The Regional Parks River Shuttle Keeps Summer Fun.
Banner photo: Courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism
Anyone rafting the Russian River on a summer weekend knows that the search for riverside parking or coordinating your second car for pickup can be the one stress point in the day. But now you can take it easy with the Regional Parks River Shuttle, Sonoma County’s answer to “How to not lose your cool before you even get wet”.
Now in its third year, the shuttle runs weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day (including Juneteenth, 4th of July, and Labor Day) and makes a loop every 30 minutes between El Molino High School, Steelhead Beach, and Sunset Beach. For just $5 (and free for kids 18 and under), you get all-day access—hop on, hop off, no second vehicle (or riverbank negotiations) required.
River shuttle at El Molino. Courtesy of Sonoma County Regional Parks.
Here’s how it works: you park at El Molino, ride the shuttle to Steelhead Beach, inflate your raft (free stations available), and begin the 4.5-hour float to Sunset Beach. When you’re sufficiently sun-soaked and river-pruned, deflate your raft or tube, hop back on the shuttle, and return to your car. It’s a thoughtful system that solves one of the more frustrating logistics of river recreation.
The ride is uncomplicated and accessible, with room for you and your gear. The buses are equipped to handle deflated tubes, coolers, and fishing equipment; a few caveats: no dogs, no alcohol, and no leaving your float behind. You’ll need to keep your things with you on the water, so dry bags are a smart idea. Riders are encouraged to board early to avoid crowds and ensure a spot, especially on holiday weekends. You can even rent a tube at Steelhead Beach instead of bringing and inflating your own, and then drop it off at the end of your float at Sunset Beach, but book it in advance.
The shuttle is a no-frills, well-run, eco-friendly solution that helps reduce traffic and limit pollution while taking the edge off your river day logistics. In short, the Regional Parks River Shuttle might just be the best five bucks you spend all summer—short of a post-float taco.
Steelhead Beach friends on river. Courtesy of Sonoma County Regional Parks.
Regional Parks River Shuttle
parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/visit/regional-parks-river-shuttle
Boarding: El Molino High School, 7050 Covey Road, Forestville