Local Recreation

There are many recreational opportunities in the Forestville area, including hiking, fishing, and canoeing along the Russian River and its beaches.

Forestville Youth Park

7069 Mirabel Rd., Forestville.

The Forestville Youth Park hosts youth baseball, soccer, and many community gatherings throughout the year. The park’s many large trees provide a shady place for summer picnicking and play, and through the years it has provided a safe and fun place for people to go. It was founded in 1960 and is at the center of the greater Forestville area.

The Youth Park is managed by volunteers, and claims to be the only public park in California supported entirely through private donations and fundraising. The main fundraising event is the annual Youth Park Barbeque. For more information: Forestville Youth Park website.

Forestville River Access/Mom’s Beach

10584 River Drive, Forestville

A short trail leads to a wide beach (known locally as “Mom’s Beach”), perfect for swimming and enjoying the scenery. Fishing is excellent but challenging. A great place to spend an enjoyable day.

No lifeguards on duty. Open from sunrise to sunset, parking is free. For more information, visit Sonoma County Regional Parks.

Steelhead Beach Regional Park

9000 River Road, Forestville

Seasonal fishing and access to the Russian River for small craft such as drift boats, kayaks, and canoes. An excellent spot for birding, viewing river wildlife, and for picnicking.

There are no lifeguards on duty at the beach area. Open from sunrise to sunset, parking is $4 a day for day use. For more information, visit Sonoma County Regional Parks.

West County Joe Radota Trail

End of Pajaro St. in Forestville

The West County Trail is paved for walking, bicycle riding, and roller skating. It runs along the abandoned railroad line that was once the Petaluma and Santa Rosa Railway, a line that linked Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol and Forestville.

Designated as a Community Millennium Trail, the trail offers beautiful views of farms, vineyards, and other agricultural lands, giving a hint of what Sonoma County looked like before development.

The trail currently ends off of Front Street in Forestville, but there are plans in the future to continue construction of the trail on to Steelhead Beach. For more information, visit Russian River Travel.