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!
Open with incoming tide: By Reservation!
January 22-26, 2026
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 wildlife.
10-Day Micro-Climate Forecast / Our Hours
Park Rules: "Know Before You Go"
"Mandatory" for all visitors to the nursery
We interpret during guided tours
and prior to rental launches.
Wildlife Nursery in one of the most Biologically Dense and Diverse Coastal Habitats on our Planet.
" State, Federal, and United Nations Protections "
Notice Sea Birds, Harbor Seals and their pups in the background
Wildlife are easy to view without disturbing their vital biological needs.
Sea Birds and Harbor Seals are sensitive to disturbance.
Most young wildlife that are alone, "are not abandoned".
Most wildlife mothers need to leave their young each day to eat.
Most abandonment by mothers are caused by humans and dogs.
Please do not disturb and help us report sick, dead, or abandoned wildlife.
Humans and especially their pets" can catch some illnesses.
Do not approach wildlife or enter their feces prone resting areas.
Sharing photos of them and their location is the best way to help us report.
Marine Mammal Center Rescue Hotline: 415-289-7325 (SEAL)
Russian River Estuary
"Protected Marine Sanctuary"
Fishing and Feeding or Disturbing Wildlife Prohibited
Nature's limits are easy to avoid
See Park Rules: Know before you go.
River Mouth Open: Swift Rain Fed Currents
No One, but certified swift-water rescue should be paddling now.
Our lifeguards will update, when we can re-open.
Deadly Ocean Waves : No Beach Wading
Goat Rock and Driftwood Beaches: No Dogs!
"Stay back at least 150 feet" from wildlife
Red Flag Limit : See Maps of Restricted Areas
We share the best ways to explore.
Migrating Whale, Curious Seal Pups and Adults, River Otter, Sea Birds, Brown and White Pelican, Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, Hawks, Osprey, and much more.
Reserve Early for School Breaks:
Estuary Forecast: 1/22/26
Updated: 8 AM
Full daily forecast below...
Video: Recent Weather and Water Conditions
Next 10 days: Nice Weather Continues a few more days, then rain?
Open January 23-26 by Reservation!
River currents remain swift and deadly, except for at the tidal estuary where currents have slowed "with the incoming tides". Our lifeguards are opening for a few days. But it is unlikely to last per more rain expected on and off into April. Rain fed currents can easily be "Deadly" for recreational paddling. Please remember to check our detailed forecasts below for days that we plan to open. Swift currents will likely close our activities, on and off, through February: We can re-open when river currents "in the estuary" return to calm tidal conditions. This will require at least a week long break in the rain and possibly even two. We also close for day time high temps below 55 F and wind or rain storms.
When we can Re-open: Our Reservation Line Stays Open For Future Reservations: Although temps are cooler this time of year, starting between 10 AM and 1 PM keeps you in the warmer window of 11AM - 4PM for outdoor activities. Plan ahead by checking our forecasts and start with warmer layers to shed mid day. This pairs great with a dry bag. Check back for weather and schedule updates.
Seasonal Notes: This estuary forecast does not apply to the swifter and more hazardous river currents upstream which are likely to remain swift through April. Tule fog is an inland phenomena which usually does not effect the coast. Often when mornings are foggy inland it is sunny and warmer on the coast with ocean temps preventing drops to inland overnight and morning lows. Jenner is also affected less by true fog than Bodega Bay to the south. On the few days we do have fog it is often more a high overcast. "Variable Sun Days" though warmer, can have tendrils of refreshing mist appearing and disappearing on a sunny day. We provide free use of our dry bags and thin water resistant outerwear to stay comfy for morning starts or on misty days.
Wildlife love a dynamic environment: Whale, harbor seals and pups entertain. Bald eagle and Osprey are amongst other "birds of prey" sightings, along with many "sea birds". River otter, bobcat, fox, mink, and other species also appear on occasion and will avoid dogs and large or loud groups.
Full daily forecast below...
Fully Outfitted:
Free dry bag and thin water shedding outerwear use.
Interpretive Safety Review with Kayak Lesson
No "Act of Nature" Cancellation Fees
We call you to cancel.
