Your Journey Begins Here
Follow these routes to reach the stunning Gualala River. Take your time, drive safely, and enjoy every scenic mile along the way.
Routes to the River
From San Francisco & Bay Area — The Express Route
Via Petaluma-Bodega Highway: Head north on Highway 101 toward Petaluma. Exit at East Washington and travel west, crossing the freeway through downtown Petaluma toward Bodega Bay along the coast. Highway 1 merges with Petaluma-Bodega Highway midway. From Bodega Bay, continue north on Highway 1 for approximately 20 minutes to Jenner (where the Russian River meets the ocean), then drive one hour north to Gualala. Total driving time: 2.5 to 3 hours from the Golden Gate or Richmond/San Rafael Bridge, traffic dependent.
The Coastal Experience
Shoreline Highway 1 North: From Highway 101, take the Mill Valley/Shoreline Highway 1 exit. Follow Highway 1 north through enchanting coastal towns including Muir Beach, Stinson Beach, Olema, Point Reyes Station, Marshall, and Tomales before connecting with the Petaluma-Bodega Highway route described above. This journey takes 3 to 3.5 hours with plenty of curves—bring your Dramamine if you're prone to motion sickness! The spectacular ocean vistas and pastoral countryside make every twist worthwhile.
From Eureka & Northern California via Highway 101
The All-Scenic Route: Travel south on Highway 101 to just below Ukiah. Take Highway 253 west to Boonville, then choose: Option A: Follow Highway 128 through Anderson Valley to the coast at Navarro River, connecting with Highway 1. Turn left (south) on Highway 1, passing through Elk, Irish Beach, Manchester, and Point Arena to Gualala. Option B: Take Mountain View Road west to just north of Point Arena—a narrow, winding, beautifully scenic route with steep grades (not recommended for RVs).
From Sacramento Valley via Highway 80
Two Connection Options: Travel south on Highway 80, then: Option A: Take Highway 37 (above Vallejo) west to Highway 101, then follow the Bay Area directions above. Option B: Take Highway 12 west below Cordelia, continue on 12 to 29 (bypassing Napa), then 12/121 to 116, reaching 101 at Petaluma. From Petaluma, follow the Express Route directions.
From Northern California via Highway 5
Over the Coastal Range: Travel south on Highway 5 to Highway 20. Head west through Williams and over the coastal mountains around Clear Lake to Highway 101. Go south on 101 to just below Ukiah, then follow either option from the Eureka/Northern California route above.