Click on any of the coordinates to see the launch spot on Google Maps. To get directions, right-click the launch spot marker on the map, select “Directions to here”, then enter where you are coming from (or zoom out and point to your starting point on the map). You’ll get driving directions and estimated driving time.
Albion River (39.22573, -123.76785)
Big River State Park (39.30253, -123.78641). Day-use fee. Toilets.
Bodega Bay Doran Beach (38.31027, -123.05382) - From Petaluma take East Washington/Bodega Hwy. to Hwy. 1. Continue through Valley Ford and follow the signs to Bodega Bay. One mile south of Bodega Bay turn left on Doran Park Road, just past the Bodega Harbor Golf Course. Launch by the Coast Guard ramp. Total travel time from Petaluma is about 35 minutes. $7 per car day use fee or free for Regional Parks members. Bathrooms, hot showers (coin op). http://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Get_Outdoors/Parks/Doran_Regional_Park.aspx
Brannan Island State Recreation Area (38.11059, -121.69855). Day-use fee. Toilets. Campground. See also http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=487.
Casini’s Ranch — see Russian River Casini’s Ranch
China Camp State Park (38.00189, -122.46229) – Hwy 101 South to the to N San Pedro Rd. exit. Turn Left on Merrydale Rd. go 0.1 mile, then Left, under the freeway onto N San Pedro Rd. Pass the Marin Civic Center and continue five miles until it enters the park. Follow signs to China Camp Village. Travel time 35min to 1hr+ at commute times. $8/car day use fee (bring exact change for drop box). Gate closes at sunset. Bathrooms, picnic tables, snack bar, beach launch in sheltered cove.
Clear Lake County Park (39.02899, -122.84791). No parking fees. Toilets.
Clear Lake Library Park (39.04228, -122.91309)
Clear Lake Lucerne Harbor (39.09102, -122.7965). No parking fees. Toilets.
Clear Lake Oaks (39.01948, -122.67374)
Clear Lake Redbud Park (38.94855, -122.63735)
Clear Lake State Park (39.02018, -122.81373). Day-use fee. Toilets. Swimming beach and campground. See http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=473 for details.
Doran Beach, Sonoma County Regional Park – see Bodega Bay Doran Beach
Drakes Estero (38.08278, -122.93268) – Schooner Bay, Point Reyes National Seashore. From Petaluma, head west on D St. toward Pt. Reyes Station . Go south on Hwy. 1 through town and just after crossing the green bridge take a right on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Go through the towns of Inverness Park and Inverness and go to a sign which indicates that Point Reyes beaches and lighthouse are to the left, and Tomales State Park is to the right. Turn left and continue approximately 3 miles until you see a sign for Drakes Bay Oyster Farm (formerly Johnson’s Oysters) on the left. Total travel time from Petaluma is about 1 hour. Closed March 1 – June 30 for seal pupping season. Mud can be a problem at low tides. Free, pit toilets. http://drakesbayfamilyfarms.com/visitors/directions.html
Dunphy Park (37.86159, -122.4891) – wy 101 South to the Sausalito/Marin City exit. Go left under the freeway and take an immediate Rt. on Bridgeway. Counting this as the first stoplight drive a total of seven stoplights, passing Harbor Drive and Marinship Way. It’s on the left just after the divided sedtion of Bridgeway ends. Napa and Bee St. are on the right. Travel time 35min to 1hr+ at commute times. No facilities.
Elkhorn Slough Kirby Cove (36.83992, -121.74365). Day-use fee. Portable toilets. See also http://www.elkhornslough.org/ .
Elkhorn Slough Moss Landing (36.81141, -121.78661). Day-use fee. Toilets.
Estero Americano (38.30945, -122.93578 – Take East Washington/Bodega Highway to Valley Ford, turn left at Dinucci’s onto Valley Ford-Estero Road, go South 1 mile to the cement bridge. Total travel time from Petaluma is about 25 minutes. Launch under the bridge but park on the road for better visibility. There have been some reports of vandalism to cars parked near this launch. Free, no facilities.
Gilardi’s Lakeview Marina – see Petaluma River Lakeville
Harbor Cove (37.89537, -122.50335)
Horseshoe Cove Sausalito (37.83372,-122.47773)
Laguna de Santa Rosa (38.425315, -122.8273952) – Launch on Occidental Rd near High School Rd. north of Sebastopol. There is a pull out on Occidental Rd between High School Rd and Sanford Rd. 200 ft east of the bridge. From the pull out there are two trails leading to the water. One heads back parallel the road to a launch spot under the bridge. Another heads out at a 45 degree angle from Occidental Rd. toward a clump of trees. Wheels are useful as it is a bit of a carry. Travel time from Petaluma is about 45 minutes. Free. No facilities.
Lake Berryessa Capell Cove (38.507498, -122.216892). No parking fees. Toilets. In the summer parking can be crowded with motor boat trailers.
Lake Berryessa Eticuera (38.67830, -122.26784). No parking fees. Long portage if water level is low. Toilets.
Lake Berryessa Smittle Creek (38.5755, -122.24546). No parking fees. Toilets.
