6 Fun Things To Do in Forestville

Beautifully situated in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley amidst rolling hills, soaring redwood trees, and lush vineyards, the tiny town of Forestville, California, offers much to do.

It’s a laid-back, slow-it-down, family-oriented place where coffee shops roast their own beans, dining options vary from down-home to gourmet, and people are friendly.

The town was established in the late 1860s, and although the spelling was later changed, it was originally named after saloon owner Andrew Jackson Forrester. Forestville was home to the first powered sawmill in California and to a chair factory that, at the time, was the largest manufacturing plant in Sonoma County.

Here are some fun things to do during your Forestville visit.

1. Browse the Shops

The Russian River Valley’s major Highway becomes charming Front Street for a few blocks as it passes through the ‘downtown’ area of Forestville. It’s a great spot to park your car and stroll around. 

You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back into time at Ideal Hardware, with its ancient wooden floor, solicitous clerks, and shelves of things you’ve been seeking forever but couldn’t find anywhere else.

The Lucky Mojo Curio Co. is a magic store stocked with items such as kits for casting spells, oils, soaps, amulets, and charms — and they’ll help you find the right person to give you a psychic reading.

The impressive studio and gallery space of Gerald Huth is open by appointment, and you can purchase excellent organic coffee at Sunshine Roasters Espresso Bar.

2. Visit the Farmers Market

The lively Forestville Certified Farmers Market is held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Fridays under the shady oaks in the downtown park from the beginning of June to the end of September.

Here, local farmers offer up their finest seasonal produce, artisans display crafts and gift items, and local food purveyors offer pizza, bread, cheese, wine, and more for your dining pleasure. Enjoy live music while browsing the market booths.

3. Paddle Down the River

Canoeing or kayaking down the Russian River with Burke’s Canoe Trips to finish at the mouth of the Pacific Ocean has been hugely popular with generations of summer visitors. And why not? It’s pure pleasure!

The river flows in the direction you’re paddling, you can stop once or twice on a riverbank to picnic or relax in the sun, and you’ll probably even jump into the water now and then to cool off. At the end, a shuttle brings you back to your car. Burke’s also offers riverfront and redwood camping (tents, trailers, and RVs accommodated).

4. Bike the West County Trail

The 5.57-mile West County Trail runs to the town of Sebastopol. Flat and paved, it passes through vineyards, orchards, and other farmland, making for a beautiful, easy, and safe bicycle outing (you can also walk or skate).

Along the way, you could go wine tasting, visit the Hallberg Butterfly Gardens, hike a trail at Ragle Ranch Regional Park, or cruise down Sebastopol’s Florence Avenue to delight in artist Patrick Amiot’s big, colorful sculptures made from recycled objects.

5. Enjoy Steelhead Beach

Steelhead Beach is a regional park along the Russian River and a destination for fun year-round! Visitors enjoy canoeing, kayaking, fishing, birding, and hiking on short trails that create a nearly one-mile loop through the forest. In warm months, swimming, sunbathing, and barbecuing are popular. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset.

6. Visit More Russian River Beaches

Don’t miss Sunset Beach and Mom’s Beach (also known as Forestville River Access) — both offer beautiful river and forest views. Bring a picnic and watch paddlers glide slowly by. Life jackets are always recommended in water without lifeguards.

See Sonoma County’s safety tips for water activities here.

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Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodgriguez