Situated west of the Redwood Highway, Highway 101, in the heart of the coastal foothills lies the Russian River Basin. About 100 miles north of San Francisco and about 40 miles from Santa Rosa, California, the Russian River Basin is a haven for those who love sight-seeing, hiking and rafting. Regarded as the gateway to the redwoods, the Russian River Basin boasts a Mediterranean-like climate in the summer, rarely getting above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters on the other hand can be chilly, down into the 30-degree Fahrenheit range.
The area around the Russian River Basin was first settled about 4000 to 5000 B.C. by the Pomo Indians. The area remain virtually unchanged and rich in both flora and fauna until 1775 when a Spaniard by the name of Juan Francisco de Bodega y Cuadro discovered near-by Bodega Bay California. After discovering how rich and fertile the Russian River Basin was, the Spaniards could not resist the temptation to develop the area. The region was dominated by the Spaniards until 1808 when Russian immigrants began settling in the area seeking to take advantage of the abundant wild-life and improving their fur-trade. Finally after the discovery of gold in 1849, the Russian River Basin was developed further since the demand for timber and agricultural products heightened.
Directly across from the Russian River in the town of Guerneville you will find the Russian River Studios. This motel offers Internet access and is adjacent to a number of nearby tourist hotspots including pubs, restaurants, wineries and shopping. It is a smoke-free motel and no pets are allowed.
Located in Healdsburg California, nearby to the Russian River, is America's Best Value Inn. This spacious inn features many amenities to make you feel right at home, including air conditions, whirlpool tubs (some available in-room), a heated pool, Internet access, RV parking and cable TV. America's Best Value Inn is just minutes away from about a dozen wineries and various sight-seeing areas for boating, fishing, hiking and swimming. Reservations are recommended, especially during the summer season.
