LOWER WOHLER BRIDGE

Parking spaces are about as hard to find as swim suits at the little naturist enclave near Wohler Bridge, along the Russian River in Sonoma County. Still, it hasn't kept a few die-hard naturists from sunbathing, picnicking, and even skinny-dipping there in defiance of Sonoma's tough anti-nudity law. But visits by deputies to the little nude meadow in the woods next to the river only take place when complaints are received, according to Diana Nolan, of the Sonoma Sheriff's Department's Guerneville substation. "We don't have a patrol (for anti-nudity)," she says. Naturists walk upstream along a trail lined by trees and other vegetation to a small clearing used mainly by gays, plus a few others. "I see hikers, bikes, couples, and mixed singles," says Tom, a regular.

Sonoma County Water Agency land purchased from the family of the late actor Fred MacMurray in 1996.

From San Francisco, take Highway 101 north past Santa Rosa to River Road, then go west for 10 minutes to Wohler Road. Turn right onto Wohler and drive 1.4 miles to the bridge, continue across it, and look for parking. None may exist. A parking lot near the bridge was open seasonally, during the summer. Or park a half-mile or more before Wohler Bridge, on Wohler Road, past the long string of "Do Not Park" signs. You'll then need to walk toward the river. Or - better yet -- avoid parking hassles by visiting on a mountain bike. On the south side of the bridge, look for a steel fence and go through a green gate with a large Keep Clear sign. Walk or ride past the water facility. An all-weather gravel trail to the nude beach and beyond starts there. The Water Agency doesn't hassle bikers or hikers on the path. The walk from the gate to the nude beach is easy and takes maybe 15-20 minutes, with the path sloping down through a redwood forest next to the river. Where the trees end, you'll see a fork in the road. Follow the right fork to the meadow being used by nudists. A path there also leads down to a little beach. If you come to a water collection pumping area, it means you've gone too far on the trail and should turn around, retrace your steps, and look for the clearing.

Wohler's eighth-to-quarter-mile-long ribbon of flat, soft sand and river gravel is fun for sunbathing. Although boats, floats, and canoes are frequently passing the site, a few visitors occasionally wade in the water or set up a net and play naked volleyball in the clearing. However, the riverbank is eroding, so some nudists are now visiting Upper Wohler Bridge, another beach that is just upstream.

Many visitors are nude gay males. Expect several dozen users on the hottest weekend days, but usually just a few visitors.

Eroding beach; area subject to raids based on complaints; proximity of canoeists and other water craft users; path may be muddy following rainfall; garbage; tight parking; long walk from the parking area; possible poison oak if you don't stay on the trail and within clearing; gay cruising in meadow area.

UPPER WOHLER BRIDGE

Just upstream Lower Wohler Bridge, which has a decades-long tradition of nude use, another riverbank beach is starting to be used by clothing-optional sunbathing. "It looks like it's going to be a good replacement for the beach at Lower Wohler that is eroding," says a visitor. "And, better still, it's good for swimming."

Adds Redbeard, a poster on a naturist Internet message board who visited in April 2008: "It's worth checking out. It gets good sun throughout the day, yet is very secluded."

Sonoma County Water Agency land. See Lower Wohler Bridge for anti-nudity enforcement policy.

From San Francisco, take Highway 101 north past Santa Rosa to River Road, then go west for 10 minutes to Wohler Road. Turn right onto Wohler and drive 1.4 miles to the bridge, continue across it, and look for parking. Some readers have reported that no parking is available at Wohler. A lot near the bridge was open seasonally, during the summer. Or park a half-mile or more before Wohler Bridge, on Wohler Road, past the long string of "Do Not Park" signs. You'll then need to walk toward the river. Or avoid parking hassles by riding a mountain bike. On the south side of the bridge, look for a steel fence and go through a green gate with a large Keep Clear sign. Continue past the water facility. An all-weather gravel trail to the nude beach and beyond starts here. The Water Agency does not hassle bikers or hikers on the path. The walk from the gate to the nude beach is easy and takes maybe 15-20 minutes, with the path sloping down through a redwood forest next to the river. Where the trees end, you'll see a fork in the road. At the fork in the road, bear left. Take the path down and up, through some bay trees, until you arrive at a pump station. The trail to the newest Wohler Bridge Beach starts near a clump of bamboo at the northwest end of the pumphouse "mound." Follow it through the willows until it ends at a long, curved gravel beach. The main nude sunning area is to the right, with the best sand located at the downstream end of the beach.

Either end of the beach is good for suitless sunbathing, but the preferred sand is on the downstream side, where a regular visitor has cleared and leveled some nice spots. To find them, follow the trail next to the riverbank. "It's a nice secluded cove surrounded by willows," says a user.

A few visitors have been showing up, now that the word is out about the beach. But the site is often deserted. Gay cruising and a few incidents of public sex have been reported here.

Same as Lower Wohler Bridge, plus a longer walk; some public sex reported.

