1.
El Mariachi Cafe โ Lower Old Barn Trail loop from Occidental
28.1km
02:39
760m
760m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
By Fede from komoot
ยท
Updated May 28, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan mountain biking around Forestville, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many trails and paths crisscrossing the Russian River Valley, it's tough to figure out which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed these routes, and we've distilled all that local knowledge into a curated shortlist. Consider this your shortcut to the best dirt Forestville has to offer.
Mountain biking here is all about diverse landscapes. You'll find yourself pedaling through stunning redwood forests, past lush vineyards, and along the scenic Russian River. The terrain offers a fantastic mix, from gentle valley floors to more demanding climbs in the rolling hills, ensuring there's something for every skill level. Itโs a region that truly rewards exploration, with trails ranging from moderate to difficult.
If you only have time for one ride, we'd point you straight to the El Mariachi Cafe โ Lower Old Barn Trail loop from Occidental. At 17.5 miles (28.1 km), itโs a moderate route that gives you a real taste of the varied terrain and elevation changes that make Forestville special. For something a bit shorter but equally rewarding, especially if you're looking for a local favorite with great views, check out the Dutch Bill Creek Trail โ Westminster Woods loop from Occidental, a moderate 20.7 miles (33.3 km) ride. With more than a few dozen mountain bikers already exploring these routes on komoot, you're in good company.
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Mariachi Cafe โ Lower Old Barn Trail loop from Occidental | 28.1ย km | 760ย m | Moderate |
| El Mariachi Cafe loop from Occidental | 25.4ย km | 650ย m | Moderate |
| Westminster Woods โ Monte Rio Creekside Park loop from Occidental | 70.3ย km | 1,210ย m | Hard |
| Dutch Bill Creek Trail โ Westminster Woods loop from Occidental | 33.3ย km | 620ย m | Moderate |
| Gleason Beach โ Salmon Creek Beach loop from Monte Rio | 59.4ย km | 560ย m | Moderate |
| Korbel Delicatessen & Market โ Moscow Rd back route loop from River Rd & Westside Rd | 56.2ย km | 670ย m | Moderate |
| West Dry Creek Road โ Chalk Hill loop from Sonoma County Airport | 88.0ย km | 580ย m | Moderate |
| Monte Rio Creekside Park โ Westminster Woods loop from Monte Rio | 31.6ย km | 630ย m | Moderate |
| Viewpoint โ Shiloh Ranch Regional Park loop from Shiloh Ranch Regional Park | 5.24ย km | 150ย m | Easy |
Sign up to see all 9 routes
Sign up for free
28.1km
02:39
760m
760m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
25.4km
02:22
650m
650m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
70.3km
05:13
1,210m
1,210m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route

Sign up for free
33.3km
02:35
620m
620m
The Dutch Bill Creek Trail โ Westminster Woods loop from Occidental offers a dynamic mountain biking experience through Sonoma County's varied terrain. You'll navigate rolling hills, dense woodlands, and fire roads, with sections of singletrack winding through majestic redwood groves, particularly around Westminster Woods. The route provides a good mix of challenging ascents and rewarding descents, making it a solid choice for riders who appreciate diverse scenery and a good workout.
This moderate 20.7-mile (33.3 km) loop involves a significant 2025 feet (617 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 34 minutes to complete. While the dedicated Dutch Bill Creek Trail is pedestrian-only, the broader Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Open Space Preserve, where this route largely lies, has an extensive network of trails open to mountain bikers. It's recommended to ride into the park from Occidental and always consult current park maps for specific trail designations.
This area is a growing mountain biking destination, with recent expansions to the Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park adding more trails and logging roads. The region's appeal lies in its blend of natural beauty, including redwood forests and potential coastal views, and its diverse terrain suitable for experienced riders. The route's difficulty and length make it ideal for those seeking a substantial ride rather than a casual spin.
View route
59.4km
03:25
560m
560m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
56.2km
03:33
670m
670m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
88.0km
04:55
580m
580m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
31.6km
02:31
630m
630m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
5.24km
00:33
150m
150m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Some segments along Bohemian Highway have trail options, but not for long. There are many access points to get to the creek for a break.
