Tall, colorful trees caress the hills
that frame the normally gently flowing Russian River in Monte Rio.
Monte Rio is a place of serenity and beauty. Sit under an umbrella along
the banks of the river and watch the day go by. Go to a movie at the theater
or dine at one of the fantastic restaurants in this neck of the woods.
Monte Rio is 4 miles west Guerneville on Highway 116 and 7 miles north
of Occidental. Located in Sonoma County, this unincorporated community
enjoys a year round mild climate and less fog than coastal counterparts
eight miles away.
First named Montrio in 1902, the town boasted
a valuable rail route that tied the region to nearby Marin County locations.
The railroad stop included a hotel and restaurant for overnight lodgings.
As word of the beautiful region spread, vacationers began coming for rest
and relaxation in the early 1920's. In 1924, the local postal service renamed
the community to Monte Rio. A wave of tourism established the community
as a destination for several decades. One seven story hotel touted "every
floor is a ground floor." Guests road paddle wheel boats along the lazy
river and also enjoyed kayaking and canoes. They took hikes, took
naps and danced at night along the crowded streets of town.
Previous to this time, it is believed that
the coastal Miwok and valley Pomo people who lived along the Shabaikai
river and its adjacent land for centuries enjoyed a bounty of fish and
food from the river and sea here. They were said to be a harmonious group
that shared their wealth. When Russian trappers arrived in canoes
in the 19th century, the intruders trapped and killed
beaver in large quantities. They changed the landscape forever, hurting
the local ecosystem and destroying valuable natural resources that Miwok
people relied on.
Today Monte Rio includes a mix of residential
and vacation guests. Though well over an hour north of the City of San
Francisco, commuters work in the city and return home to banks of the Russian
River daily to experience the solitude this piece of paradise offers. Life
is not boring in Monte Rio, however. Annual events include the
Memorial Day Barbecue, Water Carnival Weekend and Big Rocky Games, 4th
of July Fireworks display, Pegasus Theater Presents and many community
fund raising activities. Year round activities include the attractions
enjoyed for centuries by even the Miwok. Hiking, fishing and other river
oriented sports continue to delight those who call Monte Rio home for a
day, week or lifetime.
