Chris Edwards Author and Journalist

The Russian River near Guernville California.

The river takes its current name from Russian Ivan Kuskov of the Russian-American Company, who explored the river in the early 19th century and established the Fort Ross colony 10 mi (16 km) northwest of its mouth. The Russians called it the Slavyanka River (Славянка), meaning “Slav River”. They established three ranches near Fort Ross, one of which – the Kostromitinov Ranch – was along the Russian River near the mouth of Willow Creek.

The redwoods that lined its banks drew loggers to the river in the late 19th century. Now famous for rafting near the Bohemian town of Guernville.

Chris Edwards Napa July 15 2018