Day Trip: Summer Shuttle To Russian River Beaches Is Back

SONOMA COUNTY, CA —Visitors and residents looking to enjoy Russian River beaches this summer can leave their cars behind and take the Regional Parks River Shuttle.

The shuttle returns for its fourth season starting Memorial Day weekend. Departing every 30 minutes from the El Molino High School campus, 7050 Covey Road in Forestville, the shuttle runs between the popular Steelhead Beach and Sunset Beach river parks.

This year, the shuttle's operating hours have expanded to 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekends and holidays beginning Saturday, May 25, through Labor Day, Sept. 2.

The Regional Parks River Shuttle is a convenient, low-cost way to visit Russian River beaches. An all-day round-trip ticket costs $5 for people over 18 years old, while youth 0-18 years old ride for free. The shuttle is air-conditioned, ADA-accessible and low-emission. Tickets can be purchased in advance at SoCoParks.org/ShuttleTickets.

"The River Shuttle continues to provide a fantastic way for locals and visitors to beat the summer heat and traffic while enjoying our Russian River beaches," said David Rabbitt, chairperson for the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. "With expanded hours and free rides for kids, it's an affordable transportation option for a fun day on the river."

"The River Shuttle is a big win for Russian River communities," said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, whose 5th District encompasses the Lower River area. "It cuts neighborhood traffic jams and emissions from idling cars circling for parking and improves community river access on busy weekends."

Since parking at the El Molino campus is free, shuttle riders save on parking fees. Starting July 1 for the summer peak season, the cost of parking increases from $7 to $10 at Steelhead and Sunset beaches for parkgoers who are not Sonoma County Regional Parks members. Other parks with peak season parking fees are Cloverdale River Park, Del Rio Woods Regional Park, Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach and Riverfront Regional Park.

"Summertime on the Russian River is a cherished tradition for Sonoma County families," said Regional Parks Director Bert Whitaker. "The shuttle makes visiting our most popular river beaches more convenient and accessible for all. Hop on the River Shuttle for an eco-friendly river float this summer!"

A great option for visitors who want to leave their cars at home is to take the SMART— Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit— train to the Sonoma County Airport Station and use the SMART Connect service to get to the River Shuttle. SMART riders receive free transfers to the SMART Connect service. As an additional bonus, SMART is offering free fares for senior and youth riders.

Regional Parks staff added that on days when the River Shuttle is in operation, charter buses and commercial shuttles are not permitted to park at regional parks' river beaches with the exception of Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach. 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.