Russian River Estuary
Marine Protected Area
Ocean and River Nursery
The Most Wildlife Rich Habitat
on the Russian River
Seal, Otter, Birds, Whale
Sharing the best ways
to view since 1987
Protected Wildlife Habitat
River Mouth Open: Stay 300 feet back from Deadly River Mouth Currents. Returning to shore safely may not be possible. Currents upstream of "estuary tidal influence" may 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
River Otter, Harbor Seals and Pups, Many Birds
Used Kayak and Gear Sale!
Estuary Forecast: 04/19/24: Soft Opening
Free dry bag use and thin outerwear if needed.
Guided Tours or Rentals with Lessons.
Rental Starts: Friendlier with incoming high tides. Start at least 3 hours prior to wind picking up.
Fri: School Research 10-2 Start 9AM and 2PM only
Sat-Mon: Partly Sunny, Warm: Start 10AM-2PM
Tue-Wed: Closed until fully staffed : Warm Nice
Thur: Temps drop, Potential cool sprinkle into Fri AM.
Next Sat-Sun: Warm, dry. Start AM to avoid PM breeze.
Popular weekends and school breaks.
Reservations Required: No act of nature cancellation fees.
Spring: A mix: Nice as Rain and Cold reduces. Some PMs are windy. Some high wind days. AMs start clearer and warmer than inland. Tule fog starts inland. Estuary currents begin to return to tidal calm shortly after each light rain.
We re-open for temps above 55, during dry weather, and without noticeable currents in the main estuary.
(See river levels below 9' at Guerneville)
Hours / days can change to meet weather conditions.
Forecasts can change.
Check Back.
Ocean Tides: Goat Rock Beach
Know which days to avoid windy afternoons
Use the links on this page to track weather and water conditions.
We use 4 apps. No single Forecast can correctly cover all aspects. Forecasts change. Therefore, nobody can be held responsible for full forecast accuracy.
Resuming Evening
Sunset
Full Moon
and
Night Bioluminescent
Tours
As soon as we are again
fully staffed.
CPR, First Aid, Water Rescue
Renew your certifications
to be part of a fun community education and recreational safety team.
Fees Covered with Seasonal or Annual Employment Agreement.
Competitive Pay
We Reward Your Experience!
Safety Information and Links
Limitation on Rentals:
See the River Route Map
We no longer cover all of these routes
But it's great information for those with their own kayaks.
Knowing river current hazards, having certified self rescue skills and scouting your route after each rain or ensuring you are using a professional provider, and not just some person wanting to make a few bucks off of their personal kayaks, is vital for your winter and spring safety.
Guided Tours are also a good option. Sit on top or sit inside kayaks are available.
No recreational activity is inherently safe...
Being aware of local wind, rain, temperature and water conditions, as well as the behavior of local wildlife, can make the difference between enjoying a wonderful time in nature or risking rescue or injury.
We provide links to learn about our local wildlife and to confirm local river, ocean, and weather conditions and projections.
It's well known that outdoor conditions can change for a variety of reasons. Therefore, Watertreks is not responsible for weather or wildlife or changes that may occur. However, we do try our best to inform you of what the projections are in our area.
Please. Listen to our safety reviews, respect nature and put your safety first so we all can truly enjoy nature and the wildlife. (An in depth explanation of local hazards is at the bottom of this page.)
Limitations Per Weather and Water Conditions:
We will not allow stacking challenging conditions for experienced paddlers. This means folks that may enjoy a little rain, some river currents, or some pushy wind conditions still will not be able to rent or tour if more than one condition is in the forecast. A full list of our limitations, and when we close for all activities, can be found here.
Maps: The main river mouth formations and the two hour island loop. These are trends not a predictor of how it really looks. "Know before you go" and drive to the " River Mouth Vista Pullout" just past River's End Restaurant in Jenner, for the best land based view of ocean and river mouth conditions.
Common Summer / Fall Formation : Can last through Summer
Common Summer River Mouth Hazards
Protected Bird and Harbor Seal Resting Area
Please use our links for weather and water updates.
WaterTalk Bulletin Board: Share your experience.
Water Updates / Paddle Partners / Buy / Sell / Trade
The Most Common Links We use:
Estuary Tide Gauge: River Mouth: Open, Perched, or Closed?
And the more technical, USGS Source with more options for historic time periods.
Full tidal fluctuations are obvious: River mouth is open and deep.
