Starting point of drive
The turnoff from Highway 101 may be taken at River Road when driving north from San Francisco through Santa Rosa. The distance is about fifty five miles from the Golden Gate Bridge. Once you exit at River Road stay to the left and follow the signs towards Guerneville and the Russian River. Right past Fulton Road on the right is a small farmstand called Mikes and if you are not driving in the winter, you can stop to pick up some fresh fruit for the ride.
The Beginning of a Beautiful Drive
The drive begins with fairly flat terrain as it works its way through the Sonoma vineyards and starts to wind through the rolling ranch land. The immense trees with the broad foliage and wide dry barks are Eucalyptus trees. Off to the left at times are vistas reminiscent of Tuscany in Italy. As you drive somewhat further you can spot the Russian River to the left winding its way through the sand and forest of the valley. Redwoods become visible as vineyards disappear. Swimmers, canoers, and hikers may be seen throughout the drive which is about thirty miles to the Pacific Coast. Without stopping and with little traffic, you will be at Highway 1 and the coast in less than forty-five minutes.
Halfway Point: Guerneville
As you pull into Guerneville you will not be awed by the town, a simple, beach town with much activity including families on vacation and locals enjoying the Russian River either swimming, canoing, kayaking, or simply lounging at the river's edge. Make a right at the street Armstrong Woods and drive about four miles to the entrance of Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve. Park the car and bring as little as possible (sometimes a light jacket is necessary) into the woods. The experience is surreal as the ancient redwoods, measuring 300 feet and ages dating back to 1400 years, totally engulf the visitor. It is as if you stepped into Tolkien's Hobbit, a sensory jaunt through a mystical world.
A recommended stay of an hour or so would do and on the way back into Guerneville, stop off at the local coffeehouse, Coffee Bazaar, on the left just before getting back on River Road. The place is great to sip on a latte, taste one of the delicious pastries or quiches, and sit on a barstool to people watch. Remember, this is not a Wall Street pasttime with rich bankers filing by. The characters seemed to have dropped out of the 60s, lost hippies in a newfound world. By the way, the staff at the Coffee Bazaar is extremely friendly.
Goat Rock at Sonoma Coast State Beach
The approach exiting the redwoods is impressive as the heavily forested terrain gradually changes to rolling hills and meadows with grazing cattle. Keep to the left towards Bodega Bay when driving towards Goat Rock. As you pass the Indian restaurant, Sizzling Tandoor, the road winds to the right and there is a vista to the right. Pull over and look back towards the Russian River. What a spectacular sight. The turn for Goat Rock is at the top of the hill and prepare yourself for a sublime view of the dramatic coastline of Northern California. As you start to descend towards the beach the panorama unfolds with massive rock formations, expansive beaches, and the noble Pacific Ocean. Stop off at any of the lookout points on the way down, walk to the edge of the cliff, and savor the splendor of the scenery. Stay for the sunset if you have time.
Richard Conley - After receiving his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from North Carolina State University in 2006, Rich moved to ...