Our Rentals: Watertrek's Jenner Kayaks
Since 2007
Reserve to staff a day prior
We individually prep each kayak
Client "Day of Reservation Cancellations": Full Price
Fall into Winter
Beginner Friendly
Rental Start Times: 10 AM-1 PM
(Warmest hours are 11AM-4 PM)
Last off the water by 3:30 PM
Staffed Friday-Sunday and by advanced reservation Midweek
No wind in the estuary for the next 10 days.
01/22 Thur: High temps in mid 50s. Currents calming with incoming tide: Closed
01/23-25 Fri-Sun: Highs in sunny mid 50s. Open with Reservations: Starts: 10AM-1PM
01/26-27 Mon-Tue: Overcast returns in prep for possible rain: Closed
Long Range Forecasts Subject to Change: Check back for updates
01/28 Wed: Rain Possible: Closed
01/29-30 Thur-Fri: Clearing: Closed if no reservations: Call to reserve.
01/31-02/02 Sat-Mon: Rain and swift currents return?: Closed. Open if no rain.
02/03-12: Tue-Thur: 10 days of dry weather?: Open by reservation if estuary water is calm.
02/13-25: Fri-Wed: Back to Back rain fronts are forecasted:Check back for updates.
January into February: Opportunities for beach walks and hikes are likely, but rain keeps river and estuary currents too swift to loop back and return safely: We will continue to monitor multiple forecasts and we reopen when beginner friendly conditions resume. If we are closed: Do not attempt kayaking in the estuary as paddler deaths occur in swift water. Our rescue staff are not onsite to assist when we are closed. State Parks often has no lifeguards to respond this winter.
We can reopen more often later in February: Check back for more Holiday School Break updates.
Community Ed Guided Discount Tours: Fridays and Sundays:
Private Guided Tours: Reserve Early
Remember to bring sunscreen, sun glasses, a brimmed hat, and water or snacks.
Check back for updates: Forecast can and do change.
Weather and Water Conditions that limit our activities
Ocean Tides: Bodega Bay: Estuary offset is later: (Not valid during swift river runoff)
(Add these hours and minutes) High Tide + 1:26, Low Tide + 0:46
Ocean Temps: Bodega Bay Buoy: Estuary proper: Warmer, except around high tide.
(Since Government Shutdown: Some sites still are not working.)
See our "Recreational Safety" page for apps to track local conditions.
We can be geeks.
We use 4 apps and local observations as no app is fully correct.
NOAA (National Weather Service): Short staffed. Updating less often. Long-range forecasts variable.
We are not responsible for forecast accuracy, but we do pretty good.
Outbreak: Vaccinate dogs for Leptospirosis if you enjoy bringing them to the coast.
Marine mammals and sea birds are subject bacterial and viral surges. Humans and "especially their pets" can catch their illnesses. Do not approach wildlife or enter their feces prone resting areas. Sick Wildlife Near Jenner: Report to our State Park Visitor Center or Watertrek's at the estuary. Sharing photos of the animal and the location is the best way to help the Marine Mammal center to respond to the correct spot. Or Rescue hotline: 415-289-7325 (SEAL).
Volunteer Discount Passes available for our activities. We are community education based.
Jenner Kayaks: (Our rentals help fund reduced prices for our Watertreks community education tours, and Living Classrooms project youth and school activities.) Rentals remain open daily through September and Fridays through Sundays throughout the year, weather and water permitting. Mondays through Thursdays should be reserved early starting in October to ensure staff. We want to be open midweek. Please reserve to schedule our staff. Some winter and spring periods are guided only. We reopen rentals daily during school breaks throughout the year.
Russian River Estuary
"Protected Marine Sanctuary"
Fishing and Feeding or Disturbing Wildlife Prohibited
Nature's limits are easy to avoid
See Park Rules: Know before you go.
River Mouth Open: Swift Rain Fed Currents
No One, but certified swift-water rescue should be paddling now.
Our lifeguards will update, when we can re-open.
Deadly Ocean Waves : No Beach Wading
Goat Rock and Driftwood Beaches: No Dogs!
"Stay back at least 150 feet" from wildlife
Red Flag Limit : See Maps of Restricted Areas
We share the best ways to explore.
Migrating Whale, Curious Seal Pups and Adults, River Otter, Sea Birds, Brown and White Pelican, Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, Hawks, Osprey, and much more.
Reserve Early for School Breaks:
Estuary Forecast: 1/22/26
Updated: 8 AM
Full daily forecast below...
