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Elkhorn Slough is a estuary and wetlands that in part defines the border between Santa Cruz-Monterey Counties. The slough experiences daily tidal cycles with flow entering from a managed harbor entrance on Monterey Bay. This area is along the road just west of Kirby Park, a popular boat launch area for kayakers. Wetlands surround much of the may body of the slough.
A cormorant sits on a post at the Kirby Park boat dock. Mud flats on the opposite shore hint of the typical one-meter tidal range in the bay. Far off through the haze are the distant Santa Cruz Mountains.
Tidal wetlands near Kirby Park. A rail line runs along the south side of the slough. In the distance, eucalyptus trees cover an old landfill along the shore of the slough. The slough is now well-protected and is host to abundant wildlife.
The harbor entrance and coastal dunes where Elkhorn Slough joins Monterey Bay. The Monterey Highlands form the far distant ridgeline to the southwest.
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Looking north in the direction of Santa Cruz with the coastal dunes along the shore north of Elkhorn Slough harbor.
