Steelhead Beach Regional Park is known best for its beach access to the Russian River, but the 26-acre park offers a lot more than just water views. Several short trails can be connected to make a 0.9 mile loop through a forested area where you’ll walk under impressive cottonwoods, big leaf maple, Oregon ash, and other riparian species that create a genuinely peaceful canopy. The shade is substantial, which is nice if you’re visiting on a warm day with your dog in tow.

The park sits right on the river, so you’ll see plenty of water activity and wildlife. People fish seasonally here, and there’s a launch area for small craft like drift boats, kayaks, and canoes if you’re interested in paddling. The launch itself is gravel adjacent to the river’s edge—they recommend 4WD vehicles to get down there, which tells you something about the terrain. Beyond paddling and fishing, it’s an excellent spot for birding and just watching the river move. Bring binoculars if you’re into that.

At the parking area, you’ll find restrooms and picnic tables, so you can set up for lunch without heading elsewhere. The whole place has a working park feel rather than a manicured one, which means it’s accessible and genuine. Keep in mind there’s no lifeguard on duty if you’re thinking about swimming. Dogs need to stay leashed throughout the park, which makes sense given the combination of river access, wildlife, and other visitors.

A vehicle day use fee applies. The combination of shaded trail walking, river access, and picnic infrastructure makes this a solid choice if you’re exploring Forestville and want somewhere your dog can move around without being cooped up in the car.