ELKHORN SLOUGH

ELKHORN SLOUGH Kayak, Canoe and Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) Guide

Monterey County California

The Elkhorn Slough is a protected wetland with easy launching.

Paddling a kayak or canoe is the ideal way to view the many varieties of birds that live and pass through here. Scroll down the page and keep reading for detailed paddling and launch information.

ELKHORN SLOUGH maps

Tide Predictions and Marine Forecast for ELKHORN SLOUGH and MOSS LANDING

Go to my ELKHORN SLOUGH blog page

Kirby Park has a very easy launching spot with a kayak/canoe friendly floating dock, boat ramp, and a large free parking lot.

Kirby park is reached as follows: from Highway 1 just south of Moss Landing Harbor take Dolan Rd. east about 1.5 miles to Elkhorn Rd. Take Elkhorn Rd. north about 3.5 miles to Kirby Rd. which is an access road for the park.

Pastoral rolling hills and farmland provide a scenic backdrop as you paddle in the upper portions of the Elkhorn Slough near Kirby Park. If you pick the right day, you can start with a high tide in the morning and paddle with a dropping tide toward Moss Landing and then paddle back when the tide starts to rise and the sea breeze picks up -- riding with the tide and wind back to Kirby Park (check your tide tables).

You can also launch at Moss Landing Harbor by the lower end of the Elkhorn Slough which has a boat launch.

Otter in Elkhorn Slough:

Otter in Elkhorn Slough
Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board California Guide Book