Photo Credit  Lyrinda Snyderman

The Petaluma River offers a delightful paddling experience, with abundant wildlife and birdwatching opportunities. Whether you choose a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, the river's endless paddling possibilities provide a remarkable getaway. In the North Bay, a mosaic of serene waterways allows paddlers to explore a world with minimal boat traffic and mirror-smooth waters teeming with birds.

Paddling south into the Petaluma Marsh connects you to the Napa-Sonoma Marsh Wildlife Area, a 50,000-acre tidal wetland that is a haven for birds and other wildlife. As you wind through this urban oasis, you'll find yourself immersed in a true wilderness, with over 4,200 acres of tidal salt marsh, mudflats, oak woodlands, and coastal scrub—home to a variety of migratory bird species year-round. The Petaluma River's 19-mile length traverses a diverse landscape of farmlands, marshes, and industrial areas, offering a captivating paddling experience.

After your leisurely paddle, you can tie up at the Petaluma Turning Basin and enjoy a bite to eat. And thanks to the region's mild climate, the Petaluma River is a delightful destination to explore throughout the year, from the spring wildflower blooms to the festive Rivertown Revival and Holiday Lighted Boat Parade. Escape the everyday and discover the remarkable paddling adventures that await you on this hidden gem of a waterway.

Map of Petaluma River