Trail Closure

At Kirby Park, the accessible trail remains closed due to storm damage.

Elkhorn Slough Reserve hero

Photo by Paul Zaretsky

Reserve

Elkhorn Slough Reserve

Discover the magic of Elkhorn Slough

Topo lines Follow Us

A Sanctuary for Wildlife and People

Located just a few miles east of Moss Landing, the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve supports one of California’s largest coastal salt marshes and provides habitat for a fantastic diversity of birds, plants, marine mammals, and fish.

The Reserve is one of 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves established nationwide as hubs for environmental stewardship, research, and education. It is administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, owned and managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and supported by its partnership with the Elkhorn Slough Foundation.

Child interacting with exhibit

Photo by Paul Zaretsky

CDFW logo
Wooden bridge

Photo by Paul Zaretsky

Visit the Reserve

The Elkhorn Slough Reserve features a visitor center, picnic areas, and five miles of trails through beautiful oak woodlands, calm tidal creeks, and open grasslands.

We are committed to ensuring the health of Elkhorn Slough and its surrounding watershed for generations. Please join us in keeping this place healthy and wild.

HOURS: Wednesday-Sunday, 9am-5pm

Our Programs

We support conservation at Elkhorn Slough and beyond through research, stewardship, education, professional training, and community engagement.

Blue heron in grass

Photo by: Michael McGreevy

Elkhorn Connects Us

Much of our work at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve is powered by volunteers.

Volunteer With Us
This site uses cookies.

We collect some information to improve your browsing experience. Learn about what information we collect.