Reduced low tides: River mouth is shallow and perched
River level rising only: River mouth is closed. Water levels rising with lake like conditions forming up to 15 miles upstream possibly to Guerneville. More commonly to above Monte Rio or up to the Summer dam at Vacation Beach, if it is in place. Always expect river currents just below Summer dams. Avoid getting stuck in hazardous sucking currents that form at dams. Portage and land your watercraft upstream to put it back in below the dam instead.
Weather, Wind & Tides:
Forecasts may conflict. Checking up to three forecasts can be helpful.
Often the wind or fog forecast is much higher than actual at our location.
This is due to our local hill ranges that can result in much less severe conditions, which are directly related to the wind direction. Wind coming from the North West always results in a direct wind impact in Jenner. Note that wind direction often changes from the morning hours into the afternoon, especially Fall through Spring. NW winds often don't rotate in to affect us until the afternoon, but sometimes this can happen early morning on extremely windy days.
Please see our interpretation using three recent forecast models on the left hand column of this page.
Tideschart: Best for tides at Goat Rock Beach
Windfinder: Best for wind forecasts: Goat Rock / Bodega Bay
Regional 10 Day Forecasts and Our 3 Day Micro-climate. There are technical sections, but some are missing for Goat Rock, forcing us to use Bodega Bay for long term stats.
Yes. Goat Rock has different weather than Bodega Bay. This is because of the Russian River influence and how we are positioned on the coast concerning local topography both on land and off shore. Jenner can generally have much less fog and wind.
The 3 Day Hourly Superforecast is Best for wind and direction in the estuary. However we are often warmer and sunnier than their sky cover and temperature forecast.
Their 10 day forecast: Better for the temperature trend, especially for today and up to three days out, but it often overstates wind when it's actually quite calm in the main estuary.
Wind Direction: Greatly influences how much wind we feel in the estuary. What we feel can be less or more windy than upstream sections of the Russian River. "In Jenner" WNW and NW can be extremely windy. West, and South or East involvement is always calmer than the forecast even on windy days. W and WSW are often absolutely calm.
Windy: Fun graphics and you can get technical on the go with the app. They have a live wind direction map in the app. But we keep Windfinder as this one does not give hour by hour forecasts for three days. It also does not reflect actual calmer conditions at our location.
NOAA: National Weather Service Wind and Weather: Best for hourly rain, sky cover, and lightning. But "not" a micro-climate forecast for wind... unless you can forecast what wind direction means in Jenner being protected by our local hills on three sides of the estuary.
River Levels and Flood Forecasts
Hopland
River Height / Flow And Dam Flows: CDC Russian River
All locations Ukiah to Guerneville
Annual Tide Predictions: California Coast
Fort Ross & Bodega Bay Tides Are Located Near The Bottom Of The Page. Includes Rise & Set for both Sun and Moon. Select a location, and then the dates desired and timespan.
Other Great Links:
Weather & Water: Forecast Links
Surf Report: Please contact us if you have a great local link to share!
Local Information: Wildlife, Recreation and Common Conditions.
Sonoma Coast State Park
Greater Farallone's National Marine Sanctuary
Marine Protected Area
State Marine Conservation Area
State Marine Recreation Management Area
There is a national spotlight on this area concerning research, and habitat and wildlife recovery and protection.
Restricted Harbor Seal and Sea Bird Resting Area: Stay back from Wildife...
Whether the river mouth is open, closed, or perched, coming within 150 feet or 50 yards and disturbing "any" of their natural behavior can result in a fine up to $10,000. For your convienience, in our main tourism months that area is roped off on land. The two water edge natural markers are the huge log jammed up on the old jetty and the large estuary survey marker rock. This restricted area also protects you from entering river mouth currents. Note: Entering river mouth currents can result in being flushed into the Pacific Ocean with potentially deadly consequences. Unfortunately, there are paddler incidents every year, and there have been multiple paddler deaths over the years directly related to being to close to the river mouth currents.
Tides In The Russian River Estuary At Jenner:
Tides can be between one hour and and 1.6 hours later than other nearby forecasts.
They Are also Influenced by River Mouth Formation!
River mouth closed: Lake like conditions possibly upstream to above Monte Rio in the Summer (10 miles), or even up to Guerneville (15 miles) in the winter when there are no Summer dams. Lower Russian River levels are influenced much more by river mouth closures than by tidal influence: River mouth closures can commonly raise water levels upstream in Monte Rio or even a couple of inches up to the Summer Vacation Beach Dam in Summer months.
Who Closes The River Mouth?: Nature!
