Shimmering Paddle

Kayaking under a Full Moon in Jenner, North Bay Northern California

Uniquely situated where the Russian River meets the rugged Pacific coast, Jenner is a shining star of kayaking destinations. It’s even better when paddling here under the shining moon! WaterTreks EcoTours leads full-moon kayaking tours that are part adventure and part celestial tranquility. You’ll launch behind the Sonoma Coast State Park visitor center and glide over webs of mermaid’s hair netting the brackish surface. Great blue herons levitate on water with spectacular wings outstretched, while brown pelicans swoop down for the catch.

Hop out on Penny Island, where reptilian branches and tall grasses envelop remnants of a barn, smokehouse, and abandoned dairy, once operated by the Native American ancestors of WaterTrek’s founder, Suki Waters. Afterwards, paddle to Goat Rock Beach for another stop, atop sand dunes. Gargantuan Goat Rock and Arched Rock tower over the coast as the sun sinks lower. As the full moon rises, leave the warm river behind and paddle west towards its entry into the crashing Pacific, where the most dramatic scene is staged: Waves hurl themselves onto silhouetted sea stacks behind a colony of seals basking in the moon’s glow.

BONUS BIOLUMINSCENCE: The peak season for glowing plankton (aka bioluminescence) is near, and Jenner’s confluence of salt and fresh water make it a premier spot for seeing it. Call ahead to check conditions and the prevalence of these micro-beauties.

WaterTreks EcoTours (707-865-2249) is located in Jenner, 10438 Hwy. 1, across the street from the Sonoma Coast State Park visitor center. Full-moon tours are generally $80/person but decrease with increasing group size. Call ahead for reservations, pricing, and dates—tides determine the best viewing time, which may be several days before or after the technical full moon. Bioluminescence tours also offered mid-August through the beginning of October! Call to check conditions.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View