Lake Washington. Located right in the heart of Seattle, Lake Union is one of the best places to go kayaking in Seattle. Visit the lake in the winter and enjoy cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding and ice climbing. The ability to run the Green River Gorge depends on the release of the Howard Hansen Dam, which typically only happens in March and April. Though the crystal-clear waters of the Skykomish River are inviting, the white water and rapids of this raging river should be tackled by experienced paddlers only. Lake Crescent is a stunning lake that is nestled in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains. This challenging river section isn't recommended for your first white-water outing. Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah offers an ideal location for kayaking. The winter is still filled with activity in the winter, however, and the area is a prime place to spot bald eagles flying near the banks. Under an hour drive from Olympia, the section of the Nisqually River between McKenna and the Yelm Hydro Plant offers a leisurely escape from the city. The lake is known for its magnificent blue waters and brilliant clarity. Lake Union is home to several rowing centres and two seaplane bases. The lake is also home to a floating resort, which is a must if visiting in the warmer months. The Sammamish Slough connects Lake Sammamish to Lake Washington and is a fun paddle. Lake Chelan is one of the most popular places in Washington during the summer, and for good reason. Explore the San Juan Islands by kayak with Shearwater! The campgrounds are closed in the winter, but other public facilities stay open year round. Obstruction Pass State Park, Orcas Island, WA. Between the lake activities themselves (boating, fishing, water sports) and the fun things to do in the town of Chelan, a getaway here should be on everyone’s summer bucket lists. The river drops more than 500 feet in 19 miles where most commercial guiding companies put into the water at McFarland Creek. The park also contains Lake Wenatchee that covers five miles and is 244 feet deep. Land lovers will also love checking out our guide to the top hiking trails in Washington State. It is often said to be the longest and most challenging rapid in the state. It’s a designated no-wake lake with a 5 mph speed limit located in Pend Oreille County 4 miles north of the Spokane County line to the west of Highway 2. Facebook33Tweet0Pin1 By Holly Smith Peterson With autumn colors cascading through the Puget Sound region, this season invites us to spend as much time outdoors as we did during this past gorgeous summer. The river is just as popular for kayaking as it is for white water rafting. With 12,623 ft of waterfront and mountain views encompassing the lake, there is plenty to explore. The name Kachess comes from an Indian term that means ‘more fish’, making it a great fishing spot. I took my 10' Pelican 100 down there last Sunday morning for a bit of light kayaking exercise. Follow the signs to Bowman Bay. The prime time to ride the white water of the Methow River is between May and June. The lake is within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, while the North Cascades National Park is on the west and south of it. It has 29 sites as well as a beach and a boat ramp. Late spring into early fall is the best time to get on the river, though paddlers can float the Nisqually throughout the year. The river has several Class II & III features, like the High Noon and Waffle Wall rapids, and continuous white-water action for nearly 11 miles. WASHINGTON Horseshoe Lake: Members of the Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club consider this small lake (128 acres) one of the best for paddling. Seneca Creek State Park. Several commercial outfitters in the Methow Valley offer guided trips of the Methow River. The Lake Chelan National Recreation Area sits at the north end, Lake Chelan State Park is at the south end and the Wenatchee National Forest is on either side of the lake. TripAdvisor - Seattle, Wa. It's not big enough to draw power boats or PWCs and has a nice put in point from a small city park. The eruption all but devastated the river, sending a rush of volcanic debris and wreckage tearing throughout its banks. It is not in the mountains, but in one of eastern Washington’s canyons. It is a total of 8,800 hectares, with its shoreline being home to cities and towns, including Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Beaux Arts Village and Renton. Alongside a mellow pace, several boulder gardens along the river offer places to practice paddle strokes. With moderate rapids ranging from Class I to Class III, it's also a great place to start your white water river experiences. The lake offers views of the Space Needle, mountains in the distance, and other Seattle sights. Banks Lake sits in the northern portion of the Grand Coulee in the Columbia River Plateau. Start your paddle early in the morning if you want to avoid the windy conditions as the day progresses. On the east side of White Pass, only 45 minutes from Yakima, the Tieton River is easily accessible by enthusiasts traveling from Seattle and Tacoma. For eleven months of the year, the Tieton River is virtually ignored by kayakers and river rafters alike. A popular stretch to run the river is a 10-mile section that heads west from Highway 504 near Toutle. The state park boasts two beaches that offer swimming, kayaking, boarding and of course sunbathing. Just outside the West Coast rain shadow and most commonly accessed from the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, the Wenatchee River gets plenty of sunshine and clear weather. It also happens to be home to the world’s longest floating bridge! With golden, rolling hills and gentle waves next to a quiet town, this lake is truly one of the best lakes to kayak in Washinton State. Despite its proximity to Seattle, the Green River Gorge is one of the best-kept secret stashes of fantastic rapids in the state. Lake Wenatchee State Park is on the eastern end of the lake and provides access to it. Gas Works Park sits at the northern end of the lake, which is the largest and the most popular not only for locals, but also tourists. There are also a few swimming and diving areas, like ‘Devils Punch Bowl’. Lake Chelan is almost completely surrounded by recreation areas and parks. Lake Spokane (Long Lake): Paddling launch