sunset Road or other street shoulders.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Hours are 7 am until 30 minutes before sunset. Parking is $8 in fall/winter/spring and $12 in summer, free for members. Street parking is unavailable; entry may close temporarily when the lot fills. An unpaved trail leads to the rocky beach.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
The archive identifies Sunset Beach in Forestville, not a second current pool. County information documents swimming and paddling. Use 11403 River Road and the park entrance, not old neighborhood parking advice. Hours are 7 am until 30 minutes before sunset. Parking is $8 in fall/winter/spring and $12 in summer, free for members. Street parking is unavailable; entry may close temporarily when the lot fills. An unpaved trail leads to the rocky beach. The county says no lifeguards are on duty; summer loaner life vests are available. Sunset is its recommended endpoint for a Steelhead-to-Sunset summer float, but confirm transport, permitted route and river conditions independently. Dogs must stay leashed even while swimming. Alcohol is prohibited Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and beach fires/barbecues are prohibited. Portable toilets and picnic facilities are near parking. Accessible facilities do not make the soft river trail a guaranteed accessible water entry. No camping or clothing-optional permission inferred. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Foothill Regional Park
Park
4.7 (546)
1351 Arata Ln, Windsor, CA 95492
Cycling lanesPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Riverfront Regional Park
Park
4.7 (690)
7821 Eastside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Set next to the Russian River, this park has lakes for fishing, multi-use trails & picnic areas.
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Forestville River Access
Tourist attraction
4.6 (228)
River Dr, Forestville, CA 95436
Windsor RV Park
RV park
3.6 (104)
8225 Conde Ln, Windsor, CA 95492
Picnic tablesRestroomWi-Fi
Mirabel RV Park & Campground
Campground
3.7 (219)
8400 River Rd, Forestville, CA 95436
Picnic tablesPublic restroomPublic showerRestroom
Schoolhouse Canyon Campground
Campground
4.6 (175)
12600 River Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446
Public restroom
Public bathroom
1351 Arata Ln, Windsor, CA 95492
Frequently Asked Questions About Russian River Swimming Spots In Sonoma County
Which entrance does this listing identify?
Sunset Beach River Park in Forestville. The regional two-place label does not establish a second verified pool.
What are current parking charges?
The county lists $8 in fall/winter/spring and $12 in summer, free for members; the archived $7 rate is obsolete.
Can I park on Sunset Road?
Street parking is unavailable. Use the designated lot, which can reach capacity and cause temporary entry closure.
Are there lifeguards or life jackets?
There are no lifeguards. Summer loaner life vests are available, but availability does not guarantee safe river conditions.
Can my dog swim and can I drink alcohol?
Dogs must remain leashed in the water. Alcohol is prohibited Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; beach fires and barbecues are prohibited.
Is the water entrance accessible?
Accessible parking, a portable toilet and picnic site are listed. The soft unpaved river trail has limitations; ask about your group's needs before traveling.
Highlights
Sunset is the named county entrance
Budget for current parking and the trail
No lifeguards and no safety guarantee
Dogs, alcohol and access needs
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not jump or dive into unknown water, use uninspected swings or slides, or enter high/rising flow
- Manager permission is not a water-quality or depth guarantee
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Historic locator information preserved separately from current visitor instructions.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Use lawful permitted viewpoints; no saved exact-site gallery collection approved.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Use permitted routes, pack out litter and protect banks. Follow current fire and land-use restrictions.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Use the named destination's current schedule and conditions; no generic summer safety guarantee.
Difficulty Level
Trail or overlook difficulty is separate from verified water entry; confirm intended route and mobility requirements.
Fee
Parking is $8 in fall, winter and spring and $12 in summer; Regional Parks members park free. The archived $7 rate is obsolete.
Facilities
Portable toilets and picnic facilities are near parking. Accessible parking, a portable toilet and picnic site are listed, but the soft unpaved river trail has limitations. No lifeguards; summer loaner life vests are available.
Activities
County-recognized swimming and paddling at Sunset. The county names it as a summer float endpoint, but transport and current river conditions require separate planning.
Phone
707-565-3112
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
No camping permission is established for Sunset Beach River Park. Use separately authorized overnight destinations rather than treating beach day use as a campsite.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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