Whether you want to fish, tube, swim, or just enjoy the sounds and sights of a river, Northern California is home to many of them. You’ll also find riverfront vacation rentals that provide all of that right out your door. From the Russian River to the Wild & Scenic South Yuba River, these are some of the very best available for an unforgettable escape.
River Edge Retreat - Duncan Mills
This cabin is located right on the Russian River in the small town of Duncan Mills. It’s just five miles inland from the Sonoma Coast, making it easy to enjoy the river while being a short drive from the Pacific and plenty of wineries too. Ideal for a couple or small family, sleeping up to three, it includes a floating dock for easy access to the river and a large deck with a fire pit to relax while enjoying the picturesque view and wildlife that wanders by. Sipping your morning coffee as you watch the sunrise over the often mist-enshrouded waters is the perfect way to start the day. The cabin has an open studio-size floor plan, a wood-burning stove, a compact but well-equipped kitchen with a coffee maker, and a Denon & Focal stereo system for listening to tunes indoors or out. A collection of vinyl is provided too.
Cosmo Beach Riverfront Sanctuary - Forestville
Located on a 1.5-acre property in the Russian River Valley, this enchanting one-bedroom home accommodates up to four guests and sits right along the river, providing views of the water and the redwoods. A river park and four beaches are just steps away, while the beautiful property also includes fruit trees and grapevines. The house is small, but it’s private and gets lots of natural light while boasting some impressive features, like a hot tub and decks for relaxing, a fireplace to cozy up to, and a fantastic kitchen. Wi-Fi and an HDTV with Chromecast, Netflix, standard cable, and Amazon Prime Video are provided too.
Winter Way Cabin - Strawberry
The Winter Way Cabin isn’t just for enjoying the snow. Not only is it close to Pinecrest Lake, but it has a large deck where you can enjoy views of the South Fork of the Stanislaus River or even cast your line to catch your dinner. The peace and quiet, interrupted only by the sounds of the rushing water, make this a fabulous haven no matter what your plans. There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and a hot tub where you can relax with a view afterward. The three-bedroom cabin itself accommodates up to eight and includes a wood-burning stove, TV with cable channels and a DVD player with a collection of older movies.
River’s Edge Cottage/A Magical Riverfront Gem - Kernville
The River’s Edge is a two-bedroom rental for four offering private access to the Kern River along with gorgeous river and Sierra Mountain views. You’ll have the entire lower riverside level of a larger two-story house, with the upper portion left unoccupied so that you can enjoy it all to yourself. It includes a well-stocked kitchenette and a gas BBQ grill along with a large patio for dining alfresco. The wood fireplace is ideal for chillier evenings or simply enjoying the ambiance. Along with fun on the river, including fly fishing, kayaking, rafting, and paddle boarding, there are trails nearby for hiking and mountain biking.
Two-Story Riverfront Home w/ Beautiful Kitchen & Private Hot Tub - Salyer
This stunning riverfront home sits on nearly three acres, located about 45 minutes from the coast, southeast of Redwood National and State Parks. It sits right on the Trinity River boasting breathtaking river views from every window and the furnished deck. Filled with luxuries, the floors are made with madrone, hickory, and tumbled limestone. It has a high-end kitchen, and spaces for dining indoors or out. The main living area has floor-to-ceiling windows and a wood-burning fireplace. Upstairs is another living area with a flatscreen TV for movie nights. The outdoor private hot tub is a definite highlight. You’ll want to spend some time soaking after dark as the stargazing is incredible.
Newberry House Gorgeous Views! Peaceful, Relaxing - Lewiston
Enjoy a tranquil escape from this two-bedroom rental that’s just 40 minutes from Redding, overlooking the Trinity River near the town of Lewiston. You’ll have a gorgeous view of the water and forested mountains from the porch with access to the water just a quarter-mile away. It accommodates up to four guests in two bedrooms and has a full kitchen with seasonings and cooking oil, as well as a charcoal BBQ grill. Dine in or out, enjoying the view and the breeze off the river. You’ll also have Wi-Fi, TV, and a fireplace.
The Emerald Outpost - Off-Grid Gateway to SRNF - Del Norte County
Perfect for the adventurous solo traveler or couple, this cozy cabin offers a very private and remote off-grid stay. It sits on a 12-acre forested property, surrounded by Six Rivers National Forest land with no neighbors in site, while a private swimming hole with crystal-clear water in year-round Jones Creek is only steps away. Other swimming holes can be enjoyed two miles away on the Wild & Scenic Smith River.
This is a place to truly get away from it all, including your electronic gadgets, while immersing yourself in nature. It’s more of a camping/glamping stay, meaning you’ll need to bring your own bedding or sleeping bags, drinking water, food, an ice chest, toiletries, etc. Some camping-type items are included, like a propane camp burner with propane and matches, a composting toilet, and an outdoor hot water shower system.
River Retreat Oakdale - 2 Hrs to Yosemite or San Francisco - Oakdale
A three-bedroom home for up to eight guests, this rental comes with its own private beach and even a campground right along the Stanislaus River. There’s a wrap-around deck that sits above the trees providing spectacular views and you’ll have your own hot tub too. Watch for wildlife, including all sorts of bird species, fox, and deer, with binoculars and scopes on the window ledge for a close-up view. You’ll have a well-stocked kitchen, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and a washer/dryer too.
River Life - Dunsmuir
A large country home just steps from the Sacramento River and a beach in beautiful Dunsmuir, this section of the river is a blue-ribbon trout stream, making it ideal for those who fly fish. It’s the perfect place to enjoy “River Life,” accommodating a large group of up to eight in four bedrooms. Enjoy awe-inspiring views from many windows and the large deck with waterfalls only a short walk away. Botanical gardens, a local brewery, and restaurants are nearby too.
Romantic Woodland Cabin - Nevada City
Located in Nevada City, often named among California’s best small towns, the Romantic Woodland Cabin offers the ultimate escape in the Sierra foothills. It’s surrounded by trees, set above Rock Creek with large granite flat rocks for sunbathing, waterfalls, and private swimming holes. You’ll be able to enjoy the sounds of the water and the songs of the birds, away from the noise of traffic. The cabin is a cozy, 650-square-foot space on a private 30-acre property with pines, cedars, madrones, and oaks. French doors open onto multi-leveled decks in the back overlooking the creek. In the summer, you’ll have private access to the Lover’s Pool creek area with floats, chaise lounges, an umbrella, and chairs.
Truckee River House, Beautiful Views, Riverfront Retreat, Flyfishing, Skiing - Truckee
This four-bedroom riverfront home accommodates 10 guests, located along the Truckee River, a blue-ribbon fishing stream close to Donner Lake, Lake Tahoe, and the Tahoe National Forest. The original structure was built in the 1890s, but it’s been fully renovated to provide a mix of historic character and modern amenities while enjoying fishing, paddling, swimming, hiking, and climbing right outside your door. Or simply relax and recharge while surrounded by the peace and tranquility of nature. The living room has lots of comfy furniture, a fireplace, and a 40″ flat-screen TV with a deluxe ATT TV package with DVR and AppleTV. There’s a full gourmet kitchen, a whirlpool bath, and a long list of other impressive amenities.
