elkhorn slough national estuarine research reserve

We rented kayaks and headed into Elkhorn Slough, not fully knowing what to expect. Don't miss this opportunity if you are in the area. Coming from New England, it was a great way to experience coastal CA. Every moment was amazing. Immediately after putting in, we were face to face with seals sunning themselves on the sand. As we entered the reserve, we were greeted by the loud calling of a group of sea lions who had claimed themselves a large dock. The scenery was breathtaking, more pelicans, egrets, and too many other shorebirds to name. There were many otters along our path, and we were cautious to give them their space. I could have stayed out for hours more, but I am grateful I did not, given that the paddle back was a good deal more strenuous than the trip out.

We took a docent-led walk through the Reserve and enjoyed it. I was a little disappointed by the relative lack of wildlife. We saw a couple of seals (or maybe sea lions) at a distance, and some egrets and other sea birds. But for such a beautiful, relatively isolated, and well-preserved location I would have expected larger numbers of creatures, and in greater proximity.The docent was very friendly and quite knowledgeable about some aspects of the biome -- mostly the plants. The person at the reception center loaned us a very good pair of field glasses that helped to view the animals that we did see.As the docent left us at the end of the walk, we spotted a great horned owl in an abandoned barn on the reserve. I was able to get close enough to him to give me my wildlife "fix" for the day.

Outstandingly beautiful salt flats with a varied habitat in the grasslands and copses above. A profusion of birdlife and the $4.12 entry fee (cheap compared topmost of the National Parks) a bargain not least because it includes the loan of binoculars. Worth a detour.

I haven't marked the Slough down for there being rather less wildlife around in August than at other times, because I can see the potential for great birding. After all, it was our decision to visit in the hottest, quietest, month. The trails are varied and obvious, passing by or through various habitats. The visitor centre is small but well formed and the ranger very friendly and helpful. Could do with better signposting from Highway 1 though.Would be excellent at the right time of year.

Very nice free informational Center with bathrooms and water faucets and gift store. My 6 year old grandson was very interested in the displays. The fee is $4.12 per adult and free for kids to hike the trails. We happened to hike on a very warm 75 degree January day. It was hot for us. We'll go back on a cooler day. Take your binoculars and camera. We saw a Turkey vulture and some ducks and animal tracks. Heard some tree frogs and a bullfrog and came across a sign warning that a mountain lion had been sighted and what to do if you run into one. My grandson became very concerned about the lion and wanted to leave. When my husband commented on the woodpecker holes in the trees my grandson said, "Stay focused--how much longer to get out of here?" There are picnic tables at the entrance and benches situated in different spots along the trails. I'm sure it's one of the places where you never know what you might see.

This is a great place to get out on the water and paddle. We brought our own kayak and paddle board, but rentals are available at the Route 1 crossing just north of Moss Landing. Great way to spend a couple of relaxing hours on a sunny day.

Growing up on the shores of the Elkhorn Slough I knew every path, every trail and every pickle weed patch to skip over. I knew where oysters grew like they came from the land of the lost and where all the honey holes where for ray and shark. This place use to be called the play ground of the pacific.This era spanned mid seventies to the late 80's. Back then the game warden would come up and say hello look at our take and congratulate us on being such great young fishermen. The only fences were some rusty barbwire of years past. It was my personal Eden. My trusty dog would follow me and my friends all over the area. We respected the place and left nothing but some bend grass in our wake. We would throw a stick into eucalyptus trees and watch the egrets explode in a blossom of white. Truly amazing.Fast forward to 1994. Shortly after coming back from Iraq, visiting my old home, I decided to take a long needed walk into the wilderness. Now mind you this is along the inner reaches of the slough, closer to Kirby park. I came to the old access point and there was a brand new green fence "posted no trespassing". I could care less about that sign. I went in on my normal route the trails we laid almost two decades prior. As I got to the RR tracks I see a young man in a green uniform approaching. Far off about 100 yards or so. I quickly concluded this was "the man" Naturally he informed me I was trespassing on government land and that I was standing on a protected National Earnestine reserve. Fine, Prison blah blah blah blah. He was a younger man. Worse yet he was not even from the area. He was not the only one asking questions.He insisted I follow him out on his designated path and if I choose to I could pay to have a guided tour. ROFL......I said I would be fine and make my way home the way I came. Things became dicey at that point. There was posturing, proclamations issued and down right threats. It was not until I explained the whole story did he make an exception to the rule. Of course there were strings attached. I was basically banned unless I paid to play. Its been 20 years since that happened, I never went back.Maybe I should get a Degree in Marine Biology do my internship there and maybe just maybe I can take my walk unharnessed.So thanks for everything Ranger Rick. And thanks to all you people who made it capital.....To walk the trails there is a $4.12 day-use fee (credit cards only) for adults 16 and older; children are free; entry is also free with a California hunting or fishing license. An annual CDFW Lands pass is available for $22.92.By the way the tourists are the ones who pollute and damage places like this.Good Job....

If you want to see Sea Otters, this is the place, and you don't have to go on a boat. Sea Lions, seals and birds also around.

Kayaking here is a fabulous experience. The amount of wildlife seems boundless. You kayak past a float of sea lions to join otters and harbor seals in the estuary. Don't be surprised if one or two don't pop up right next to you.The estuary is also prime breeding grounds for a variety of shorebirds and the pelicans always perform quite the aerial show.Don't own a kayak? Rentals are available for full and half-days from Kayak Connection. 831-724-5692.

We rented a double kayak for very little money and paddled up the the slough and had the best time! There were seals, sea lions, amazing birds of all sorts, and at least 70 or so otters throughout the coarse of the day! The scenery was wonderful even without all the wildlife. We went in November which I was told is the best time of year to go... the weather was PERFECT! Downside: we missed humpback whales parked right off the coast by 2 weeks. So maybe mid October would be better.

Took the docent led tour from the visitor center. Very informative add is the visitor center itself. Tour takes you down to the water and over to hummingbird island. Not too many birds at high tide. Weather very changeable. Our 2 hour hike actually took almost 3.After your visit recommend as stop at Phil's in moss Landing for some good seafood and maybe s glimpse of some humpbacks feeding outside the harbor.

We kayak here every chance we get. You can always count on seeing something or things that make the paddle worth it. Depending on the time of year you will see otters,sea lions, harbor seal, Pelicans, and every other kind of sea bird you can think of. Use your own boats if you want, or rent them from one of several local venues.( Our choice Is Monterey Bay Kayaks). If you are inexperienced do a guided trip, and the guides will teach you all about the critters and the reserve. It's a great place to get some exercise, and enjoy the sea life of the area. Ther are several places to eat after or before the paddle, and it's easy to make a day of this place.

Small skiff (seats 30) with 15 people up the slough. Saw large number of sea lions, birds, and 90 otters!Naturalist was very informative. Great trip.

We visit Elkhorn at least twice a year and every time it feels like a breath of fresh air. Relaxing, easy walking. All sorts of birds, raptors - we saw schools of sardines in the water - really cool - shimmering in the sun! If it is your first visit to the slough and you can get here by 1pm on the weekends, take the docent-led hike. We take it when possible and always learn something new about the area. We see kayaks in the slough - that'd be fun too!

Where else in the world can you take a short walk and see leopard sharks and bat rays a few feet from shore.The area is full of wildlife and worth the short side trip from Moss Landing to see.Stop at the visitor center to pick up your map,pay a small admittance and get info on where the best spots to see what you are looking for.