Washington's Top 5 Kayaking Destinations

Washington's Top 5 Kayaking Destinations

Secret stashes near Olympia and remote lakes in the Cascades are on your itinerary

written by Ryn Pfeuffer

THERE IS NO better way to experience a warm summer day in the Pacific Northwest than by paddling along one of the many stunning waterways in the region. Whether you are in and around Gull Harbor Inlet, out on Lake Crescent, or along the rocky shoreline of Orcas Island, Washington state is full of wonder and beauty on the water.

Once you’ve picked a destination, it’s time to book a kayak rental—unless you have your own. Most places offer rentals by the hour, half-day or full-day for increasing levels of ambition.

When you have basic logistics sorted out, get ready to see lots of natural beauty while getting a low-impact workout. This beautiful state offers everything from rugged coastlines and crashing waves to lush rainforests and sparkling lakes. Despite all the outdoor recreation hype in the Pacific Northwest, there are plenty of ways to get your cardio that don’t require hiking boots.

Encounter 12 miles of uninterrupted paddling on Lake Crescent on the Olympic Peninsula.

Marc Muench/TandemStock.com

As with any adventure sport, kayaking can never be totally safe. So always wear a life jacket—it’s one of the most effective pieces of safety gear in a boat. But it only works if you wear it.

Whether you’re curious about kayaking and could use a guided assist or feel confident going out with our own equipment, here are five places in Washington you’ll want to explore on the water.

1: Boston Harbor | Olympia

If you’re visiting Olympia and want to get on the water, one of the area’s best-kept secrets is a kayak from Boston Harbor (about 6 miles north of downtown) over to Hope Island State Park. Hope Island is accessible only by boat, making it the perfect destination for those looking for solitude in natural beauty on a protected island. The park offers hiking trails and a 1.5-mile stretch of private shoreline for walking, tide pool watching or just relaxing. It’s also a hot spot for birdwatching, clam digging and mushroom foraging.

An easier paddle is from Boston Harbor is to Gull Harbor Inlet. Located between Priest Point (recently renamed Squaxin Park to honor the Squaxin Island Tribe) and Burfoot Parks, the inlet is accessed by paddling through two sand bars. Wildlife nerds will rejoice with common sightings of deer, eagles, seals and blue herons.

Boston Harbor is a great launching point from Olympia.

Experience Olympia

If you want information on free weekly kayak trips, including paddles to Hope Island, the South Sound Area Kayakers Club is a great resource: www.ssak.hctc.com.

--- GO: Boston Harbor Marina (312 73rd Ave. NE, Olympia; 360.357.5670) rents sit-on-top kayaks for $25 for a single, $40 for a double for the first two hours. There also are sit inside (Eddyline) kayak, sailboat, powerboat rentals, and drinks, snacks, sandwiches and maps of the Puget Sound South for sale.

2: Point Doughty | Orcas Island

The most rugged of the four major San Juan Islands, Orcas Island, is a kayaker’s dream with its bluffs, bays, and protected coves—especially if you want to see wildlife. While paddling, you might see seals, orcas, bald eagles, porpoises, minke or humpback whales. The area is also home to more than 300 bird species.

Perhaps the most wildlife-abundant paddle is at Point Doughty from Orcas Island.

Sofia Prado/San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau

The San Juans, an archipelago of more than 170 named islands, are known for their sometimes-strong tidal currents. As a result, beginner paddlers will want to stick close to the shore or book an organized tour. During the summer months, temperatures are comfortable around 70 degrees.

One of the best places to see starfish, kelp forests, anemones, and other wildlife, is in the calm waters off Point Doughty, especially during low tide. You may see young salmon—just inches long—migrate from rivers across the Salish Sea through the shoreline habitats of the island. Bring your own equipment and drop into the water at North Beach Public Access point or book a tour with Outer Island Excursions.

Paddling in the San Juan Islands is a kayaker’s dream.

Dana Halferty/San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau

The three-hour excursion leaves from Smuggler’s Villa Resort and skirts the north side of Orcas Island before landing at Point Doughty State Park. What makes this trip special is that the park is accessible only via kayak, canoe or rowboat. Once parked, kayakers are treated to a beautiful nature walk and views of Mt. Baker and nearby islands. For more experienced paddlers, a fullday tour of Sucia Island is available.

