Canoe
& Kayak Rentals
Big River is protected and is the only major undeveloped
navigable estuary remaining in Northern California.
Unlike the undeveloped portions of other rivers Big
River is accessible. Here you find no need for rubber
rafts or special paddling talents to experience Big
River's forested canyons, swimming holes and wildlife.
We
offer carriers for your car if you should wish to explore
other area streams. The Noyo and Albion rivers contain
marinas for fishing boats and suffer from heavy traffic.
Little River is a creek which opens to Van Damme Beach
which itself provides wonderful access to the ocean.
The Navarro River is beautiful and the estuary is very
accessible during the summer and early fall. Unfortunately,
Highway 128 runs on the north shore and there are homes
hidden on the south shore.
Big River Estuary
Paddling through Big River's forested canyon is a wonderful
experience and working with weather and tides will add
to your enjoyment. You are connected to the river and
its environment.
The
link below will connect you to the Mendocino Community
Network's weather page. This weather site will give
you a snapshot of conditions. However, the Mendocino
Coast consists of a series of micro-climates. Tides
vary here from those posted on the weather pages. Please
give us a call for more specific information on tides
and expected weather conditions.
We are open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas
Day and New Year's Day - 9:00/9:30 to 5:30/sunset. Phone
- 707.937.0273
or Contact by E-mail - canoe@mcn.org.
• CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT WEATHER CONDITIONS
•
For the Novice and Enthusiast
If
you've not had the pleasure of paddling a lightweight
performance craft, be prepared for a delightful experience.
We feature boats from WENONAH, Ocean Kayak, Necky, Dagger
and Secret Harbor Boat Works.
Explore
Big River, California's longest undeveloped estuary.
The river is ranked a Class 1, gentle river, suitable
for the novice. Because it is tidal, you can ride the
incoming tide up the river canyon and the outgoing back
to the rivers mouth. Trips against the tide can be more
challenging, depending on the amount of change in the
height between high and low tides. In general, it is
usually not too difficult to go upriver, even against
an outgoing tide. Returning against an incoming tide
and wind can be more difficult.
Equipment
For an exceptional experience choose our outrigger redwood
canoes by Robert Cummings founder of Secret Harbor Boat
Works. These highly stable, fast boats are available
for one to 12 people. Outfitted with a rudder they are
easy to paddle and steer. Our traditional canoes have
been especially modified by WENONAH Canoes for use on
Big River, and provide traditional canoeing at its best.
And if you enjoy kayaking, a close seat to the water
and solitude, choose one of our fine kayaks.
Whether
you choose an outrigger, canoe or kayak, we will supply
you with lightweight paddles, straight or bent shaft,
wood or composite, and personal flotation devices (life
jackets) by Stearns and Extrasport.
