Best Places to Kayak in Seattle: A Guide to the Top Spots
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Seattle is a city that is surrounded by water, making it an ideal location for kayaking enthusiasts. With so many stunning lakes, bays, and waterways to explore, Seattle offers a plethora of kayaking opportunities for both locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a beginner, there are some of the best places to kayak in Seattle that cater to all levels of experience.
One of the most popular spots for kayaking in Seattle is Lake Union. This 580-acre lake is situated in an ideal location for a beautiful view of the city. From the lake, you can see the city skyline to the south, the famous Space Needle to the west, Capitol Hill to the east, and the Wallingford neighborhood to the north.
Lake Union is also known to have tons of wildlife, including turtles, that make for great paddle buddies. If you’re looking for a fun and scenic kayaking experience, Lake Union is definitely worth checking out.
Another great place to kayak in Seattle is Alki Beach. This beautiful beach is perfect for kayaking, swimming, and sunbathing. With plenty of restaurants nearby, you can also enjoy a nice meal after a day of kayaking.
The views from the beach are breathtaking, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the water or an adventurous kayaking experience, Alki Beach is a great place to go kayaking in Seattle.
Why Choose Seattle for Kayaking?
Seattle is a city surrounded by water, with numerous lakes, rivers, and bays that make it an ideal destination for kayaking enthusiasts. Here are some reasons why Seattle is a great place to go kayaking:
- Stunning Scenery: Seattle’s natural beauty is unparalleled, and kayaking allows you to experience it up close. Paddle along the shoreline and take in views of the city skyline, the Olympic Mountains, and Mount Rainier.
Variety of Waterways: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kayaker, Seattle offers a variety of waterways to explore. From calm lakes to more challenging rivers and bays, there’s something for everyone.
Abundant Wildlife: Seattle’s waterways are home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, herons, otters, and seals. Keep your eyes peeled for these amazing creatures as you paddle.
Year-Round Kayaking: Seattle’s mild climate means that kayaking is possible year-round. Even in the winter months, you can still enjoy a peaceful paddle on one of the city’s many lakes.
Easy Access: With numerous kayak rental shops and launch points throughout the city, it’s easy to get started with kayaking in Seattle. Many of the best kayaking spots are just a short drive or bike ride away from downtown.
Overall, Seattle is a fantastic destination for kayaking enthusiasts of all levels. With its stunning scenery, variety of waterways, and abundant wildlife, it’s no wonder that kayaking is such a popular activity in the Emerald City.
Lake Union
Lake Union is one of the most popular places to kayak in Seattle. Located in the heart of the city, this freshwater lake offers stunning views of the Space Needle, the mountains in the distance, and other iconic Seattle sights.
Kayaking on Lake Union is perfect for beginners, as the waters are calm and there are plenty of rental options available. One great place to rent kayaks is Agua Verde Paddle Club, where you can rent kayaks for $20 per hour.
While kayaking on Lake Union, keep an eye out for the various houseboats and waterfront homes that line the shores. You might even spot some baby turtles among the lily pads!
If you’re interested in exploring beyond the lake, head up the northwest arm that leads out of Lake Union and paddle beyond the Aurora and Fremont Bridges. Here you’ll see Seattle’s maritime community hard at work, with amazing tugboats and trawlers all around and even a handful of dry-docks to investigate.
Lake Union is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to kayak in Seattle. With its calm waters, stunning views, and abundance of rental options, it’s the perfect place to spend a day on the water.
Lake Washington
Lake Washington is a popular destination for kayaking in Seattle. It is the second-largest natural lake in Washington state, covering over 22,000 acres. The lake is surrounded by beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains and the city skyline, making it a picturesque location for kayaking.
One of the best places to launch your kayak on Lake Washington is at the Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland. The park has a boat launch facility and a large parking lot, making it easy to access the lake. You can paddle around the park’s swimming area or venture out into the lake for a longer trip.
If you’re looking for a more challenging kayaking experience, head to the Mercer Slough Nature Park. The park has a network of waterways that wind through a wetland habitat, providing a unique and scenic kayaking experience. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as herons, beavers, and otters.
Lake Washington also offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. If you’re interested in fishing, the lake is home to a variety of fish species, including trout, bass, and salmon. Swimming is allowed at designated swim areas, and boaters can enjoy water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing.
