Sea Lions at Russian River: Safe Harbor in Jenner, CA

We recently took a long-weekend road trip to northern California. Our adventures took us along Highway 101 and Jenner, California, which is a quaint seaside town right at the opening of the Russian River. This river empties out into the Pacific Ocean, providing an interesting delta area for the wildlife, as I soon discovered.

Sea Lions have found safe harbor on an inlet of Russian River near the Pacific Ocean. Jenner, California.

Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean and provides a safe harbor for the sea lions and pups. Jenner, California.

Sea lions and shore birds lined the river side of this sandy island. Quite a few of the juvenile sea lions were frolicking in the Russian River too. As the sun was getting low in the sky, it was obvious that this was a safe place for them.

Sea lions taking a nap as the day gets long. Jenner, California.

Further up the river from the sea lion napping area — sun is getting ready to set behind me, highlighting the golden grasses. Russian River, Jenner, California.

The Russian River is so named because of the early 19th-century Russian settlers. It was a trade route for the fur traders, but as you can see, it is now a peaceful sanctuary for the animals. Hopefully it will remain protected for a long time.

These cute sea lions and their pups look like soft sausages while they take their naps on the river bank, but they’re still wild! I used my new zoom lens to take this photo from way up on the cliff overlooking the river. Jenner, California.

I hope you have a peaceful weekend. I look forward to sharing more photos from our latest roadtrip with you all!

Published by Dawn Palmer

I am an avid nature and ecology lover and enjoy sharing my photography in my blog writings. I will often be out early in the morning or late in the evening with my camera, trying to capture the peacefulness and beauty around me.

11 thoughts on “Sea Lions at Russian River: Safe Harbor in Jenner, CA

  1. Wonderful and peaceful to experience wildlife in their habitat. We need to keep protecting and providing animals a safe place to thrive. Your photos always show us the beauty and serenity of nature at its best.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Glad you enjoyed! And yes,I much prefer to see the sea lions comfortable and undisturbed from afar…unlike the crazy tourists trying to go up to them on the beach in La Jolla.

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