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.

"Stay back at least 150 feet" from resting or feeding birds and wildlife by land and water.

Feeding and Disturbing Wildlife Prohibited

  

Estuary Forecast: 05/01/24: Wind Watch

Spring Winds  transition from cooler to hotter weather. Expect some periods of extreme winds with periods of calm in between.  We update Spring forecasts often as they can and do change. This week is exceptionally windy.

Rentals with Lesson, dry bag and thin outerwear use.

Start at least 2 hours prior to Spring Winds picking up.

Wed-Thur: Early & Extreme Spring Winds: Closed

Fri: Wind Watch: Possible early window???  Start 8:30-9:30AM??? Check back for updates.

Sat: Cold Rain then Strong Winds: Closed

Sun-Wed: Avoid PM Winds: Families: Start 8:30-9:30AM, Athletic Workout: Start 10 -11AM.

Next Thur-Fri: Warm, Calmer trend Start 9AM-2PM

Popular weekends and  school breaks.

Reservations Required: No act of nature cancellation fees.

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We reopen for temps above 55, during dry calmer days, and without noticeable currents in the main estuary.  

(Upstream: See river levels below 5' at Guerneville)  

 

Ocean Tides: Goat Rock Beach 

Ocean Temps: Bodega Bay  49F

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.