Lake Washington is a beautiful and versatile destination for kayaking in Seattle. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kayaker, there are plenty of options for exploring the lake’s waters.
Puget Sound
Puget Sound is a popular kayaking destination in Seattle with its stunning scenery and calm waters. Here are two of the best spots to explore in Puget Sound:
Deception Pass
Deception Pass is a narrow strait that separates Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island. It is one of the most scenic kayaking spots in Puget Sound. The pass is surrounded by towering cliffs, rocky shores, and pristine beaches. Paddling through the pass, you’ll see a variety of wildlife, including seals, porpoises, and bald eagles. The currents can be strong, so it’s recommended to paddle during slack tide.
Blake Island
Blake Island is a small island located in Puget Sound, a few miles from downtown Seattle. It’s a popular kayaking destination due to its secluded coves and beaches with stunning views of the sound and Mount Rainier. The island is also home to Blake Island State Park, which offers camping, hiking, and beachcombing opportunities. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some whales or dolphins during your paddle.
Puget Sound is a must-visit destination for kayakers in Seattle. With its calm waters, diverse wildlife, and stunning scenery, it’s no wonder why it’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Green Lake
Green Lake is a popular destination for kayaking in Seattle. The lake is located in the heart of the city and is easily accessible by public transportation or car. The lake is surrounded by a 2.8-mile paved path that is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking.
Kayaking on Green Lake is a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife that the lake has to offer. The lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including turtles, ducks, and geese. Kayakers can enjoy paddling around the lake and watching the wildlife up close.
There are several options for renting kayaks at Green Lake. The Green Lake Boathouse is a popular spot for renting kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Rentals are available for hourly or daily rates. The boathouse also offers guided tours of the lake for those who want to learn more about the history and ecology of Green Lake.
For those who want to bring their own kayaks, there are several launch points around the lake. The East and West beaches are popular spots for launching kayaks. There are also several spots around the lake where kayakers can pull up on shore and take a break.
Green Lake is a great place to go kayaking in Seattle. The lake is easily accessible, surrounded by beautiful scenery, and offers a variety of rental options for kayakers of all skill levels.
Alki Beach
Alki Beach is a popular destination for kayaking in Seattle. Located in West Seattle, this public beach offers stunning views of the city skyline, the Olympic Mountains, and the Alki Point Lighthouse. It is a great place to paddle around and explore the calm waters of Puget Sound.
Kayaking at Alki Beach is suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced kayakers. The beach is relatively sheltered from wind and waves, making it a great spot for a leisurely paddle. The water is generally calm and clear, with occasional sightings of marine life such as seals, sea lions, and even whales.
There are several kayak rental companies located near Alki Beach, making it easy for visitors to rent a kayak and explore the area. Some of the rental companies offer guided tours, which is a great option for those who want to learn more about the history and ecology of the area.
One of the highlights of kayaking at Alki Beach is the opportunity to paddle around the nearby Duwamish Head and Elliot Bay. These areas offer stunning views of the city skyline and the surrounding mountains. It is also a great place to watch the sunset from a kayak.
Alki Beach is a must-visit destination for kayakers in Seattle. With its calm waters, stunning views, and easy accessibility, it is a great place for a relaxing paddle or an exciting adventure.
Elliott Bay
Elliott Bay is one of the most popular places for kayaking in Seattle. It is a busy urban bay that offers fantastic views of the Seattle skyline, the Space Needle, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains.
There are many guided tours and rental services available in the area, making it easy for both beginners and experienced kayakers to explore the bay. Alki Kayak Tours, for example, offers a 2-hour guided tour of Elliott Bay that takes you through the historic parts of Seattle, across the bay, and to the mouth of the Duwamish River.
For those who prefer to paddle on their own, there are several launch points around the bay, including Don Armeni Boat Ramp, Seacrest Park, and Alki Beach Park. Be aware that the bay can get busy with ferries and other boats, so it’s important to stay alert and follow the rules of the water.
Elliott Bay is a great place to kayak in Seattle, with stunning views and plenty of options for both guided tours and solo paddling.
Arboretum Water Trail
The Arboretum Water Trail is a popular kayaking spot in Seattle, located on the shores of Lake Washington. This 1.3-mile out-and-back trail is generally considered an easy route, making it perfect for beginners or those looking for a leisurely paddle. The trail takes an average of 24 minutes to complete.
