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Washington

Looking for the best kayaking in Washington? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Washington. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Kayaking Spots in and near Washington

  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Kayaking Lake Wenatchee

    3.0
    Glacier-fed Lake Wenatchee is only 2 hours east of Seattle, nestled in the Okanogan- Wenatchee National Forest. The park is fully equipped with all the amenities you'd expect - camping spots, a sand/rock beach, picnic tables, bathrooms and a boat launch.Pack up your boats at the south campground,...
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  • Friday Harbor, Washington

    Kayak the San Juan Islands (Johns, Stuart, and Henry)

    5.0
    The San Juan Islands are one of the most stunning places you could go for a paddle. If you can go for a 3-5 day (or even longer) expedition you will get the most out of it.Start off in Friday Harbour, and get dropped off at one of the launching beaches. Many expedition operators work in Friday Ha...
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  • Rockport, Washington

    Canoe Diablo Lake

    Pack up your canoe with supplies for the day and launch from Colonial Creek Campground Area to begin your journey. As you approach the bridge to cross the lake, pull off to the parking area, there is signage for the boat launch area where you can easily carry your equipment down to the water's ed...
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  • Ariel, Washington

    Kayak at Yale Lake

    5.0
    Just 55 miles northeast of Portland lies a body of water so pure you have to see it to believe it...that's right, we're talking about Yale Lake. One of three lakes beneath Washington's ever rumbling Mount St Helens, Yale offers the outdoor lover just about everything they could ask for: calm wat...
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  • Blakely Island, Washington

    Hike and Camp at James Island

    If you're looking for a weekend camping getaway to a small San Juan Island and you have a boat of substantial size or experience sea kayaking, this is the adventure for you!Launch your boat from Washington Park in Anacortes and cruise or sea kayak across Rosario Straight to James Island. There i...
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  • Anacortes, Washington

    Kayak Camp on Cypress Island

    16 mi
    We set out from the town of Anacortes, WA from Seafarers Memorial Park with a group of 6 people. Two in single kayaks and four in two tandem kayaks. After setting out into the water, keep to the west of Guemes island and follow the shoreline for a shorter trip or follow the east side for a longer...
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  • Concrete, Washington

    Kayak Baker Lake

    5.0
    Just over 2 hours northeast of Seattle, Baker Lake is an often overlooked gem of the North Cascades. With 8+ miles of turquoise green water to explore, Baker Lake makes for a great day trip or overnight trip, with plenty of backcountry boat-in campsites and sandy beaches along the shore. You can...
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  • Silver Lake, Washington

    Getaway to Silver Lake Resort

    3.0
    This resort sits right on Silver Lake, which makes it easy to do multiple activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating. Whether you want to tent camp or stay in a cabin, Silver Lake Resort has you covered.Silver Lake Resort offers boat/canoe rentals or if you have your own there is also a b...
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  • Loon Lake, Washington

    Kayak Deer Lake

    5.0
    Deer Lake is a hidden cache of awesomeness in the mountains of eastern Washington. The lake expands a sizeable 1,146 acres, giving you plenty of room to explore with your kayak.Aside from the Deer Lake Resort and one public boat launch provided by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, t...
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  • Eastsound, Washington

    Kayaking at Point Doughty State Park

    The easiest way to explore this area is through Outer Island Excursions, which offers a 3-hour kayaking tour from Smuggler’s Villa Resort on Orcas Island (they also offer various tours of the surrounding islands).The tour begins with a paddle down the North Shore of Orcas Island to Point Doughty ...
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  • Friday Harbor, Washington

    Kayak Camp on Jones Island

    2.0
    The San Juan Islands are a gorgeous collection of islands situated 90 miles from Seattle. While most people enjoy the island at B&Bs, and join one of the dozen whale watching tours, the hands down best way to see the islands is by kayaking.Jones Island is a great place to set as your initial ...
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  • Friday Harbor, Washington

    Hike through the American Camp

    3 mi
    For what was once a highly contested and disputed piece of land in the Pacific Ocean, now lays home to one of the most peaceful, tranquil, and historic hikes in the island chain. Start the hike at the parking lot of the San Juan Island National Historic Site American Camp Visitor Center. Proceed ...
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  • Friday Harbor, Washington

    Kayak Camp on Stuart Island

    5.0
    The northwestern-most point of the San Juan Islands, Stuart Island, is arguably the most gorgeous island to circumnavigate. Unfortunately, as Stuart Island is 16 miles away from the closest ferry port, there is no simple way to get there in one day. A couple of options to get there include:1) Onc...
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  • Mountlake Terrace, Washington

    Kayak Lake Ballinger

    4.0
    Getting Here: Heading North on I5 from Seattle Center, take exit 178 for 236th Street SW and Lakeveiw Dr. Take a left on Lakeview Dr. and follow along for a half a mile before you see the Lake Ballinger Boat Ramp parking area on the left. There is a community park and rental facility on the noir ...
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  • Moran State Park, Washington

    Camp at Moran State Park

    Moran State Park is an true gem within the beautiful San Juan Islands. The park takes up a large portion of the East side of Orcas Island, the largest of all the San Juans. There are multiple campgrounds within the park along the shores of Cascade Lake and Mountain Lake. For the most relaxing exp...
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  • Ronald, Washington

    Kayak at Cle Elum Lake

    We launched our kayaks from Speelyi Beach right into Cle Elum Lake. Surrounded with views of the beautiful Cascades and the Cle Elum Dam on the northwest side, exploring is endless.  Parking: There is a small parking lot at the top of Speelyi Beach or you can drive right onto the beach to launch ...
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