0
0
Nice wide dirt trail among towering redwoods. Initially flat, then gradually climbing, tough with switchbacks more gradual than the parallel gravel road and quite flowy
0
0
Small beach park in a bend of Russian River at the Villa Grande next to Rio Vista.
0
0
The recreated western town now houses restaurants, a General Store, and various smaller boutiques.
0
0
Just after the turnoff a trail goes left parallel to the State Park road. It leads down to the foot of Peaked Hill, then continues north along the cliffs to Blind Beach and Goat Rock Beach, with views of an arch in the ocean.
0
0
Great views into the Russian River estuary. Just before the Bridge on the south side is a store for resupply and food. The small Willow Creek Road before the bridge to the north follows the river's south side with great views and access to trails up the mountain.
0
0
The largest beach between Bodega Bay and Jenner, Wright's is the Southern Terminus of the Kortum trail, a rugged coastal single track that runs north from the end of the paved beach access. At low tide the sand along the waterline is firm enough for biking as well. Wright's Beach has picnic facilities and restrooms for a break along the ride, as a starting point. For overnight stays, the campground has over 25 oceanside campsites.
0
0
There are 7 mountain bike trails documented on komoot around Forestville. These routes offer a range of experiences, from moderate to difficult, catering to different skill levels.
Yes, for those looking for an easier ride, the Shiloh Ranch Regional Park โ Viewpoint loop from Shiloh Ranch Regional Park is a great option. It's a 5.8-mile (9.4 km) trail that can typically be completed in about 1 hour 2 minutes, offering a pleasant experience through Shiloh Ranch Regional Park.
For longer rides, consider the West Dry Creek Road โ Jimtown Store loop from Sonoma County Airport, which spans 54.2 miles (87.2 km) and is a moderate route. Another challenging long-distance option is the Duncan Mills โ Duncan Mills Railroad Museum loop from Occidental, covering 43.9 miles (70.7 km) with significant elevation changes.
Mountain biking around Forestville features diverse terrain, including regional parks, creek roads, and varied landscapes. Riders will encounter a mix of challenging climbs and more relaxed paths, traversing through natural areas. The topography supports a range of experiences, from scenic loops to more demanding trails.
Many trails in the region offer scenic views. The Shiloh Ranch Regional Park โ Viewpoint loop from Shiloh Ranch Regional Park is specifically highlighted for its viewpoint, providing picturesque vistas of the surrounding area.
The mountain bike routes in Forestville are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from several reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain and the engaging nature of the trails, making for a dynamic off-road cycling experience.
Yes, many of the trails around Forestville are designed as loops. Examples include the popular El Mariachi Cafe โ Lower Old Barn Trail loop from Occidental and the Duncan Mills โ Duncan Mills Railroad Museum loop from Monte Rio, both offering complete circular journeys.
While mountain biking, you can explore several nearby attractions. These include the Joe Rodota Trail: Santa Rosa to Sebastopol ๐ด, the Santa Rosa Creek Trail, and the town of Sebastopol. The Wohler Road Bridge is also a notable landmark in the vicinity.
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Forestville area offers difficult routes. The Duncan Mills โ Duncan Mills Railroad Museum loop from Occidental is one such trail, featuring significant elevation changes and a substantial distance of 43.9 miles (70.7 km).
The region generally offers good conditions for mountain biking for much of the year. However, it's always advisable to check local weather forecasts and trail conditions, especially during the wetter winter months, as some trails may become muddy or less accessible.
While specific public transport access points for individual trails are not detailed, many regional parks and trailheads are typically accessed by car. It's recommended to check local public transportation schedules and routes for connections to Forestville and specific trail starting points if you plan to use public transport.
Many of the mountain bike trails in Forestville are located within or near regional parks, such as Shiloh Ranch Regional Park. These parks typically offer designated parking areas for visitors. For routes starting from towns like Occidental or Monte Rio, street parking or public lots may be available, but it's always good to check local signage.


Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.