Russian River

Pieta Creek to US 101 Bridge(Frog Woman Rock Run)

Difficulty	II+(III)
Length	5.4 mi
Avg Gradient	15 fpm
Gauge	Russian R Nr Cloverdale Ca
Flow Rate as of 1 hour	129 cfsbelow recommended
Reach Info Last Updated	November 6, 2023

River Description

This is commonly called the Frog Woman Rock section where the river flows by the base of a prominent volcanic bluff by this name. The largest rapid is also at the base of this bluff. Frog Woman Rock is the anglicized version of the local Pomo Indian name for this rock formation; it has been previously referred to by a derogatory name.

There are many alternate put-ins and take-outs here. The section from Pieta Creek to Comminsky Station is pretty flat except for Frog Woman Rock itself. You might consider entering at Comminsky instead. We often do the 1.5 Mile stretch from Comminsky to just below C-Turn. We feel that this short stretch has the best playing potential. There is a large turn-out from the freeway there and you will often see parked cars with racks on them.

You might also consider taking out at NACO or Preston. Both are considerably easier take-outs than the bridge. The bridge take out involves either private property (occasionally enforced) or a steep artificial talus slope. Take out (googlemap)

The Frog Woman Rock Rapid is the only true Class III here. It is considerably harder when the flow is below 300 or above 1500. Above 2000, it is probably a Class IV. You may scout this rapid from the road before you run it.

The 'C-Turn' rapid can be Class III-/III at flows greater than 700 or so CFS. Be sure to take the left-hand channel from the large pool above.

Warning - This section has had a number of trees (strainers) across the river in some years.

Frog Woman Rock is the angclicized version of original Pomo Indian name for this volcanic rock. In the Pomo language it is called Bi-tsin’ ma-ca Ka-be’ (Frog Woman Cliff). Frog Woman is an important figure in Pomo traditio

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River Features

Put In

Distance: 0 mi

Frog Woman Rock

Class: IIIDistance: 1 mi

Waterfall / Large Drop

This is the only Class III. The water drops significantly as it makes a large bend around a 500 foot high rock. There are several drops. The biggest involves fast manuvering around a large rock at low water. Above 1500 or so CFS, the rock forms a pretty much unavoidable hole.

Grave Yard

Class: II+Distance: 1.3 mi

Rapid

This is a relatively high gradient rock garden directly below Frog Woman Rock. The five-foot drop at the end is often called 'Tilden Falls.'

Comminsky Station Splat Rock

Distance: 2.5 mi

There is a great 'Splat Rock' just below the low-water bridge at Comminsky Station. Great fun.

The Room

Class: II+Distance: 2.7 mi

Rapid

The river splits around a large rock. The right-most channel takes you down a narrow 'Hallway' into 'The Room.' Splatrock and hole at the bottom.

The left channel is also fun if it isn't congested with strainers. Be careful.

Double-Drop

Class: II+Distance: 3 mi

Rapid

Two consecutive drops. Big rocks in mid stream. 2nd drop has a good play hole at moderate flows.

C-Turn

Class: II+Distance: 4 mi

Rapid

Actually two distinct drops. Take the left most branch after the big pool at 'Alcapulco' (Named for the big Pyramid Shaped diving rock on river right). The first is called 'The Ledge' and is a steep chute with a 2 - 3 ft drop. This is a hole at higher water.

After a short easy section, the left-side-stream merges with the main river for a congested rapid. Holes at moderate water, washed-out at high water.