Northern California coast kayaking
The River... The Gualala River is backed by thousands of acres of private forest. The Gualala watershed supports an abundance of wildlife, including osprey, river otter and numerous waterfowl, and provides a perfect setting for safe, self-guided paddling, past redwood forests, salt marshes and sandy beaches. Portions of the Gualala River were recently designated Wild & Scenic: Recreational by the California legislature. |
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Spring flows... In spring, Adventure Rents boating season begins with guided trips
from high up in the Gualala Watershed. Shortly following a storm, the
upper flows have up to Class 2+ conditions. These trips are available
to paddlers with experience in moving water only! Click here for more
information on these trips. |
Summer closure… In summer, the ocean waves build up the sand at the mouth of the Gualala River until it closes, and the sandbar becomes a natural dam through which the river and ocean filter with the tides. This phenomenon occurs somewhere between mid-May and early July. When the mouth closes, the water backs up for several miles turning the river into an elongated lake, crystal clear and free of current - perfect for novice boaters - and marvelous for paddling, swimming and picnicking along the river banks. |
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Late Summer Levels… Over the course of the summer, the water table drops until by late summer, gravel bars appear that require brief portages. Adventure Rents provides drag lines on each boat to assist in pulling the boats across the shallow spots. |
| Fall “re-fill”… In fall, high tides and storms at sea that cause waves to break over the sandbar and re-fill the river with colder ocean water but without opening the river mouth. Fall boaters may experience higher water conditions than did summer visitors! |
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Enjoy a picnic… The Gualala River is gentle and scenic for most of the season. Glide past towering redwoods, lush riverbanks with mossy logs and ferns, picnic on the banks and swim in the clean, refreshing water (about 70-74 degrees in summer) …or a swim |
| How It Works... Advance reservations are recommended to secure the right equipment
for your adventure. Arrive at our booth in the Cantamare Center in downtown
Gualala to register and pay by cash, check or major credit card, and
pick up dry bags and life jackets. Our staff will direct you to a parking
area nearby. Check on seasonal options for shuttle service. Adventure
Rents transports all boats and gear to the launch location. We
do the work, you have the fun!
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What
to Wear & Bring...
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Visit us for Northern California coast kayaking
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