Event Dates
From: Saturday, July 15, 2023
To: Saturday, July 15, 2023
It’s time to get your BEST floats out, form flotillas with all your friends and float down the Russian River!
It’s time to get your BEST floats out, form flotillas with all your friends and float down the Russian River!
- Guerneville is a popular weekend destination throughout the Summer season, so book your hotel early. Check out the Highlands Resort, rated “Exceptional” by guests with an outdoor pool, charming rooms and a wide range of amenities.
The River Float
- The Boys & Bears River Float is a great way to escape the city and leave San Francisco for the fresh air of Forestville.
- Spend a weekend in beautiful Russian River country and enjoy a fun day with friends a gay boys as you tube down the river at the annual Boys & Bears River Float. We recommend at least an overnight or two in beautiful Guerneville. Its just a 15 minute drive to Forestville.
The Route
- The annual route begins at Steelhead Beach, on 9000 River Rd, Forestville and ends at Sunset Beach on 11403 River Rd.
What to bring
- Bring your inflatable, sunblock, snacks and lots of water plus a floating water cooler (yes they are a thing!) and relax as you sail down one of the country’s most scenic river routes.
- Other things to consider: a rope – to connect your friends and keep your group intact, an electric pump and a waterproof speaker for your tunes.
Before and After
- The flotilla begins at 11pm and ends at 4pm. Begin your day with a great breakfast at Coffee Bazaar or try the Swedish pancakes at the River Inn Grill.
- Grab some snacks to go at the delicious deli, Big Bottom market.
- After the event head to Russian River Brewery for a cold brew, or grab an ice cream at Flavors Unlimited.
- For something more substantial visit Boon Eat and Drink, a trendy American bistro right on Min Street.
Other Floating Routes
If you can’t make the event, plan your own route, its great fun and Guerneville is one of the most gay-friendly destinations you can find, full of forst fun and outdoor excitement. Popular routes include:
- Steelhead Beach to Mother’s Beach
This is a roughly three-hour float. Steelhead has a large parking lot that runs down close to the launch point, making it easier to drop off tubes there.- Steelhead Beach to Sunset Beach
For a bit longer float than the last, add an hour or so to your trip by exiting at Sunset Beach instead of Mother’s.- Mother’s Beach to Sunset Beach
If you’re looking for a short-and-sweet trip, perhaps with kids, this is one is just an hour long. You can hang out at Sunset Beach post-float.- Sunset Beach to Johnson’s Beach
This float is more than six hours long. Just be prepared with a lot of sunscreen and water.- Vacation Beach to Monte Rio Beach
A solid 4.5-hour float, you can launch from Vacation Beach. Once at Monte Rio, you’ll find a concession stand serving up cold drinks, ice cream, and lunch options, including a burger that may be one of the best in town. Another plus: plenty of parking here for your shuttle vehicle.Recommended Hotels in Guerneville
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action
Applewood Inn , Cottages On River, Santa Nella House, The Woods Resort
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
The Stavrand is our editor’s choice
in Russian River with modern amenities
For further information and advice on
Boys & Bears River Float Facebook
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We have chosen hotels in Russian River that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & fun
Boasting a garden, terrace and views of garden, Highlands Resort is situated in Guerneville, 700 m from Pee Wee Golf and Arcade. There is an outdoor pool and guests can make use of free WiFi and free private parking. All rooms at the hotel are fitted with a seating area. At Highlands Resort the rooms come with a private bathroom.
Fern Grove Cottages features accommodation with free WiFi, BBQ facilities, free bikes and free private parking. A flat-screen TV with DVD player, private bathroom with a hairdryer, and a kitchen with microwave are available in certain units. A continental breakfast is available each morning at the bed and breakfast.
This gay friendly resort features an outdoor pool. Free Wi-Fi is available in all guest rooms. A microwave and coffee-making facilities are available in each room at The Woods Hotel and Cabins. Satellite TV is also provided. Cottages offer a full kitchen, living room, and fireplace. Gardens offer a relaxing atmosphere. Barbecue facilities are included
Private balconies or patios in every cottage and studio. It features a seasonal outdoor pool opened from Memorial Day through Labor Day and offers evening campfire and s’mores, weather permitting. Free WiFi is available. All room types offer a refrigerator, a coffee machine, a flat screen TV with cable channels, a heater, and an en suite bathroom.
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Expedia
We have chosen hotels in Russian River that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & fun
This smoke-free hotel features an outdoor pool, a meeting room, and a garden. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include barbecue grills and a picnic area. All 19 rooms offer free WiFi and free wired Internet, plus balconies or patios and TVs with cable channels.
An outdoor pool, concierge services, and tour/ticket assistance are available at this hotel. Free self parking. Additionally, a garden, barbecue grills, and a picnic area are onsite. All 33 rooms feature comforts like premium bedding and down comforters, refrigerators and microwaves. Free WiFi, flat-screen TVs with cable channels.
Highland Manor is a large Tudor-style home with a separate cottage and a Pool and Spa that will accommodate a family get together or group retreat of up to 12 people. It is nicely furnished for your pleasure and comfort with classic hardwood and tiled floors throughout. Offering 5 bathrooms and 5 bedrooms
Fun in the sun awaits here at Hank’s Hideaway, a great retreat for families and groups of friends! Everyone will love the private location, yet this home is still within walking distance to downtown Guerneville and Johnson’s Beach! Capturing s a youthful charm with new furniture and decor, burgers sizzling on the BBQ as you soak in the private hot tub. Dog-friendly