Turn to The River: a guided paddle tour

The future is NOW for the Petaluma River, the historic Sonoma County waterway credited for the birth, growth, and lasting relevance of the charming Bay Area city of Petaluma, California.

Just 40 miles north of San Francisco, let us take you on a journey through the past, present, and future of the long & winding “saltwater highway” that brought Petaluma to life and continues to support how we live and play today. This tidal slough—the Petaluma River—inspired generations of immigrants to conceive of industrial and pastoral innovations that shaped the history of the entire San Francisco Bay area and beyond.

G.P. McNear, son of Petaluma pioneer August McNear, stands in front of Petaluma’s “first boathouse” with his single scull. (1910)

From the days of the Gold Rush to the present moment, the Petaluma River has beckoned miners and farmers, industrialists and solopreneurs, visionaries and ecologists to imagine new ways of interacting with this place. It remains an ever-changing connector between wetlands and city, land and water, past and future. Book your seat today on this fascinating guided kayak tour—$75 per person includes all gear, an experienced guide, and post-paddle perks at local businesses.

Build your understanding of the deep connection between this inland community and its life-giving waterway, the Petaluma River! We give landmarks like The River House their own voice!