Russian River State Marine Conservation Area/State Marine Recreational Management Area

The Russian River watershed lies in a highly erodible area. Landslides are common here, both above and below the ocean surface. Over thousands of years, this erodible geology, in combination with heavy winter rains, created the large estuarine system at the mouth of the Russian River. The two marine managed areas protect not only the estuary itself, but also an area of shifting sandbars and deep channels on the seaward side. The estuary at the mouth of the Russian River is often closed off from the open ocean by a sandbar due to low river flows and shifting sand. When the sandbar develops, the protected sandy beach offers resting spots for harbor seals and seabirds. The sandbar can be breached throughout the year by rough ocean conditions or rainstorm events to connect the estuary directly to the sea, especially during the winter.

The marshy and sandy SMRMA supports resident and migrating birds such as snowy egrets, western grebes, mallard and wood ducks, and common mergansers. The shallow marsh is teeming with both brackish-water and saltwater fish, many of which use the wetland as critical nursery habitat. Crabs, shrimp, and surfperch can be found sheltering in the wetland’s submerged vegetation.

The two Russian River marine managed areas were created as an additional level of protection for anadromous fish, such as steelhead trout and salmon. Historically, the Russian River supported abundant steelhead trout, coho salmon, and Chinook salmon. Their populations crashed due to habitat alteration, dam construction, and the resulting loss of spawning habitat. In 2001, only four coho salmon returned to the river to spawn. This catalyzed the community into action, and salmon were reintroduced using local hatchery fish. In 2011, 190 adult coho salmon returned to the watershed.

For centuries, Native American Tribes in California have relied on marine and coastal resources. Many Native American Tribes in California continue to regularly harvest marine resources within their ancestral territories and maintain relationships with the coast for ongoing customary uses. The Southern Pomo called the Russian RiverAshokawna, or the "water to the east", and Bidapte, "big river".

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and his expedition were likely the first Europeans to reach the area in 1542, but storms forced them to turn south. The river is named for Ivan Kuskov, a Russian explorer who established the Fort Ross colony to the north. They called it the Slavyanka River, and hunted and traded beaver and otters from Fort Ross. The redwoods that lined the river banks drew loggers during the 1800s, and their small riverside communities grew into what are now Jenner, Guerneville, and Healdsburg.

The Russian River marine managed areas offer visitors many ways to explore the freshwater river and large estuary. The estuary is typically blocked from ocean waves, providing calm conditions for kayakers to enjoy the many wildlife viewing opportunities. Birdwatching is immensely popular, with regular sightings of common loons, great blue herons, snowy egrets, and double-crested cormorants. Surfers may want to try their luck catching waves at the river mouth, but please note the conditions are usually challenging and not suited for beginners.

At the adjacent Sonoma Coast State Park, visitors can explore the estuary shores and large sandbars at Goat Rock Beach. Harbor seals frequently haul out on the sandbar, drawing crowds on the bluffs of Highway 1 above for easy viewing. A keen eye may also spot northern elephant seals and northern fur seals since these large pinnipeds often rest on the remote beaches in this area.

Fishermen are welcome to try catching Dungeness crab by trap within the SMCA, and recreational fishermen can also try to capture surf smelt with a hand-held dip net or beach net, but no other take is permitted within the Russian River SMCA. Within the Russian River SMRMA, waterfowl hunting is allowed in accordance with regulations, but no other take is permitted.

Russian River SMCA

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line, the mouth of the Russian River estuary as defined in subsection 632(b)(37)(A), and straight lines connecting the following points in the order listed:

38° 27.380′ N. lat. 123° 08.580′ W. long.;
38° 26.380′ N. lat. 123° 08.580′ W. long.;
38° 26.380′ N. lat. 123° 07.700′ W. long.

California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 632(b)(38)(opens in new tab)

Russian River SMRMA

This area includes the waters below the mean high tide line eastward of the mouth of the Russian River estuary defined as a line connecting the following two points:

38° 27.160′ N. lat. 123° 07.910′ W. long.;
38° 27.010′ N. lat. 123° 07.740′ W. long.
and westward of the Highway 1 Bridge.

California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 632(b)(37)(opens in new tab)

Downloads for Russian River State Marine Conservation Area

Map

Facts, Map & Regulations

Downloads for Russian River State Marine Recreational Management Area

Map

Facts, Map & Regulations