California wine country's signature paddling river — the Russian flows 110 miles through Mendocino and Sonoma counties past vineyards, redwood groves, and sleepy river towns before reaching the Pacific at Jenner. Summer flows are mild enough for families and beginners, and the river is famous for its mid-river beach coves and warm-water swimming. The Alexander Valley run from Healdsburg to Guerneville is the classic summer float, while the lower river carves a redwood canyon to the sea.