Russian River Estuary

 Marine Protected Area: Ocean and River Nursery

Sharing the best ways to view since 1987

Protected Wildlife Habitat

Otter, Bald Eagle, Seal Pups, Whale, Many Birds

River Mouth Perched/Swift: Stay 300 ft back from  Deadly River Mouth Currents. Currents upstream of Duncan's Mills remain hazardous into May.

"Stay back at least 150 feet" from resting or feeding birds and wildlife by land and water.

Feeding and Disturbing Wildlife Prohibited

  

Estuary Forecast: 04/23/24: Wind Watch

Free dry bag use and thin outerwear if needed.

Guided Tours or Rentals with Lessons.

Start at least 3 hours prior to Spring Winds picking up.

Tue-Thur: Temps drop. Overcast builds to drizzle. Closed

Fri: Wind Watch: Check Forecasts Daily. Possibly Closed

Sat-Sun:Start Early:Families 8:30-9AM, Athletic to 10AM.

Next Mon-Tue: Early & Extreme Spring Winds: Closed

Wed: Start Early:Families 8:30-9AM, Athletic to 10AM.

Popular weekends and  school breaks.

Reservations Required: No act of nature cancellation fees.

 

Spring:  A mix: Nice as Rain and Cold reduce. Tule fog starts inland. Coastal AMs start clearer and warmer than inland. Some breezy or windy PMs. Some high Spring wind days.

We re-open for temps above 55, during dry weather, and without noticeable currents in the main estuary.  

(Upstream: See river levels below 5' at Guerneville)  

 

Ocean Tides: Goat Rock Beach    

See our safety page for  apps to track local conditions.

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.