North of Santa Rosa, you can canoe in the Russian River past lovely vineyards. More than 50 wineries are clustered along the river's banks in the Russian River Valley. Hike the nature trail in Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve near Guerneville, which is home to many of the Russian River area's resorts and restaurants. Monte Rio features riverfront beaches, romantic inns, and interesting shops and restaurants. Farther north on the coast is Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve, where flowers bloom from April to June.
Lake County is a family resort community.
People come here to enjoy the water sports on Clear Lake, California's largest natural lake. Another popular pastime is sampling the wines produced by the county's six wineries. One once was owned by 19th-century British actress Lillie Langtry, a friend of Oscar Wilde. While in Lake County, be sure to sample a Bartlett pear, produced by one of the many area orchards. The trees within The Humboldt State Park are part of the largest remaining forest of virgin redwood trees in the world.