INSIDER TIP: If you want to see orcas but can’t get out on the water, head to Lime Kiln State Park, a 36-acre day-use park on San Juan Island. It’s considered one of the best land-based spots for whale watching in the world. May through September are your best bet for sightings.

Dana Halferty/San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau

--- GO: Outer Island Excursions (120 Sucia Drive, Eastsound; 360.376.3711). Trips depart at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Adults $79; kids 8 and up, $45.

3: Port Gamble Bay | Port Gamble

If you’re new to kayaking, Port Gamble is a fun, peaceful, and drop-dead gorgeous place to paddle— especially on a beautiful, blue-sky summer day in the Pacific Northwest. A quick twenty-minute drive from the Kingston Ferry Dock, it serves up incredible views of the snow-capped Olympic Mountains, as well as marine wildlife galore. It’s not uncommon to see resident harbor seals and visiting porpoises in these waters.

Paddling Port Gamble Bay brings big views of the Olympic Range.

Paddle in the bay or to Foulweather Bluff. Or you can head toward Hood Head in North Hood Canal. Shine Tidelands State Park and Bywater Bay are in near-pristine condition, and you’ll frequently see people out clamming and wandering the beach. There are about 5,000 feet of tideland between the Hood Canal Bridge and the sand spit on Hood Head, so if you’re up for an adventure, this area offers no shortage to explore.

--- GO: Olympic Outdoor Center (32379 N. Rainier Ave., Port Gamble; 360.297.4659). Single kayak hourly rentals start at $20/hour; doubles at $28.

4: Lake Crescent | Port Angeles

Behold the breathtaking glacier blue waters of this 12-mile-long beauty, often lauded as the shining gem of the Olympic National Forest.

These glacially-carved pristine waters located in the heart of the Olympic Peninsula offer kayaking adventurers some of the most gorgeous views of nature.

Lake Crescent offers a zen experience distinct from others.

Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau

Rent kayaks from Lake Crescent Lodge and enter the 624-foot-deep and crystal waters of Lake Crescent. Boaters have paddled from this site since 1916. From your rental, you can fish, paddle adjacent to the Spruce Railroad Trail to the deeply gorged Devil’s Punchbowl, pull up to a rocky beach for a picnic break, and take in views of Storm King, Pyramid Peak and the Sourdough Mountains. Or book a group or private guided kayak tour through Adventures Through Kayaking. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, salamanders, bald eagles and other bird sightings.

After a paddle around the lake, explore the nearby hiking trails. The aforementioned Spruce Railroad Trail is a popular pick. It’s accessed from East Beach/ Piedmont Road (east trailhead) or Camp David Jr. Road (west trailhead).

Pair your paddle trip with hikes and cycling along the Spruce Railroad Trail.

Ronald Hope

--- GO: Lake Crescent Lodge offers several options for kayak rentals. Weather permitting, single kayaks ($55), tandem kayaks ($75), canoes, and paddleboards are available to rent from 8 a.m.; the last rental goes out at 3 p.m. Group kayak tours with Adventures Through Kayaking start at $79 per person.

5: Lake Wenatchee | Leavenworth

Located just two hours from Seattle, Lake Wenatchee offers beginner kayakers a memorable experience. Set in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this glacially carved and glacially fed lake reflects mirror-like views of Dirtyface Mountain to the north and Nason Ridge to the south.

Get away to warmer climes and Lake Wenatchee surrounded by the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Icicle TV

During the early migrations of indigenous people, tribes would fish along the lake’s shores. The lake is still a popular spot for sport anglers seeking sockeye salmon.

Head out from one of the several launch sites. The largest is located at the south campground on the eastern side of the lake; there’s another at the smaller Glacier View Campground on the southwestern side of the lake.

When you’re done for the day, soak up the day’s last rays on the beach. Grab a six-pack from Icicle Brewing Company for the post-paddle festivities. During the summer, sun, friends and an ice-cold beer are the holy trinity of a good time.

Relax on the beach at Lake Wenatchee.

Icicle TV

--- GO: Leavenworth Outdoor Center (321 9th St., Leavenworth; 509.548.8823). Weekday kayak rentals start at $40; weekend rentals, $45. Rentals are weather dependent— it’s best to call ahead to confirm availability.