Seasonal wind and wave direction and high waves force large amounts of sand onto Goat Rock Beach which closes the river mouth.
River Mouth Breaching by Sonoma County Water Agency: Requires a permit and is only initiated to prevent flooding in Jenner. However, this requires a sand buildup around the cement river mouth jetty for the dredger to be able to cross to initiate the process. If there is no sand bridge across the Jetty, then dredging is not possible. Also, high waves can threaten to suck the dredger and it's operator into the ocean. If either condition is present, then the river mouth will be allowed to rise into the natural flood plain and breaching will be left to nature. In December of 2015, a severe river mouth blockage rose river levels as far upstream as Guerneville. Although there was no serious flooding upstream, the river rise did flood the Jenner Visitor Center, low lying portions of river front homes, and covered half of highway one in the lowest sections of Jenner. Do not attempt to breach the river mouth yourself as you can be arrested.
Mouth Narrow / Shallow: (Perched) Less tidal influence. Less extreme low tides. The estuary becomes similar to a bowl with a pour over lip. High tides can wash in over the lower river mouth lip and higher levels of estuary water can spill over the lip. But at lower tides the river water is held back in the bowl rather than fully dropping with the tide. This formation is commonly considered to be Perched. There can still be dangerous currents at the narrow river mouth.
Mouth Wide Open with Strong Currents: Caution! Currents May Be Too Swift To Paddle Back Upstream! The Ocean Waters Off Goat Rock Beach Can Be Some Of The Deadliest Waters In California. Rich in wildlife and great to visit, but Not For Swimming or Wading in the Surf! There is a point of No Return in any river current. Private Paddlers have been swept out the river mouth with deadly consequences. Always Avoid The River Mouth! On outgoing tides there is increased risk of being swept out to sea!
Playing in the waters on the riverside at Goat Rock Beach can be more family friendly, if there is little current, but be aware that the water is not as warm as it is upstream and stay out of any river mouth currents!
Seasonal Conditions Vary:
Plenty of water year around from Monte Rio to Jenner.
Coastal Temperatures: Fluctuate less than inland reaches. Expect Daytime Coastal Temperatures 5-15 degrees below what you will experience as you paddle upstream. Morning and Evening hours are cooler inland than on the coast.
Summer Months: Current is slow but start your activity early to avoid seasonal afternoon winds April-July. Note that April is generally the windiest month of the year with those periods of a few days, with high wind hazards, slowly reducing into our Summer months. Evening and Sunset Activities often have no wind. Expect occasional fluctuating mist and fog locally in between seasonal heat spells inland. Always pay attention to Tidal Currents and avoid the River Mouth!
August - November: Wind: Expect little to no wind most days. Coastal fog is extremely rare. Inland may experience periods of fall tulle fog. An occasional couple of days with wind can be expected any month of the year. Always pay attention to Tidal Currents and avoid the River Mouth!
December - March: Morning and Evening Temperatures can be quite cold at times. After 9 or 10 AM is usually best. Water: When we expect the most rain in Northern California. Although the weather can be quite nice in between periods of rain, River Currents May Be Strong After Each Rain Storm. This can shut down kayaking in the estuary near the river mouth. For boaters with moving water skills, it can be a plus upstream, after the river debris clears. It may take a day or two to clear. Pre-Scouting for logs and other keeper strainers (debris that can trap you and your kayak under the water) is a safety priority after each rain.
Guided Tours and Certified Instruction May Replace Beginning Kayak Rentals. Always pay attention to Tidal Currents and avoid the River Mouth!
March - May: Morning and Evening Temperatures can be quite cold at times. After 9 or 10 AM is usually best. Remember to avoid occasional strong afternoon winds. And note that April is generally the windiest month of the year with those periods of a few days with high wind hazards slowly reducing into our Summer months. Expect occasional fluctuating mist and fog locally in between seasonal heat spells inland, especially when those heat spells occur at the same time as extra cold ocean temperatures. Always pay attention to Tidal Currents and avoid the River Mouth! River Currents may continue to move on and off through May depending on rain and upstream dam releases. This provides opportunities to flow with the current, paddle less and practice basic class I moving water maneuvering skills. This is the most popular time of year for more experienced paddlers to enjoy the Russian River and Seasonal Creeks. Please Practice The Same Cautions Mentioned For December - March.
A Note On Extreme Paddling and Surfing:
You may on occasion see surfers or paddlers with professional life vests, paddles, and even helmets, on sit on kayaks or in those with spray skirts entering or returning along the beach or through the river mouth.
