Russian River Estuary
Sharing the best ways to view since 1987
Protected Wildlife Habitat
Marine Protected Area: Ocean and River Nursery
Bald Eagle, Seal Pups, Otter, Whale, Many Birds
Deadly River Mouth Flood Currents:
"Stay back at least 150 feet" from resting or feeding wildlife / Red Flag Limit
"Feeding and Disturbing Wildlife Prohibited"
Fall into Spring: Currents upstream: Often swift when the more lake like tidal estuary remains calm
Estuary Forecast: 11/21/24
Free dry bag and thin outerwear use
Reservations Required : Call
Walk-up Reservations may have wait times
Thur-Thur: Heavy Cold Rain raises river levels and currents above beginner friendly levels. Closed
Clears, warms for Thanksgiving break: The warmest time each day is between 10AM and 4PM. River currents may remain swift with dam releases. River Current Watch: We reopen below 9ft at Guerneville. Check back for updates
Ocean Tides: Goat Rock Beach
See our safety page for conditions apps.
We use 4 apps. No Forecast correctly covers all aspects.
Forecasts can and do change. Therefore, nobody can be held responsible for full forecast accuracy.
Periodic weather and water limitations.
Wildlife Viewing and Safety
Russian River Estuary "Marine Protected Area"
and "Managed Recreation Area"
Sharing the best ways to view since 1987
Welcome to the Wildlife Nursery!
The River Mouth Area and it's hazardous currents are easy to avoid. We share the best ways, and best times, to enjoy the estuary and to view the wildlife.
"Know Before You Go"
Wildlife Nursery for...
One of the Most Biologically Dense and Diverse
Coastal Habitats on our Planet.
State, Federal, and United Nations
Protected Status
The wildlife are easy to view without disturbing their vital biological needs. We show you where and how to view them.
Please do not disturb and help us report sick or dying wildlife. Sea Birds and Harbor Seals are particularly sensitive to human disturbance at this time. Sharing photos of them and their location is the best way to help us report.
The Following information is "Mandatory" for all visitors to the nursery.
We interpret during guided tours
and prior to rental launches.
Wildlife Viewing and Safety
Russian River Estuary Marine Protected Area
"Know Before You Go"
A State Park "Business Access by Permit Only" Location.
Additional insurance and operational fees.
All operational and lifeguard fees are included in our reasonable prices.
Client Monitoring For “State Marine Recreation Management Area”
"We value your safety and enjoyment, as well as
the integrity of our education and research programs".
Please Respect the Recommendations of our Staff,
Local Regulations, our Access Partners, and Respect other Visitors..
Failure to do so can result in injury, death, fines, or loss of participation.
We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who does not play nice.
Play Nice and Have Fun!
"Park Wildlife and Safety Limitations"
We have fun sharing the basics in our safety reviews.
All Activities Remain At Your Own Risk
Applies to all visitors including Ocean Beach and Island Hikes
and Paddle or Motorized Watercraft of Any Type
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“No Go Zone” Rescue & Ticketing Fees: Pay Attention To Safety Reviews: Stay back at least 300 feet from the River Mouth. Do Not Enter River Mouth Currents. Private paddlers have been inured by entering the river mouth or ocean currents. Deadly results or being banned from rentals can happen if you enter this area. Most of the Estuary is Beginner Friendly during good weather.
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"Protected Harbor Seal and Sea Bird Resting Area". Do not enter or proceed beyond roped off areas. Do Not Approach Wildlife: Stay back 50 yards, (150 feet). State or Federal fines for disturbing Wildlife. Join us in modeling respectful and sustainable behavior here at the protected wildlife nursery.
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No Dogs: In areas with direct wildlife access. Fines for harassing or harming resting seals and sea birds can be up to $10,000. None of us wants you to be charged extra fees.There are dog beaches. Ask Us.
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Leave No Trace: Benefit rather than harm the areas we visit. This area is a protected wildlife nursery. No littering including toxic items like cigarette butts! Leave only foot prints and take only photos and memories.
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Boating under the influence (BUI) = fines. Being under the influence of mind altering substances is not allowed. Participants showing up under the influence will be cancelled. Becoming under the influence on the water may be subject to ticketing and being banned from renting in the park. Kayaking is great for working up an appetite, or thirst, for enjoying local cuisines, wine tasting or micro-brews "after your activity".
All Boating Is Within The Protected River and Estuary Waters.
Help us Keep our Rates Reasonable
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Cost Of Damages or Replacement Fees: To avoid damages... Details in Rates Box
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Excess Cleaning: + $20: Return as received: A little wet and sandy is fine.
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Cancellation Policy: Details in Rates Box
Seasonal Weather: Early Summer
Morning Mist: Occasional and most common in early Summer. True fog often skips right past us, or burns off quickly to sun, and comes ashore closer to Bodega Bay and Point Reyes on its way up the San Francisco Bay. We have outerwear free to use for misty mornings.
Most wind stations are located at higher elevations where winds are stronger. This makes interpreting local forecasts tricky. The estuary is protected from most wind directions except NW. We expect some periods of breezy afternoons with fully calm days in between. Extreme wind events happen, more so Spring into Early Summer. As first responders, we track forecasts daily to help prevent the need for rescues. All of our boating caused rescues have been for private paddlers, who do not read or believe interpretive signs at the main boat launch prior to launching. We partner with other local emergency services who contact us when they do not have staff nearby. Start at least 2 hours prior to winds picking up. Wind below 10 MPH is ideal.