SUNSET BEACH

Sonoma's first nude beach is still its most popular swimming hole, with some of the deepest water on the Russian River. However, naked use seldom takes place. A few naturists can sometimes be found near the bushes at the top of the big hill of sand that rims the beach. "Guys will stand up in the bushes and be seen by canoeists," says Gregg. The site is known locally as Hacienda Beach. In the early morning, check for butterflies that often flutter along the water's edge. Sometimes, dozens of them cluster together next to the river.

Public access area of private property. For enforcement policy, see Lower Wohler Bridge.

From San Francisco, go north on Highway 101, passing Santa Rosa, to River Road. Take River Road west to its intersection with Sunset Avenue in the Hacienda District, which is east of Guerneville and 2.1 miles east of the Korbel Winery. Park where you see other cars pulled over on either side of River Road, then follow until you get to the third "No Parking" sign, where you'll find an easy path to the river. At the river, turn right and walk west (toward the ocean) about 100 feet. Just out of the woods, you'll come to a sandy hill usually frequented by a few people; the next beach you come to will be Sunset.

Sunset is a sloping beach with nice, deep water. It's a great place to take a dip and cool off. Visitors love to bring their dogs to the beach. The walk to the quarter mile long site will take you through some beautiful trees and greenery.

We counted around 15 visitors, including families and children, plus a few dogs, on the beach or in the water on a sunny weekend. Most users are suited.

Proximity of canoeists; rocks in river (wear shoes); area subject to visits by deputies; parking on Sunset Avenue prohibited; nude use usually limited to bushes at top of beach.

ODD FELLOWS BRIDGE

Despite the county's anti-nudity laws and the efforts of a family that says it's owned the land since 1853, yet another small, out of the way nude beach has been emerging in Sonoma County. According to posts on the Nudist-Resorts.org bulletin board, small numbers of single people, couples, and families have been sunbathing naked at a beach near Odd Fellows Bridge, between Guerneville and Sunset Beach, on the Russian River. The site is just east of Korbel Winery. One writer says he's "been frequenting this hidden little beach" for four years "and it has become one of my favorites." He says that the "road is closed during winter, the bridge is removed in October, and replaced in May or June. Because of this, the beach area is rarely occupied." But, he adds, on warm spring weekends before the road is reopened, it isn't unusual to see "several couples and even families go nude there." Once summer arrives, though, more clothed people, traffic, and canoeists converge here. He remembers camping nude on the beach in spring 2004: "I felt so privileged." In July 2005, he camped there again. "I had the beach pretty much to myself," he writes. "The two couples that came through went nude also. Had a very peaceful time. The weather was perfect, and so was the water." Lately, a visitor who calls himself Redbeard has been grooming the site. In March 2008, he reported that "a large bay tree" washed onto the beach, "diminishing its size, but opening a clearing behind it." He then cleared the area of debris, cut some steps into the bank, and cleaned up "more spots" in the area. Redbeard said he'd found at least four locations on the sand that are big and soft enough to hold a blanket. Rains washed away a small edge of the beach, but they also caused even more foliage, including some willow trees, to grow, which has been helping shield the site from passing canoeists.

Meanwhile, a person who claims their family owns the beach says "Odd Fellows Beach is private property." The family apparently puts up "No Trespassing" signs, but, adds the family member, "every year folks tear (it) down ... litter, camp, and show no respect for the river or the land."

Unknown. Claimed to be private property, but, as is the case at some of the Russian River sites, portions may be public access area of private property. On June 1, 2008, a visitor named Dave found a new "No Trespassing" sign had been erected on a nearby trail. See Lower Wohler Bridge for law enforcement policy.

From Santa Rosa, go north on Highway 101 to River Road. Then follow River Road west, passing Wohler Road and Sunset Avenue, in the Hacienda District. After Sunset, River Road winds until it eventually curves past Korbel Winery. Check for Odd Fellows Park Road, which, if you're headed west, is the last street on the left before Korbel. Turn left onto Odd Fellows. Take it to Odd Fellows Bridge and park. If the bridge is not in place (it's there in late spring and summer), park at the end of the road. Walk to the last "Do Not Park" sign on your right. Follow the little trail that begins there as it goes up the embankment, staying on it as it heads to the right and takes you to the beach.

The beach curves and has a grove of willows that help keep it obscured from the view of passing canoeists or gawkers. In May or June, after the bridge is put back in place and traffic increases, clothing-optional visitors sometimes move to a nearby site, about .25 mile upstream, for more secluded tanning. "For the adventurous types, there is a clearing and meadow, big enough for Frisbee, on a private lot above," says Redbeard.

Probably just you, but there may be a few other visitors.

Family that says it owns the site is asking naturists to stay away; see Wohler Bridge for anti-nudity enforcement policy. Due to increased traffic and canoeists, may be difficult to sunbathe nude here in the summer.

