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: 04/24/24: 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.

Wed-Thur: Cooler. Overcast becomes partial sun midday. Wind Watch for Thur. Possibly closed.

Fri: Wind Watch: Check Forecasts Daily. Probably Closed

Sat:Start Early to avoid PM Wind. :Families with children or grandparents Start 8:30-9:30AM, Athletic to 10 or 11AM.

Sun-Wed: Early & Extreme Spring Winds: Likely Closed

Popular weekends and  school breaks.

Reservations Required: No act of nature cancellation fees.

 

Spring:  A mix: Nice as Rain and Cold reduce. Coastal AMs often start clearer and warmer than inland Tule fog allows. Some breezy or windy PMs. Some very strong Spring wind periods start early AM as we transition to Summer. High waves during wind periods can close the river mouth.

We ropen for temps above 55, during dry weather calmer days, 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.