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Terrible rude staff. Do not go here. They called the cops on people who parked across the street because it upset them.
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Date of experience: May 2020
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Burkes Canoe Trips on the Russian River is a mainstay for Summer recreation on the river located off river road in Forestville. Parking is available. Small and Friendly operation.
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Date of experience: July 2019
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Burke’s Canoe This review is regarding a visit on Saturday on the 4th of July Weekend Location & Parking About 10 miles off the 101 on river road. There are big signs at the entrance to the parking lot that say “Burke’s Canoes.” We arrived at around 940am and there was still a lot of parking in the lot. About 30-45 minutes later the lot was full. Parking was free. Reservations & Check-in I called to reserve a canoe on the Tuesday before the Saturday we needed. No problems with getting one. In fact, when we went to get the canoe after check-in, there were sooooooo many canoes on the beach. During the call, I received a little run down on the rules and what to expect. One of the more important things is that everyone must be a good swimmer....and no dogs allowed. I was told that we can check-in between 9-11am, no later than 11am. Again, we arrived at 940am and the line was pretty long. It doubled about 30 minutes later. The check-in process is very inefficient - it took approximately one hour to actually be able to check-in. When you arrive at the counter you have to read & sign the waiver, pay, get rules and tips, get your paddles, etc. I wish they would have the waiver available online to read and fill out ahead of time. Or, at least have someone coming down the long line to have people read and fill out while waiting. After getting our paddles we walked down to the beach where the canoes were. There was no one to help get the canoes, we simply dragged a canoe from the beach to the water. The Canoes & Journey The canoes are metal and large. There are only two seats, one in the front and one in the back. The seats are metal with no cushion and no back. We brought our own seats/cushions. There is a lot of space between the seats for coolers and bags. Also, we saw people with a lawn chair in the middle for a 3rd person. There are many other canoes and people in rafts and inner tubes. It was a little stressful in some areas since it was my first time canoeing and and there were hundreds of obstacles along the river. Amenities There is a bathroom at the parking lot/check-in area. No bathrooms for the rest of the trip (a couple hours long). Bring your own drinks and food as well, no place to stop for food or drinks until 5 minutes to the end. There are many areas to stop and eat food - bring small chairs or cushions (we used what we used for our canoe seats) Tips The sun is blazing down on you - bring tons of sunscreen. Even though you think you won’t tip over, keep everything in waterproof bags. Throughout the trip there will be kids (and adults) who shoot you with powerful water guns.…
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Date of experience: July 2019
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Stood in line for over an hour with only 2 people checking in a huge crowd. When we did finally get our turn, the two ladies behind the counter we’re very short and rude. Once on the river, it’s literally 5 hrs of non-stop paddling with close to no river current to help you along. Extremely exhausting with VERY LITTLE RELAXATION.…
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Date of experience: June 2019
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My family and I have rented from Burke's Canoes at least twice every summer for the last 10 years. The price of the canoe has increased to $75 & the registration process can take up to 45 minutes . In addition, there are more people having Float parties ( I have seen the event posted as Float on the River on Facebook), therefore the river is more congested on the weekends. It is a challenge to bypass the mega floaters, especially when they tie themselves together and literally block the width of the river at certain points. I doubt I will be renting a canoe from Burke's on the weekend as it has become less enjoyable. …
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Date of experience: August 2018
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