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Kayak the Washington Arboretum Loop

Seattle, Washington

4.0/5
based on 4 reviews

Description

Added by Michael Gabbert

An easy paddle to a unique and secluded area close to the center of Seattle.

Situated just southeast from the shores of the University of Washington, the Washington Arboretum Loop is a short yet gorgeous paddling excursion. What it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in its peaceful escape from the city and its beautiful path carved out through fields of lily pads. The loop, which goes around Foster Island at the north end of the Washington Park Arboretum, sits between Lake Union and Lake Washington.

If you are renting a kayak, the Aqua Verde Paddle Club is your closest proximity to the loop but it can be easily accessed from either of the two rental companies on Lake Union as well (you can also rent a canoe from the nearby Waterfront activities Center on the UW campus). Distance-wise, it’s a 3 mile, (1hr) round trip paddle from Aqua Verde and a 6 mile (2 hr) round trip paddle from the middle of Lake Union.

To get to the loop, you’ll cross in between Marsh and Foster Island. You’ll first go under a small pedestrian bridge between the two islands and than Hwy 520 until you get to the fields of lily pads. This is your destination. It’s a slow, peaceful ride so enjoy your surroundings, follow the lily pad lanes and take it all in.

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Features

Kayaking
Scenic
Wildlife

Kayak the Washington Arboretum Loop Reviews

Ended up costing about $30 and taking 2 hours. Fun way to get a workout and be on the water!

Just across the Montlake Cut from the arboretum is the University of Washington's Waterfront. They rent canoes, rowboats and kayaks. The main entrances between marsh and foster island are closed, but access to the inner waterways can be gained through the entrance on the east side of foster island. This route takes a bit to get to, so if renting it's more affordable to cut travel time down and rent at UW.

We were limited to the coast because the arboretum is closed for construction.

Be sure to call one of the local rental places nearby beforehand. Access from the lake to the Arboretum is regularly closed due to construction on 520 bridge. You can still paddle around the arboretum if you put in south of the bridge. Fun and beautiful to paddle around once you get in and ignore the construction noises

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Washington Park Arboretum Loop Trail

Howe Street Stairs

Night Photography at Gasworks Park

Paddle Lake Union

Ice Cream Cruise on Lake Union

Swim at Green Lake