Elkhorn Slough is a large, tidal estuary located in Monterey County, California, recognized as a National Estuarine Reserve and one of North America's top wildlife viewing destinations. The primary access points for paddlers are the Moss Landing North Harbor Boat Ramp and Kirby Park, located approximately seven miles inland. The Moss Landing launch offers facilities including restrooms and a dedicated small-craft dock, but requires a parking fee. Kirby Park provides free parking and a quieter, more inland starting point, though the water quality at its launch is noted to be less clean. The slough is approximately 12 miles round trip from Moss Landing to its inland reaches, characterized by wide, muddy channels that offer a sense of isolation and peace. Motorized boats are prohibited within the slough itself, leaving the area primarily to kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, though paddlers must navigate the active Moss Landing harbor channel to enter the slough from the coast.

Tidal currents and wind are the paramount safety considerations for trip planning. The slough experiences significant tidal exchange, with currents strong enough to substantially aid or hinder progress; paddling with an outgoing tide is particularly helpful when returning to Moss Landing against afternoon winds. Predictable afternoon winds, often from the west, can create challenging headwinds on the return paddle to the harbor, especially when combined against an incoming tide. Paddlers should be confident in self-rescue, as capsizes, while rare, are possible. The area is a protected reserve, and regulations prohibit landing or disturbing wildlife. The paddling experience is defined by exceptional wildlife viewing, with guaranteed sightings of sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, pelicans, and over 340 species of birds. Sea otter and seal pups are abundant in the spring. The scenery transitions from the bustling harbor, under a highway overpass near boisterous sea lion haul-outs, into quieter, expansive wetlands. For the most efficient trip, paddlers with two vehicles can set up a shuttle between Moss Landing and Kirby Park to maximize distance covered while working with tides and wind.