As you paddle along the Arboretum Water Trail, you’ll be surrounded by stunning views of the lake and the lush greenery of the Washington Park Arboretum. The trail is also home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, herons, and even bald eagles.
The University of Washington Waterfront Activities Center provides rental canoes and rowboats for $9 per hour on weekdays or $11 per hour on weekends. Avid kayakers can bring their own kayaks and launch them at the Arboretum Water Trail’s several canoe and kayak landings.
If you’re looking for a longer kayaking adventure, you can paddle from the Arboretum Water Trail to Gas Works Park for an unreal view of downtown Seattle. Rentals at this location are provided by Agua Verde Paddle Club for $20/hour.
The Arboretum Water Trail is a must-visit spot for kayakers in Seattle. Its easy route, stunning views, and abundant wildlife make it a perfect destination for a relaxing paddle or a longer adventure.
Skykomish River
If you’re looking for a thrilling kayaking experience near Seattle, the Skykomish River is a must-visit destination. The river is known for its intense whitewater rapids and breathtaking scenery, making it a favorite among both experienced and novice kayakers.
The Skykomish River is located about an hour’s drive northeast of Seattle, in the town of Gold Bar. There are several outfitters in the area that offer guided kayaking tours, as well as equipment rentals for those who prefer to go solo.
One of the most popular sections of the river for kayaking is the Boulder Drop, a Class IV rapid that provides an adrenaline-pumping ride through a narrow canyon. Other notable rapids on the Skykomish include Cable Drop, S-Turn, and Big Eddy.
It’s important to note that kayaking on the Skykomish River can be dangerous, especially for those who are inexperienced or unfamiliar with the area. Always wear a life jacket and helmet, and consider taking a guided tour if you’re not confident in your kayaking abilities.
The Skykomish River is a fantastic destination for kayakers looking for a challenging and scenic adventure near Seattle. Just be sure to take the necessary safety precautions and respect the power of the river.
Final Thoughts
Seattle is a city that is surrounded by water and is home to many beautiful lakes, rivers, and bays. It is a perfect place for kayaking enthusiasts to explore the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
With so many options available, it can be challenging to decide where to start. Each of the 20 best places to kayak in Seattle, WA, offers a unique experience. Some offer calm waters, while others provide more challenging conditions.
If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with a guided tour or taking lessons to learn the basics of kayaking. This will help you gain confidence on the water and ensure your safety.
For those who are more experienced, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty of Seattle’s waterways. The San Juan Islands are a popular destination for kayakers looking to spot whales and other marine life. Lake Union offers stunning views of the city skyline, while the Puget Sound provides a more rugged and challenging experience.
No matter which location you choose, always remember to respect the environment and follow safety guidelines. Wear a life jacket, check the weather forecast, and be aware of your surroundings. With the right preparation and a sense of adventure, you can find the best places to kayak in Seattle and make it an unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Places to Kayak in Seattle
Can I kayak anywhere in Seattle?
No, you cannot kayak anywhere in Seattle. There are specific areas designated for kayaking and canoeing, and it is important to follow the rules and regulations set by the city.
Where is the best place to kayak on Lake Washington?
Lake Washington is a popular spot for kayaking, and there are many great places to launch your kayak. Some of the best spots include Juanita Beach Park, Seward Park, and Mercer Island.
Which location is best for kayaking?
The best location for kayaking in Seattle depends on your skill level and preferences. Lake Union is a popular spot for beginners, while the Puget Sound offers more challenging conditions for experienced kayakers.
Are you allowed to kayak in the Puget Sound?
Yes, you are allowed to kayak in the Puget Sound. However, it is important to be aware of the tides and currents, as they can be strong and dangerous.
What are the best places for kayaking & canoeing in Seattle?
Some of the best places for kayaking and canoeing in Seattle include Lake Union, Lake Washington, and the Puget Sound. These areas offer beautiful scenery and a variety of conditions for kayaking.
Which places provide the best kayaking & canoeing in Seattle for couples?
For couples looking for a romantic kayaking experience, Lake Union and Lake Washington are great options. These lakes offer calm waters and beautiful views, making them perfect for a peaceful and relaxing paddle.