Video: Recent Weather and Water Conditions
Next 10 days: Nice Weather Continues a few more days, then rain?
Open January 23-26 by Reservation!
River currents remain swift and deadly, except for at the tidal estuary where currents have slowed "with the incoming tides". Our lifeguards are opening for a few days. But it is unlikely to last per more rain expected on and off into April. Rain fed currents can easily be "Deadly" for recreational paddling. Please remember to check our detailed forecasts below for days that we plan to open. Swift currents will likely close our activities, on and off, through February: We can re-open when river currents "in the estuary" return to calm tidal conditions. This will require at least a week long break in the rain and possibly even two. We also close for day time high temps below 55 F and wind or rain storms.
When we can Re-open: Our Reservation Line Stays Open For Future Reservations: Although temps are cooler this time of year, starting between 10 AM and 1 PM keeps you in the warmer window of 11AM - 4PM for outdoor activities. Plan ahead by checking our forecasts and start with warmer layers to shed mid day. This pairs great with a dry bag. Check back for weather and schedule updates.
Seasonal Notes: This estuary forecast does not apply to the swifter and more hazardous river currents upstream which are likely to remain swift through April. Tule fog is an inland phenomena which usually does not effect the coast. Often when mornings are foggy inland it is sunny and warmer on the coast with ocean temps preventing drops to inland overnight and morning lows. Jenner is also affected less by true fog than Bodega Bay to the south. On the few days we do have fog it is often more a high overcast. "Variable Sun Days" though warmer, can have tendrils of refreshing mist appearing and disappearing on a sunny day. We provide free use of our dry bags and thin water resistant outerwear to stay comfy for morning starts or on misty days.
Wildlife love a dynamic environment: Whale, harbor seals and pups entertain. Bald eagle and Osprey are amongst other "birds of prey" sightings, along with many "sea birds". River otter, bobcat, fox, mink, and other species also appear on occasion and will avoid dogs and large or loud groups.
Full daily forecast below...
Fully Outfitted:
Free dry bag and thin water shedding outerwear use.
Interpretive Safety Review with Kayak Lesson
No "Act of Nature" Cancellation Fees
We call you to cancel.
Our Rentals: Watertrek's Jenner Kayaks
Since 2007
Reserve to staff a day prior
We individually prep each kayak
Client "Day of Reservation Cancellations": Full Price
Fall into Winter
Beginner Friendly
Rental Start Times: 10 AM-1 PM
(Warmest hours are 11AM-4 PM)
Last off the water by 3:30 PM
Staffed Friday-Sunday and by advanced reservation Midweek
No wind in the estuary for the next 10 days.
01/22 Thur: High temps in mid 50s. Currents calming with incoming tide: Closed
01/23-25 Fri-Sun: Highs in sunny mid 50s. Open with Reservations: Starts: 10AM-1PM
01/26-27 Mon-Tue: Overcast returns in prep for possible rain: Closed
Long Range Forecasts Subject to Change: Check back for updates
01/28 Wed: Rain Possible: Closed
01/29-30 Thur-Fri: Clearing: Closed if no reservations: Call to reserve.
01/31-02/02 Sat-Mon: Rain and swift currents return?: Closed. Open if no rain.
02/03-12: Tue-Thur: 10 days of dry weather?: Open by reservation if estuary water is calm.
02/13-25: Fri-Wed: Back to Back rain fronts are forecasted:Check back for updates.
January into February: Opportunities for beach walks and hikes are likely, but rain keeps river and estuary currents too swift to loop back and return safely: We will continue to monitor multiple forecasts and we reopen when beginner friendly conditions resume. If we are closed: Do not attempt kayaking in the estuary as paddler deaths occur in swift water. Our rescue staff are not onsite to assist when we are closed. State Parks often has no lifeguards to respond this winter.
We can reopen more often later in February: Check back for more Holiday School Break updates.
Community Ed Guided Discount Tours: Fridays and Sundays:
Private Guided Tours: Reserve Early
Remember to bring sunscreen, sun glasses, a brimmed hat, and water or snacks.
Check back for updates: Forecast can and do change.
Weather and Water Conditions that limit our activities
Ocean Tides: Bodega Bay: Estuary offset is later: (Not valid during swift river runoff)
(Add these hours and minutes) High Tide + 1:26, Low Tide + 0:46
Ocean Temps: Bodega Bay Buoy: Estuary proper: Warmer, except around high tide.
