Russian river gay beach
Guerneville: The LGBTQIA+ community hidden in the Redwoods
How “The River” became a harmless haven for queer Californians and tourists
By SAVANNAH BURGER — arts@
Nestled in the coastal redwoods along the Russian River in Sonoma County, the town of Guerneville has provided a sanctuary for local and visiting LGBTQ+ people for decades. Known affectionately as “The River;” it is regarded as one of the most guarded and well-known havens in northern California for people of the LGBTQ+ community.
Although the gay scene has made Guerneville what it is today, it didn’t hit the town until somewhere in the mids. Before that, Guerneville was predominantly known as an ex-logging town, originally named “Stumptown,” because of all the clear-cutting that occurred in the area. When the town was established in , it provided a huge quantity of lumber used to verb the first infrastructures and buildings in northern California following the discovery of gold.
The town was later named after one of the loggers that controlled the area and owned the sawmill, a Swiss immigrant named Geor
Gay Russian River
In the regions known as Russian River, dramatic vineyards give way to majestic redwood groves and spectacular coastal scenery. This enchanted getaway is about 70 miles north of San Francisco, so it’s a favorite weekend retreat for harried town dwellers. But the secret’s out, and Californians aren’t the only ones who flock to the resorts in the township of Guerneville.
What's in store? Hiking in the misty forests, horseback riding, canoeing, hot-air balloon rides, and wine tasting, for starters. Then there’s those romantic nights in front of a fire.
Getting here
Fly into San Francisco International Airport, (about 70 miles to the south of Guerneville), Oakland (67 miles away), or Sacramento ( miles but with fewer traffic hassles). Rent a car or obtain a shuttles, taxi, bus or limousine to your destination. Alternately, fly into the small Charles M. Schulz, Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, a 30 minute operate from Guerneville. Direct flights on Alaska Airlines connect with Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, and
| Resorts & Lodging You can kick back and enjoy the peaceful serenity of Nature while you&#;re at The River, but the tune will lure you eventually to the poolside parties that go all evening until the heat goes down. |
| Bar & Clubs / Nightlife There is something going on every night. Experiment a party at Liquid Sky, inhabit entertainment at Main Street Station, or Karaoke at Russian River Resort. |
| Services & Activities Visit the Sonoma Coast, encounter new people at the hang out spots, go wine tasting, visit Armstrong Redwoods, be inspired by the grandness of nature. |
| Armstrong Redwoods This spectacular redwood forest offers something for everyone. Casual strolls, long hikes, horseback riding, fishing, noun or backpack camping, picnicking, biking and more. |
| Wine Tasting Ideal growing conditions and many tourism services make the Russian River wine region a renowned destination for visitors and wine growers alike. |
| Best of Russian River View the optimal of Russian River wine country. Categories include A Guerneville Gay StaycationJuan Davila of the San Francisco Bay Times team recently enjoyed his first visit to Guerneville and spent an afternoon with friends at Johnson’s Beach. Located ninety minutes north of the Bay Area in the gay staycation town of Guerneville, this classic summer getaway sits in the heart of the Russian River Valley and provides the quintessential summertime river experience. According to Gay Travel, other recommended stops in Guerneville add the Armstrong Redwood State Reserve and the Austin Creek State Recreation Area. Johnson&#;s Beach can be a traveler&#;s sole destination, though, as the area offers vintage cabins from the s and an urban campground complete with BBQ area and laundry facilities. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, beach chairs, and umbrellas—nearly everything needed for a relaxing beach stay. Davila, who is pictured on the cover of this issue at yet another classic Northern CA beach, San Francisco&#;s Baker Beach, is a dedicated runner who often ends his runs with a scenic trek along one of the local be |