points and swimming beaches are located at Riverside State Park’s Nine Mile Recreation Area and The lake was formed in 1941 with the damming of the Columbia River. Whether you hop in the kayak, or raft with a commercial outfitter, be prepared to transport yourself into a fast-moving environment full of Pacific Northwest scenery and plenty of chances to get your feet wet. With plenty of rainfall on the western side of the state, and glaciated peaks contributing to the flow, Washington's rivers and gorges surge with access to some high-adrenaline adventure from early spring to late summer. Paddlers should expect consistent Class III rapids as they head downriver. Whether you hop in a boat that's going over the falls or simply spectate from shore, if the white water doesn't draw you back to the White Salmon River, the lush scenery surrounding the river will. The drive around the 48 kilometre loop that encircles the lake is truly phenomenal. Ross Lake is a major recreational area, offering canoeing, kayaking and fishing. The Methow River is perhaps the best suited river for rafting and kayaking in the state and adds to the large amount of recreation found in the area. Body of water: 90-acre Clopper Lake, where shallow coves have submerged vegetation that attracts ducks, geese, loons, and other birds. It is sandwiched between Cle Elum Lake and Keechelus Lake at an elevation of 687 metres. Amongst the mountains, the forest, the flatlands and the highlands are numerous picturesque lakes. There are also camping grounds for those that come with a motorhome or a tent. The lake’s shoreline is dotted with resorts and cabins, making it easy to stay the night. The summer months and late fall tend to attract the most boaters to the Skagit River. It is also noted for its spectacular crystal clear blue water. My kayaking style is more leisurely, so the danger level is pretty low for the areas I’ve explored. Lake Union is a freshwater lake that sits in the city of Seattle. Hidden Lake – Hike the short 0.6-miles into Hidden Lake in the springtime and you’ll be rewarded with the sound of a number of small waterfalls tumbling off of Nason Ridge. With over 125 miles of protected shoreline to kayak, Orcas Island and Obstruction Pass State Park gives beginning kayakers a safe and reachable place … Learn more. The Skagit River is the second longest river in Washington. Central Washington. Here’s a slide show of some of my favorite places to kayak up here in the Pacific Northwest. The River provides some of the most scenic rafting and kayaking experiences in the state. The most popular section to work through is the 19-mile stretch running from Leavenworth to Monitor. The Green River Gorge might not cater to the first-time white water experience, especially if you're hesitant about staying calm in the water. For 25 of these miles, the water is designated as a federally protected Wild and Scenic River. Among its wide array of recreational adventures, the state of Washington offers amazing white water rafting and kayaking opportunities. The 6.12 kilometre trail runs along the north shoreline of the lake. Padding around the lake is perfect for beginners. 4. The 1,900 hectare lake is a popular place for recreational activities like boating, fishing and camping. Just north of scenic Lake Chelan in eastern Washington, with waters gushing out from North Cascades National Park, the Methow River is a central artery of the entire Methow Valley. The Ross Lake National Recreation Area encircles the lake and provides access to it. Source: Rowan Sims Photography / shutterstock, 40 Places to See in Florida Before Your Kids Grow Up, 25 Most Beautiful Medieval Castles in the World, 40 Places to See in California Before Your Kids Are All Grown Up, 13 Things to Do in Rancho Santa Margarita (CA), 15 Best Things to Do in Cathedral City (CA), Lake Washington: oksana.perkins / shutterstock, Lake Chelan: Frank L Junior / shutterstock, Lake Quinault: Bill Champlin / shutterstock, Lake Wenatchee: tusharkoley / shutterstock, Roosevelt Lake: OpenRangeStock / shutterstock, Kachess Lake: Jaskirat Khosa / shutterstock, Baker Lake: Rowan Sims Photography / shutterstock, Lake Cushman: Stacey Lynn Payne / shutterstock. The Kachess Lake Shore trail runs along the west shoreline and offers spectacular views of the lake and its surrounding mountains. This makes it a popular spot for catching bull trout, largescale sucker, Northern pikeminnow, Mountain whitefish and other species that are native to the lake. The historic Lake Quinault Lodge sits at the south side of the lake and is still running today. Ways to get on it: Kayak, rowboat, canoe, and paddleboat rentals, plus pontoon tours, … Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Sections of flatwater exist along the route. This 1,980 hectare freshwater lake sits on the eastern limits of the city of Bellevue. 1. The lake was created by the Diablo Dam and is sandwiched between Ross Lake and Gorge Lake. This world-class river is accessible from the tourist-friendly towns of Winthrop, Twisp, and Methow. Bioluminescence Kayaking San Juan Island, WA. One such feature is the Giant Black Hole, which paddlers are advised to avoid. The common aspect of all river runs in Washington, however, is the flow that pushes you forward and provides a fantastic time on the water. With a few practiced paddle strokes, though, the Green River Gorge offers a great weekend adventure from Seattle. There are numerous high peaks surrounding the lake, making for fantastic pictures. Other commercial services include kayak tours and tubing shuttles. Rivers across the State offer a multitude of sea kayaking opportunities. Many of these are a must on any tourist’s to-do. This is when the banks swell with springtime rain and melting snow, which provide a wide range of rapids and amazing scenery. Soap Lake Resort. 1. 6. Kayaking in the Seattle Area – Seattle is a large area in the Washington state and is an excellent kayaking spot as it has many large bodies of water. Soap Lake, located in the heart of Central Washington, is a beautiful destination renowned for its mineral properties and healing waters. Several guiding companies offer white water rafting trips throughout September. Hiking and Camping in Washington: To find somewhere to camp between white-water adventures, the best campgrounds in Washington deliver with stunning landscapes.
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