(Since Government Shutdown: Some sites still are not working.)
See our "Recreational Safety" page for apps to track local conditions.
We can be geeks.
We use 4 apps and local observations as no app is fully correct.
NOAA (National Weather Service): Short staffed. Updating less often. Long-range forecasts variable.
We are not responsible for forecast accuracy, but we do pretty good.
Outbreak: Vaccinate dogs for Leptospirosis if you enjoy bringing them to the coast.
Marine mammals and sea birds are subject bacterial and viral surges. Humans and "especially their pets" can catch their illnesses. Do not approach wildlife or enter their feces prone resting areas. Sick Wildlife Near Jenner: Report to our State Park Visitor Center or Watertrek's at the estuary. Sharing photos of the animal and the location is the best way to help the Marine Mammal center to respond to the correct spot. Or Rescue hotline: 415-289-7325 (SEAL).
Volunteer Discount Passes available for our activities. We are community education based.
Jenner Kayaks: (Our rentals help fund reduced prices for our Watertreks community education tours, and Living Classrooms project youth and school activities.) Rentals remain open daily through September and Fridays through Sundays throughout the year, weather and water permitting. Mondays through Thursdays should be reserved early starting in October to ensure staff. We want to be open midweek. Please reserve to schedule our staff. Some winter and spring periods are guided only. We reopen rentals daily during school breaks throughout the year.
Wildlife Viewing and Safety
Russian River Estuary Marine Protected Area
"Know Before You Go"
A State Park "Business Access by Permit Only" Location.
Our Lifeguard wages, insurance, and operational fees are included in our low rates.
"Fines or Rescue Fees" for violating park rules are not.
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 each other.
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: Do Not Enter River Mouth Currents. Stay back at least 300 feet from the River Mouth. 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". See our Maps.
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"Protected Harbor Seal and Sea Bird Resting Area". State or Federal fines for disturbing Wildlife. Do Not Approach Wildlife: Stay back 50 yards, (150 feet). Do not enter or proceed beyond roped off areas. Join us in modeling respectful and sustainable behavior here at the protected wildlife nursery. See our Maps
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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 near by. 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.
-
Boating under the influence (BUI) = fines. Being under the influence of mind altering substances is not allowed when operating any vehicle, which includes by paddling. 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
Knowing our "Micro-Climate Weather Forecast" can be vital
Help us Keep our Rates Reasonable
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Cost Of Damages or Replacement Fees: To avoid damages...See Rental Page.
-
Excess Cleaning: + $20: Return as received: A little wet and sandy is fine.
-
Cancellation Policy: Very genours.Details on our Rental Page
January into February: Nice in between rain.
We are often close in January per deadly rain fed river currents. We often can re-open for a week or two at a time starting mid February, as long as we have good breaks in rain.
Breaks in the rain give coastal days that can remain in the 50s to 60s. "Variable Sun Days" can have tendrils of refreshing mist appearing and disappearing on a sunny day. Full sun days are also common. Wildlife love a dynamic environment.
Fog: Jenner is much less affected by true fog, that drops to ground level, than Bodega Bay or Fort Ross. Fog banks often just hang offshore here and there is usually not much each winter. Tule Fog: An inland valley phenomena leaving the coast warmer and clearer most morning. Overcast: Is higher and reduces sunlight. Variable overcast is common, with sun heating temps up mid-day. Ocean temps prevent mornings and evenings from dropping to cooler inland temps. Mornings and evenings can be lovely on the coast.
Track NW winds which blow out the estuary! Strong winds can happen, yet the estuary is protected from most wind directions except for winds coming from the NW. A short period of PM breeze is common along with fully calm days. However, strong wind can still happen. It's important to check "our" wind forecasts. Private Paddlers: Know before you go!
Note: We try to help with recreational safety by updating changing wind forecasts daily if needed.
Upstream of the estuary: Can be windy even if calm in Jenner. This river twists and turns. Any wind effects some sections as wind blows upstream. Don't get stuck trying to make it downstream. Reverse your route when river flows are low, (Mid-Summer into Mid Fall): " Start Early" or plan to finish going upstream with the wind at your back. Reversing long routes to go upstream is often not possible during rainy months.
