​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 Currents and Ocean Waves: Stay Back from the water!

"Stay back at least 150 feet" from resting or feeding wildlife. Red Flag Limit

"Feeding and Disturbing Wildlife Prohibited"

See Map of restricted areas

Winter into Spring: Currents upstream often swift when tidal estuary returns to calm with incoming tide. Inland tule fog. Coastal mornings start sunnier and warmer.

    

Estuary Forecast: 01/05/25

"Free Dry Bag and Thin Outerwear use"

Reservations Required: Call at least a day prior

Beginner friendly rental start times

   

Temporary Closure: Cool Temps. River mouth and upstream currents remain hazardously swift until around the 13th. Do not paddle in currents prior to passing a certified moving water rescue course. Never paddle solo in currents. We reopen Guiding Jan 11th. Rentals the next week.

Kayak Rentals Resume for: Dry Temps above 55, River level below 8 feet or 3000 CFS ( As measured at the Guerneville river gauge). Guided: With an incoming tide at 9 feet.

Winter Hours: Thurs-Mon 9AM-5PM: Start 10AM-1PM

Check back for our forecast updates.

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Ocean Tides: Goat Rock Beach

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See our safety page for  apps to track local conditions.

Forecasts can and do change. Nobody can be held responsible for full forecast accuracy.