This is not a common practice! You are lucky to see someone (who has trained vigorously) do so. Tsunami or Neptune Rangers, athletes practicing for competitions and certified open water rescue personnel are not your average kayaker or paddle boarder. They have studied the changing winds, tides, undertows, sleeper waves, rip tides, etc., of the area and are willing to take the risk to do so. In most cases the ocean is almost flat and the tides are in their favor. Weather and water conditions can change rapidly. Extreme outdoors people track this.
For beginning and novice paddlers: If you see experienced surfers or kayakers returning from the sea, do not enter the sea! This is the end of their activity and may signal that conditions are changing for the worse. Remember that ocean currents at this location are often deadly even for professional surfers and paddlers.
If you see someone, who is obviously not a professional paddler, in the river mouth or ocean. Please warn them away! If they are in trouble, Call 911 and send someone to find an Ocean Beach Life Guard! Do Not Attempt Rescue Yourself. To Do So May Result In Death! If they are endangering children, please call the Ranger!
A Note On Extreme Paddling and Surfing Equipment:
These are not your basic kayaks or boards. Your average recreational kayak is deadly in the ocean. You are risking death if you enter the ocean in a kayak without having and knowing how to use: An upgraded wave ski, surf ski, ocean paddle board, sit on top or professional sea, touring or downstream or play white water kayak. ( Hint: None of these come from Costco! ) A spray skirt to keep the water from filling up and sinking your kayak, a pump to remove excess water if you flip, a paddle float bag to assist getting back into your kayak if you flip, an upgraded vest to keep you afloat if you flip. And a horn or life guard whistle to attract help.
Even at that, my own competition son misread the water and had his spray skirt and vest ripped off of him by the waves. Again he also had Professional Swift Water Rescue Certifications. He learned a valuable lesson in taking the waves for granted and we are lucky he made it.
We care about your safety too. So please, do not approach the river mouth or go into the ocean unless you already have trained and are certified for understanding and attempting this type of extreme sport.
A Final Note On Rescues:
You're welcome to look at the same safety and interpretation maps we use for our clients. We update our verbal interpretation daily per the existing and expected conditions.
Our main location in Jenner is a Managed Marine Recreation Area under both California State Park permits and includes both their and NOAA's Greater Farallone's National Marine Sanctuary and Federal regulations and limitations.
Our job at WaterTreks is to ensure that you know what the wildlife and safety regulations and limitations are, as well as to give you the best information on how to enjoy the local ecosystem and wildlife while avoiding harming yourself or endangering local wildlife.
When our guidelines are followed, we as staff or interns should not have to perform a water related rescue.
We are not required to put ourselves in harm's way if you ignore our guidelines and put your life at risk. Note that sometimes the wind forecast changes, and we do get on the water to accompany our clients back during unexpected high winds.
The rare client that goes into the river mouth safety "No Go Zone" is put on a non-guided black list. And they may not rent from us. They may join a guided tour or be required to pass a certified kayak safety class, at our discretion, prior to being taken off the black list.
WaterTreks Staff and Interns are not required to assist in rescuing private paddlers. However, each year I do end up assisting in preventing private paddlers from being sucked out the river mouth. And I've been forced into the river mouth in unsafe conditions, by unaware private paddlers, to do so.
Neither I nor my staff will enter the ocean to assist in a rescue. We generally are not "open ocean water" rescue qualified. Neither I nor my staff need to be, as we focus on calmer "deep water" lakes and estuaries and slow moving rivers.
Our clients must respect and avoid the river mouth safety "No Go Zone" as well as the harbor seal and sea bird resting area and ticketing limitations near the river mouth.
The ocean beaches at Goat Rock are clearly marked as Deadly! Anyone that is swept into the ocean will need to wait for assistance from State Park Lifeguards at Goat Rock Beach, who generally do not have a clear view of the river mouth, and they only have a couple, who need to drive to observe 6 or more beaches within the Sonoma Coast State Park. Even when they are present at Goat Rock Beach it does not guarantee your survival. Yes. Goat Rock Beach has rescues, even with beach walkers who ignore the warning signs, play in the waves, and are swept off the beach almost every year.
Why would your average person put themselves or their family at risk in such conditions in a tiny kayak?
Real rescue is not fun. It puts our rescuers lives at risk too. And we all want to stay alive and have fun.
Please. Listen to our safety reviews, respect nature and put your safety first so we all can truly enjoy nature and the wildlife.
Every smile enjoying nature makes our day. I look forward to seeing yours,
Suki Waters
