Located in the unincorporated town of Loleta, California, the Bear River Casino is a small gaming establishment run by a local Native American tribe. Though the area may be lacking in traditional urban landscapes, it is rich in environmental diversity, surrounded by Redwood forests, picturesque rivers, and an array of wildlife.
Open Sunday through Thursday from 10AM to 5AM and 24-hours on weekends, the Bear River Casino offers gaming pretty much whenever you want it. Choose from over 300 gaming machines or play on one of 10 tables. There are classic slot machines, video Poker and Blackjack, as well as new electronic gaming releases. Live gaming options include Blackjack and Poker. There’s even a separate Poker Den where you can take part in weekly tournaments.
Lodging options in the area are limited but high quality. Only eight minutes away is the Holiday Inn Express in the nearby town of Fortuna. Accommodations are standard and the rooms are exceptionally clean. For a more unique stay, try the Victorian Village Inn in Ferndale – a 10-minute drive from the casino. Each of the Inn’s 50 rooms is individually decorated and designed and equipped with wonderful and comfortable furniture.
Food is plentiful at Bear River Casino. For what staff call “the finest food on the north coast,” try the River’s Edge Restaurant at the casino. There are full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus and patrons of all ages are welcome. Quick food and great drinks can be found right off the casino floor at the Thirsty Bear Sports Bar, where a limited but adequate menu compliments a full bar.
If you’re looking to relax and get away from it all, this area of California is a great choice. Take a scenic drive up the Redwood Highway or watch the Bald Eagles at the shores of the Bear River. If you want to golf, there is a great 18-hole course in Fortuna where you can play amid the giant trees for which northern California is famous.
At night, Bear River Casino welcomes you with great entertainment. Sing like you’ve never sung before on Thursday Karaoke Nights. Thursdays are also Ladies’ Nights, so take advantage of discounted drinks. There is also live entertainment in the form of local and regional bands every weekend at 9PM, so don’t miss out.
If you want to take a day trip while you’re in the area, visit the California coast, where temperate rainforests meet the Pacific Ocean in a wondrous display of nature’s creativity.
To find the Bear River Casino, fly into Rohnerville Airport via Sacramento International Airport and take a 15-minute drive to Bear River Casino, 11 Bear Paws Way, Loleta, California 95551.
