Elkhorn Slough

Elkhorn Slough is one of California's last great coastal wetlands. Flushed by ocean tides in the heart of Monterey Bay, its waterways, mudflats and marsh support a huge diversity of wildlife. Hosting more than 340 species of birds, including several endangered species such as the brown pelican and snowy plover, the slough is one of our nation's premier bird watching sites. It's also an excellent place to see large numbers of California sea otters and harbor seals.

Not only is the slough part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a portion of it is protected as a National Estuarine Research Reserve. The reserve offers miles of hiking trails and a visitor center. Kayaking is another great way to experience the slough and see an abundance of wildlife. To view an access map of the slough, click here.

If you visit the slough to see wildlife, please remember it is a critical feeding and resting for many animals, so give them plenty of room!

Useful Links

• SIMoN
  Elkhorn Slough information from the Sanctuary Monitoring Network
• Site Characterization
  Elkhorn Slough information from the sanctuary's Site Characterization
• Elkhorn Slough Foundation