Russian River Estuary

Explore in lake like tidal salt water.

Birds, Seal Pups, Whale, Wildlife In Plenty.

  50 Yard River Mouth Restriction:

Deadly River Mouth Currents. "Stay back at least 150 feet" from roped off, river mouth, wildlife resting area.

"Protected Wildlife Resting Area" .   Avoid "Point of No Return" for currents flushing into the Pacific Ocean.

Be generous. If you feel a current, you're too close.

Estuary Micro-Climate:

  Weather / Water Forecast

River Mouth: Open

Lake like in main estuary.

Our  Most Recent  Conditions Video.

08/14/2022: Wind directions and ocean temps drive the  10 day forecast:  Afternoon breezes replace stronger winds. Reserve 2 hour start times between 9AM and 11AM to avoid breezes. 4 hours start at 8:30 or 9AM. Morning conditions are amazing right now. Athletic people will enjoy a little exercise between 2 and 4PM. 4PM start times calm again for an early evening adventure.

Summer: Wind shifting to from the west or southwest brings calm estuary waters. This  becomes more common mid-summer into fall .   

Check your wind Forecasts!

Our estuary has many calm days, but "this is a curving river".  "Farther Upstream"  may have strong PM winds. 

    Plan half day downstream trips early to beat the wind.

    Full day trips should start "downstream" and end with the wind at your back pushing you "upstream".

"Long downstream trips"

Be Aware: Paddlers can become exhausted and stranded do to fighting PM winds on Most California Rivers.

Check back  as forecasts can change.

See our safety page for  apps to track local conditions.

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