It’s the perfect time of year to hop on the water and check out the view! We have compiled our favorite kayaking locations in Washington and given them to you in order from nearest to farthest away (though we guarantee that all are worth the trip!).
Lake Union – Great for beginners since it usually has flat, calm water and lots of things to see. Houseboats line the shore and seaplanes take off and land from the center of the lake. Also some great wooden boats on the south end and Gasworks park to the north.
Difficulty: As hard or as easy as you want to make it!
Distance: The lake is approximately 2 miles long, and a full loop would be between 3 and 4 miles.
Rental locations: Northwest Outdoor Center (http://www.nwoc.com/rental/), Moss Bay Boat Rentals (http://www.mossbay.net/rentals/index.asp), Agua Verde Paddle Club (http://www.aguaverde.com/kayak.htm)
Lake Washington – Good for longer paddles with its wide variety of parks and interesting shoreline. The Arboretum is a fascinating place to explore with its abundance of vegetation and wildlife.
Difficulty: Intermediate, considering the size of the lake.
Distance: The 2nd largest natural lake in Washington, it covers 22 miles and stretches from Kenmore to Renton.
Rental locations: Seattle Raft & Kayak (http://www.seattleraftandkayak.com/), also can rent from any of the locations on Lake Union and paddle to Lake Washington.
Golden Gardens Park (Ballard) – Perfect for a sunset excursion, with some fun currents at the end of the point. There is a floating sea lion hangout and many beautiful sailboats and yachts to drool over at the nearby docks.
Difficulty: Easy, as long as currents are slow or headed the right direction (check tide tables and try to hit it at either high or low tide).
Distance: From Golden Gardens north to Carkeek Park is about 1.5 miles, or head south towards the locks for about 2 miles.
Rental locations: Seattle Raft & Kayak will deliver boats to the Park for a small fee, other companies may do the same if asked nicely or you can rent the boats and transport yourself with an appropriate roof rack.
Lincoln Park/Alki Beach (West Seattle) – Check out the coastline off of West Seattle and paddle up and around Alki Beach for a great view of the downtown skyline
Difficulty: Easy, though again watch your currents.
Distance: Varies depending on your choice of adventure.
Rental locations: Alki Kayak tours (http://www.kayakalki.com/OurTours.html), or contact one of the previously mentioned companies for either a delivered rental or self-delivered (if you have a roof rack).
Blake Island (south of Bainbridge Island) – Take a weekend to camp out in the wilderness or make this a long day trip. The island has Tillicum Village and miles of trails along with many pretty campsites to choose from.
Difficulty: Intermediate, though worth the long paddle.
Distance: 4 miles if you head straight across from West Seattle, about 6 if you paddle down from the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal
Rental locations: Back of Beyond on Bainbridge Island (http://www.tothebackofbeyond.com/new_website/Page_1x.html), Exotic Aquatics on Bainbridge Island (http://www.exoticaquaticsscuba.com/), or any Seattle store with transport.
The San Juan Islands – Orcas, birds, nature everywhere… it’s hard to sum up the experiences you will have kayaking through the bounty offered by these islands. This is by far the best way to see the area and locals and visitors alike will love the experience.
Difficulty: Easy to advanced, depending on your destination.
Distance: There are many trip options, from day tours to multi-day and multi-island explorations.
Rental locations: Lopez Kayaks (http://www.lopezkayaks.com/), Bon Accord Kayak Tours (http://www.bonaccord.com/photo.htm), Crystal Seas (http://www.crystalseas.com/new-sj-pages/pacific-nw-san-juan-islands.html), Discovery Sea Kayaks (http://www.discoveryseakayak.com/), Outdoor Odysseys (http://www.outdoorodysseys.com/), Sea Quest Expeditions (http://www.sea-quest-kayak.com/index.html), and many more.
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