Kayaking in the NW

3 years ago, our family finally purchased something I’d been wanting for years….kayaks! Mostly, my husband and I used them when we went on dates. We’d strap them on the car, bring a picnic and we were set. Sometimes though, we’d bring the kids too and fast forwarding, our oldest now has his own and he loves it! There’s something special about being on the water. You see things from a different perspective and it’s wonderful.

Together with some incredible ladies from around the area (look them up on Instagram!), I’ve compiled this list of  awesome places to kayak. Some of these are great for kids. Others are maybe more of a “date” type location, as in not super kid friendly. Regardless, use your best judgement and always use good water safety. When it doubt, stay close to shore and always wear life jackets… yada yada… (I have to say this stuff, because you never know about some people!). 

Here are some great places to check out this summer!

Bowman Bay

Bowman Bay was fairly smooth, easy to find, beautiful and such a dream to kayak. There’s a little boat launch, where we put our boats in and then we were off! Taking it all in, we slowly made our way around the Bay and found a picnic spot…..Read the entire post about this wonderful place and see the map about where it’s safe to kayak here.

English Boom on Camano Island

Located just 5 minutes onto Camano Island, English Boom is a beautiful beach with a wonderful shoreline to explore. When we go out, we head to the east and travel along the shoreline, to see the big, old shipwrecked boat. The kids (and parents!) love it! Kid friendly? YES!

Cranberry Lake (inside Deception Pass State Park)

Last summer when we went camping at Deception Pass, we carried our kayaks down to the lake inside the park. What a great spot this is! The water is calm so bring the kids!

Pass Lake

Six miles south of Anacortes, along the northwest side of Highway SR-20. This trophy fly-fishing only, catch-and-release-only lake has a boat launch, but use of motors is prohibited. For kayaking, it’s wonderful! 

Baker Lake

Seated right below Mount Baker, Baker Lake is a beautiful place to kayak! However, be aware that if the wind picks up, it can be really choppy. We went here for an anniversary trip a couple years back. Is this where I’d take my kids? Eh….not my first choice.

Birch Bay

Set in a blue cove between Bellingham and Blaine, Birch Bay State Park feels private and secluded without being far from urban life. Photo and suggestion from @Chelseyr3

Blue Lake in Eastern Wa

Blue Lake Resort is located in the Sun Lakes area, 15 miles south of Coulee City, Washington.

Suggestion and photo from @rikkirivera

Suggestions and photo from @rikkirivera

Lake Crescent in the Olympic Peninsula

Suggestion and photo from @rikkirivera

Chambers Bay in Steilacoom

Chambers Bay is a bay located just 1.7 miles from Steilacoom, in Pierce County, in the state of Washington, United States, near Lakewood, WA.

Suggestion and photo from @rikkirivera

Rattlesnake Lake

Lake Easton

Lake Easton is much bigger and way less kid friendly than Rattlesnake,  however we put the boats in by the low bridge parallel to I-90 where the water moves slowly and is much shallower. We take the kids under the freeway which is always a trip and then head back to explore the shallow marshy area. We can put an extra kid on or in the kayak by these shallow parts and they actually have fun hopping off to explore and search for turtles and other creatures. 

When we head to the middle we are more cautious because if the wind picks up it is a good challenge to head back in. Also, a regular kayaker from the area warned us not to get too close to the bridge by the train tracks…as it can be quite difficult to get back in. Stick to the shore line and there’s plenty of fun to be had.-@freshouttakes

 

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Where has your family enjoyed kayaking? Please share your ideas below!