
Recreation Blog
Ecology, Wildlife, Education
What's Hot Now!
by Suki Waters
Sonoma Coast
State Park
Rental and Tour
Permits Required
Family Interpretive
Volunteers Since 1985


Russian River Estuary
Marine Protected Area: Ocean and River Nursery
The Most Wildlife Rich Habitat on the Russian River
Sharing the best ways to view since 1987
Reserve Early: Call 1-2 days in advance.
Wait times possible for walk ups and same day reservations.
River Mouth Open: Lake Like Tidal Estuary.
Stay Back from River Mouth Currents
And Deadly Waves at Local Ocean Beaches.
"Stay back at least 150 feet" from resting or feeding wildlife by land and water.
Feeding and Disturbing Prohibited
Ask for best start times per our forecasts.
Estuary Forecast: 09/16/23: Mellow Days
Calm condiitons persist. AM overcast turns sunny. Temps hold in the 60s to low 70s daily. Our dry bags and outerwear are free to use for overcast mornings. Our
Thurs & Mon: Start 10AM-2PM Last kayak off the water by 4:30PM.
Fri - Sun: Start 9AM-4PM Last kayak off by 6:30PM.
Tues & Wed: Open by 2-3 day advance notification, if we have available staff.
Hiring: Part-time, Lifeguard / Kayak Safety / Guide.
Ocean Temps: 55-59
Ocean Tides: Goat Rock Beach
Summer: Ocean Moderates Coastal Temps. Heat Waves are milder on the coast. Calm overcast AMs clear to sun. Some days start sunny or have afternoon winds.
Check Back : Forecasts can change.
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 accuracy.
Russian River
Chamber of Commerce

Local Venues
Become Part of a Fun, Year Round, Community Education and Recreational Safety Team.
Competitive Pay, Client Surge Bonuses!
Extra Hours Available During Education Breaks.
We Reward Your Experience and Efforts!
Call Us! Paid Training / Paid Internships
College Credit / Veterans Encouraged
CPR, First Aid, Water Rescue
A Lifeguard Cert is the fastest way in.

Share your experience.
Water Recreation
And Nature Updates
Paddle Partners
Buy / Sell / Trade