Lake Hennessey (38.48384, -122.35712) – Take Highway 29 to Rutherford, head East on Highway 128 about five miles to the lake. There’s only one launch area and it’s right along the highway. . Day-use fee. Portable toilets.
Lake Pillsbury Fuller (39.43799, -122.96883). Nearby campground has toilets. Long gravel road to lake (suitable for cars only in the dry season).
Lake Pillsbury Sunset (39.43604, -122.94134). Nearby campground has toilets. Long gravel road to lake (suitable for cars only in the dry season).
Lake Sonoma Bridge (38.7164, -123.01695). Parking fees. Portable toilets.
Lake Sonoma Yorty Creek (38.772, -123.073) – Head north on 101. Take the S Cloverdale Exit and turn left to cross over the freeway. Turn right to stay on S Cloverdale Blvd. Take the 2nd left onto Elbridge Ave. Turn right onto S Foothill Blvd. Take the 2nd left onto Hot Springs Rd. It’s about 5 steep, winding miles over the hill to the lake. Travel time is about 1hr 15 min from Petaluma. Free day use. Portable toilets, picnic tables, boat ramp ($3 launch fee) or beach launch. Gate locked at sunset.
Marin Rowing Club – Corte Madera Creek (37.94379, -122.51783). Hwy 101 South to Greenbrae, take right exit onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd. As the exit ramp forks, take the right fork, onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd / San Anselmo. This turns into Sir Francis Drake Blvd. At first stoplight on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. (across from Shell gas station), turn LEFT onto Barry Way. Then immediately turn LEFT again at the stop sign onto Drakes Landing Rd. Follow Drakes Landing Road to its end, about 1/4 mile, until you see the boathouse at the end of the large parking lot that serves the surrounding business park. Travel time 30min to 1hr+ at commute times. Free, ample parking and dock. http://www.marinrowing.org/staticpages/index.php/contactus
McInnis Park (38.01825, -122.52313)
Lake Mendocino (39.23571, -123.17223). No fees. toilets.
Monterey Beach Launch (36.60185, -121.88868). Day-use fee. Toilets.
Napa River Cuttings Wharf (38.22618, -122.30794) – Take Hwy. 121/12 toward Napa. Go south on Cuttings Wharf Road Continue to the end of the road. About 40 minutes from Petaluma. Free parking, launch ramp, floating docks, toilets. Moore’s Landing cafe, bar adjacent. Tides
Napa River Hudeman Slough (38.2054426, -122.3744559) – Heading east on Hwy. 121/12 turn right (South) on Ramal Road and right again on Skaggs Island Road. Users must be issued a key to access the launch ramp and parking lot. There is a $15 refundable fee for the key from Sonoma County Regional Parks (707-565-2041). Free parking, paved launch ramp, floating dock. No restroom facilities.
Napa River JFK Park (38.265478, -122.2834) – Going north on Hwy 29 take the Soscol Ave. turnoff to the right. Proceed about 3 to 5 miles and turn left at the entrance to JFK Park and golf course. Follow the park road to the very end. About 50 minutes from Petaluma. Free parking, launch ramp, floating dock, flush toilets.
Nick’s Cove (AKA – Miller Park) – see Tomales Bay Nick’s Cove
Petaluma River Black Point (38.1143, -122.5067) – Marin County Park. $5 parking fee. Portable toilets.
Petaluma River Lakeville (38.1975574, -122.54761666)) – 5688 Lakeville Hwy, Petaluma. About 6 miles south of town. Travel time from downtown Petaluma is about 13 minutes. Gilardi’s Marina and boat ramp is around the back of Papa’s Taverna restaurant. Unload by the boat ramp, then park in the big lot south of the restaurant. $2 launch fee, portable toilet.Tides
Petaluma River Petaluma Marina (38.231091, -122.614819) – 781 Baywood Dr. From downtown Petaluma head east on Lakeville. After going under the freeway, take the first right on Baywood. The boat ramp is next to Re/Max. Unload on the left side of the ramp to keep the right side (next to the floating dock) clear for boat trailers. Bathrooms open at 10am Tu-Th, 8am Fri-Sun, closed Mon. Free for kayaks.
Petaluma River Turning Basin (38.23563, -122.6372). Access is from the dock by the River House at 222 Weller St., on the east side of the Petaluma River between E Washington and D St. Next to the restaurant there is a ramp leading down to the dock. Free, no facilities.
