Easy trip on tranquil river

Trip Overview

This river is a beautiful little hidden gem, very rarely used. Probably best not to swim in this river, but it is great for an easy boat trip. We paddled kayaks downstream from the put-in all the way to the Monterey Bay, and we didn't see another boat during the whole a 5-hour round trip. Saw lots of birds: red tailed hawks, ducks, cormorants, red-winged blackbirds, and nearer the bay there were lots of gulls, and both brown and white pelicans. Plus, numerous other birds I couldn't identify. Very peaceful most of the time, lots of trees and brush lining the riverbank, virtually no current, water fairly murky, no rapids or rocks, just a gentle easy float. We reached the bay near Pajaro Dunes, then paddled up Watsonville Slough as far as W. Beach St. where the slough passes through culverts. About 8 miles round trip. Well worthwhile, but don't get caught in the slough when the tide goes out, or you could get stuck in the muck.