5 Things To Know, Do During Summertime On The Russian River

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Although it seems as if summer just started, we're already half-way through the season. Don't let summer pass by without enjoying some time on the water.

Here are five things to know and/or do when it is summertime on the Russian River, according to Sonoma County Regional Parks.

1.) Spring Lake Swimming Lagoon

The Spring Lake swimming lagoon at 393 Violetti Road in Santa Rosa, is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with lifeguards on duty. Swimming and playing on the beach is free; no reservations are necessary and free life jackets are available. Sonoma County Regional Parks operates the lagoon and keeps the water chlorinated, filtered and tested to ensure its quality exceeds state standards.

2.) Spring Lake Water Park

The Spring Lake Water Park is an area of the lagoon with floating play structures. There are three, two-hour sessions daily: 10:30 a.m.; 1 p.m.; and 3:30 p.m. Admission is $10 per person, per session. Children must be 6 or older, at least 42 inches tall and know how to swim. Tickets are limited, and some sessions may sell out; online reservations at SoCoParks.org/Aquatics are highly recommended.

3.) Paddleboards, Kayaks

Paddleboards and single and tandem kayaks can be rented by the hour at Spring Lake. Rentals cost $14-$18. The first rentals are available at 10:30 a.m. and the last rental is at 5 p.m. Online reservations are highly recommended via SoCoParks.org/Aquatics. Like the swimming lagoon and water park, boat rentals are at the bottom of the park’s Violetti Road entrance.

4.) Borrow A Life Jacket At No Cost

Swimmers and paddlers on the Russian River will find Regional Parks life jackets available to use for free at Del Rio Woods, Forestville River Access, Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach and Steelhead and Sunset beaches. Visitors can borrow one for the day and put it back when they leave the beach. Using a life jacket is highly recommended; there are unseen hazards and changing conditions on the river, according to Regional Parks.

5.) Swimming At Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach

The temporary dam at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach will be installed by early July, creating a popular swimming area along the park's wide, sandy beach. Lifeguards are on duty Saturdays and Sundays through June, then daily once the dam is installed. Beach admission is free.
Summer parking fees range from $7 to $10. Regional Parks members park for free.

• ALSO SEE: Day Trip: Summer Shuttle To Russian River Beaches Is Back