Russian River Casini Ranch (38.46523, -123.048) – Russian River Casini Campground (38.46523, -123.048) - 22855 Moscow Road, Duncans Mills. From Petaluma take Hwy 116 through Sebastopol, Forestville, Guerneville and Monte Rio to Duncans Mills. Turn left onto Moscow Road, cross river and continue to entrance (3/4 mile). Total travel time from Petaluma is a little over 1 hour. $14 per head for day use, $7 per head for day use on non busy days. http://casiniranch.com/camping-rates/
Russian River Guerneville Beach (38.49936, -122.99821) – Johnson’s beach is a private facility and now has a $5 parking fee. Snack bar, toilets, gravel boat ramp, canoe rentals. Gate is locked when no attendant is on duty but it is possible to park on the street and walk around it for take-outs after 6pm or off season. http://johnsonsbeach.com/beach/
Russian River Jenner SP (38.44943, -123.115603) – Russian River Jenner Visitors’ Center – 10439 Highway 1 – From Petaluma, head west on Washington St. It will turn into Bodega Ave. as it leaves town and after about 10 miles it becomes Valley Ford Rd. Just past the town of Valley Ford, stay left on Valley Ford Cutoff /Hwy 1 toward Bodega Bay. Continue north on Hwy 1 for about 10 miles. After crossing the Russian River bridge stay on Hwy 1 as it turns to the left. The Jenner Visitors’ Center is on the left as you enter town, across from the Jenner Inn. Total travel time from Petaluma is approximately 1 hour. Mud can be a problem at low tides. Unload near the boat ramp then park in the lot next to the Visitors’ Center. Free parking, boat ramp, chemical toilets.
Russian River Monte Rio Beach (38.46721, -123.0123). Free parking. Toilets.
Russian River Steelhead Beach (38.50018, -122.89949). Day-use fee. Toilets.
Russian River Wohler Bridge (38.50828, -122.88389). Day-use fee. Toilets.
San Pablo Reservoir (37.91663, -122.2333)
Santa Rosa Spring Lake (38.452902, -122.654173). Day-use fee. Toilets.
Sea Trek (Schoonmaker) (37.86377,-122.49015) – Hwy 101 South to the Sausalito/Marin City exit. Go left under the freeway and take an immediate Rt. on Bridgeway. Counting this as the first stoplight drive a total of seven stoplights, passing Harbor Drive, and taking the next left onto Marinship Way(you will see a sign for Liberty Ship Way and the Bay Model, opposite a 7-11 store). Rt on Libertyship Way. Follow the palm trees to the beach at Schoonmaker Pt. Marina. Unload by the beach, then move to a legal parking spot (best to arrive before 9am on weekends). Travel time 35min to 1hr+ at commute times. Free, bathrooms.
Sherman Lake – Sandy Beach Park (38.05611, -121.78567). Day-use fee. Toilets.
Tomales Bay Chicken Ranch (38.10988, -122.86498) – Tomales Bay Chicken Ranch (38.10988, -122.86498) – Drive through the towns of Inverness Park and Inverness. Pass the Golden Hinde Inn & Marina, 1 mile north of Inverness. Just after Pine Hill Dr. on the left you will see a pull out on the right (water side) of Sir Francis Drake. This is just before Sir Francis Drake turns to the left, away from the water. There is a wide shoulder for parking. It’s a long carry so you might want to bring wheels. Travel time from Petaluma is about 40 minutes. Portable toilet. Free.
Tomales Bay Hearts Desire (38.132493, -122.893393) – From Petaluma, head west on D St. toward Pt. Reyes Station. Go south on Hwy. 1 through town and just after crossing the bridge take a right on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Go through the towns of Inverness Park and Inverness and go to a sign which indicates that Point Reyes beaches and lighthouse are to the left, and Tomales State Park is to the right. Turn right onto Pierce Point Road. Drive about 1.2 miles to the park entrance on the right side of the road. Drive down the park road about 0.7 mile, to the ranger station, stop and pay the fee (bring exact change for drop box in case ranger is not there), then continue about 0.7 mile to the Heart’s Desire lot. Total travel time from Petaluma is about 55 minutes. 100 yd walk across beach, wheels can be helpful. $8 day use fee. Picnic tables, BBQs, bathrooms, outdoor shower.
Tomales Bay Marconi Cove (38.14088, -122.87361) - Look for a large pull-out on the water side of the road just south of the Marconi Conference Center. 5.3 miles south of Nick’s Cove or 2.9 miles north of Millerton Park. Travel time from Petaluma is about 45 minutes using either route. Free parking, no services. Good for low tide launching.
Tomales Bay Millerton Park (38.14088, -122.87361) – Tomales Bay Millerton Park (38.10874, -122.84487) – From Petaluma, head west on D St. toward Pt. Reyes Station. Go north on Hwy.1 about 4 miles. You’ll see a sign for Millerton Point and big grove of Eucalyptus trees. Travel time from Petaluma is about 40 minutes. Free parking, picnic tables, pit toilet. Path from parking area to launch area, wheels can be helpful. Not usable at low tides due to mud.
Tomales Bay Nicks Cove (38.19973, -122.9215) – aka Miller Boat Launch (38.19973, -122.9215) – From Petaluma, head west on Washington St. It will turn into Bodega Ave. as it leaves town. Travel 9 miles and turn left on the Petaluma / Tomales Rd. (also marked as the Coast Guard Training Center). Drive 7 miles to Hwy 1. Turn left onto Hwy 1 and drive 3 miles south to Miller Park, also known as Nick’s Cove. Be prepared, this is a sharp right turn. Total travel time from Petaluma is approximately 35 minutes. Marin County Park. $5 launch/parking fee. Self pay machines. Toilets. http://www.marincounty.org/depts/pk/divisions/parks/main/info
Van Damme State Park (39.2737, -123.79081). Day-use fee. Toilets.