BLANKET BEACH

San Francisco has America's longest running musical revue, Beach Blanket Babylon, but the Russian River has the real Blanket Beach. "It's only big enough for a single blanket," says a regular visitor. Even so, there are usually a few visitors at this sandy riverbank. During the summer, it gets frequent nude use by sunbathers and swimmers. Best time to check it out: weekdays. On weekends, it's mostly a clothed beach used by spillovers from Sunset Beach -- usually a family or two who wander down the trail from Sunset and discover it.

Public access land of private property. For enforcement policy, see Lower Wohler Bridge.

Blanket Beach is so small that it's easy to miss. But if you look carefully, you should be able to find this great little spot. From Sunset Beach (see above), walk downstream about an eighth of a mile (toward the ocean, or if you are facing the river, to the right) to a small beach. If you arrive at The Rocks (see next entry), a quarter mile from Sunset, then you have passed Blanket Beach.

A sandy riverbank that's so small it can hold a single, average-size blanket.

Expect a handful of nude visitors on warm summer weekdays. On weekends, a clothed family or two -- but no nudists -- will usually be present.

Area subject to visits by deputies upon complaint; only holds a few people; needs better directions; nude use usually restricted to weekdays.

THE ROCKS

Used for a variety of activities, including diving, sunbathing, swimming, reading, and just kicking back, The Rocks is a little sun-washed site just downstream from Sunset Beach. If you jump off the rocks here, please use caution.

Public access land of private property. See Lower Wohler Bridge for enforcement policy.

Follow the trail from Sunset (see above) downstream about a quarter mile.

A 200-foot-long sandy riverbank that has high rocks on one side, plus a deep swimming hole. Some visitors dive or jump off the rocks.

"It's used by a mix of men, women, and couples," says Tom, a frequent visitor. "No citations have ever been issued at this beach to my knowledge." Best time to visit is late on weekdays. The rest of the time, says Tom, "it's pretty busy with clothed vacation users."

Area subject to visits by deputies; nude use usually limited to weekdays; needs better directions.

ELSEWHERE ON THE RUSSIAN RIVER

Several sandy areas along the Russian River attract skinny-dippers who like to start their own clothing-optional sunbathing sites. The best way to find such a spot: simply walk along the river's edge or a nearby path or paddle upstream or downstream. Places that are fully or partially shielded from public view work best. If local residents or passing river users complain, then you may be cited, so please use these hangouts with discretion.

Public access areas of private land. For policy, see Lower Wohler Bridge.

From San Francisco, take Highway 101 north to Healdsburg, north of Santa Rosa. Favorite skinny-dipping locales that have not been raided often include the riverbanks off North Fitch Mountain Road and West Side Road, which parallels the Russian River between Guerneville and Healdsburg, and Steelhead Beach, across form the Rusty Nail Bar, in the Mirabel area of Guerneville. Reader Doug wrote us, saying, "As long as people are well behaved, the locals don't mind" topless and nude sunbathing off a hard to find path near 2500 North Fitch Mountain Road. We investigated and were told by operators of a parking lot at 2636 North Fitch Mountain that nudists seldom appear and when they do local residents are quick to call deputies.

Sandy stretches of riverbank, except off North Fitch, which is a mix of gravel and sand.

It will probably be just you!

Needs better directions; areas open to view by canoeists; possible raids by deputies; limited parking on North Fitch Mountain Road and elsewhere.

CAZADERO

The Russian River town of Cazadero has more than a half dozen skinny-dipping holes used by the owners, their families, and some of their friends and neighbors. As the word about these areas has filtered out, the owners of the private land around the holes have been trying to run any visitors they don't know off the properties, so that they will remain trash- and noise-free.

The area around the holes is private property. But what about the water? It's a murky question. "Many property owners claim the water to the middle of the river as their property," says Sonoma County Sheriff's Deputy Gregg Paul. Lawyers who have researched these claims say that "if you can kayak or paddle to a swimming hole, you can use it, but not the riverbank," adds Paul. "But if you can't paddle to it, it's private property." When called to the scene, deputies usually try to avoid the controversy by urging visitors to leave. See Lower Wohler Bridge for policy. If you have any questions about legal issues, we suggest you contact local authorities.

From San Francisco, take Highway 101 north, past Santa Rosa, to River Road. Follow River Road and Highway 116 west through Guernveille to the cutoff for Cazadero, which is called Austin Creek Road. Turn left on Cazadero. Hole one: In town, take Fort Ross Road west past Neistrath Road to Bohan Dillon Road. (If you get to Meyers Grade Road, you've gone three miles too far.) Turn right on Bohan Dillon, a dirt road that crosses a bridge. Park in the meadow just before the bridge. Take the little trail that starts there through the trees and bushes to the riverbank. Hole two: Look for cars pulled over off Kings Ridge Road, which heads north from Cazadero.

Little riverside swimming holes, usually ringed by private land.

Use varies, but is often limited to just a few people, even on the hottest days. More often, such places are deserted.

You'll probably be visited or cited by a deputy if the owner of the property or a family member, friend, or passerby complains; trash; noise; needs better directions.