Kayaking in Puget Sound offers a unique way to explore the stunning waterways of the Pacific Northwest. With its diverse marine life, scenic landscapes, and charming coastal towns, Puget Sound is a paddler’s paradise. From the calm bays to the more challenging open waters, there’s something for every kayaker. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best places to drop in your kayak, safety tips, equipment recommendations, and local rental options.
Top Kayaking Spots in Puget Sound
1. Deception Pass State Park
Location: Near Anacortes, WA
Directions: From Seattle, take I-5 N to WA-20 W. Follow signs to Deception Pass State Park.
About the Area: Deception Pass is known for its dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and swift tidal currents. This WA state park offers some of the most breathtaking views in Puget Sound. The iconic Deception Pass Bridge provides a stunning backdrop for your kayaking adventure.
Kayaking Experience: Paddling through Deception Pass can be thrilling due to the strong currents and narrow channels. Experienced kayakers will enjoy navigating through the pass and exploring the serene waters around Cranberry Lake and Bowman Bay. Keep an eye out for seals, porpoises, and even bald eagles.
Things to See:
- Rugged cliffs and forested shorelines
- Abundant marine wildlife, including seals and porpoises
- Views of the Deception Pass Bridge
Kayak Rentals: Anacortes Kayak Tours offers guided tours through Deception Pass and surrounding areas.
2. San Juan Islands
Location: San Juan County, WA
Directions: Take the ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor or another island in the San Juans.
About the Area: The San Juan Islands are a kayaker’s dream, with over 400 islands and islets to explore. Each island has its own unique charm, from the bustling town of Friday Harbor to the tranquil Shaw Island. The waters here are known for being home to orcas, making this an incredible spot for wildlife enthusiasts. Book a room at Snug Harbor Resort as a home base.
Kayaking Experience: Depending on the island you choose, you can find a variety of kayaking experiences, from the calm waters of Griffin Bay to the more challenging currents around Spieden Island. Many guided tours offer the chance to see orcas, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds.
Things to See:
- Orcas and other marine wildlife
- Rocky shorelines and secluded beaches
- Lighthouses and coastal landscapes
Kayak Rentals: San Juan Outfitters in Friday Harbor offers rentals and guided tours, including orca-watching excursions.
3. Gig Harbor
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Directions: From Seattle, take I-5 S to WA-16 W and follow signs to Gig Harbor.
About the Area: Gig Harbor is a charming waterfront town known for its maritime history and stunning views of Mount Rainier. The harbor itself is protected and calm, making it a great spot for beginners and those looking for a relaxing paddle.
Kayaking Experience: Paddle around the harbor and enjoy views of historic boats, charming waterfront homes, and the distant silhouette of Mount Rainier. The calm waters are perfect for exploring the harbor’s nooks and crannies, or venturing out to Point Defiance Park across the way.
Things to See:
- Historic waterfront and maritime museum
- Views of Mount Rainier
- Marine life, including harbor seals and seabirds
Kayak Rentals: Gig Harbor Rent-A-Boat offers kayak rentals for exploring the harbor and beyond.
4. Port Townsend
Location: Port Townsend, WA
Directions: From Seattle, take a ferry to Bainbridge Island, then drive WA-305 N and WA-104 W to Port Townsend.
About the Area: Port Townsend is a Victorian-era seaport with a rich history and vibrant arts scene. The town is nestled on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, offering easy access to sheltered bays and open waters.
Kayaking Experience: Explore Port Townsend Bay, paddle around Fort Worden State Park, or venture further into Admiralty Inlet. The waters here can vary from calm to moderately challenging, depending on the conditions. The town itself is full of quaint shops, historic buildings, and waterfront restaurants to explore before or after your paddle.
Things to See:
- Historic Victorian architecture and waterfront
- Marine life, including seals and otters
- Fort Worden’s lighthouse and coastal views
Kayak Rentals: PT Paddlesports offers kayak rentals and guided tours around Port Townsend Bay.
5. Poulsbo and Liberty Bay
Location: Poulsbo, WA
Directions: From Seattle, take the ferry to Bainbridge Island and drive WA-305 N to Poulsbo.
About the Area: Known as “Little Norway,” Poulsbo is a quaint town with Scandinavian heritage, colorful buildings, and a charming waterfront. Liberty Bay offers protected waters, making it an ideal spot for beginners and families.
Kayaking Experience: Paddle through Liberty Bay and enjoy views of Poulsbo’s waterfront, local marinas, and surrounding forested hills. The bay is calm and serene, perfect for a leisurely paddle and wildlife spotting. After kayaking, explore Poulsbo’s shops, cafes, and bakeries.
Things to See:
- Liberty Bay’s calm waters and marina
- Seals, otters, and various seabirds
- Scenic views of the Olympic Mountains
Kayak Rentals: Olympic Outdoor Center offers kayak rentals and tours in Liberty Bay.
6. Blake Island Marine State Park
Location: Off the coast of Manchester, WA
Directions: Accessible only by boat. Launch from Manchester State Park or Alki Beach in Seattle for a day trip to Blake Island.
About the Area: Blake Island Marine State Park is a hidden gem located in the middle of Puget Sound. The island is known for its natural beauty, lush forests, and rich Native American history. This park is perfect for a kayaking adventure that combines both paddling and exploring on land.
Kayaking Experience: The waters around Blake Island can be calm or slightly challenging depending on the weather. After paddling around the island, you can explore the shoreline and enjoy views of Seattle and the surrounding mountains. The island itself offers hiking trails and the famous Tillicum Village, where you can learn about the region’s Native American culture.
Things to See:
- Views of Seattle skyline and Mount Rainier
- Rocky beaches and forested shoreline
- Wildlife, including seals and a variety of birds
Kayak Rentals: Alki Kayak Tours in West Seattle offers rentals suitable for the trip to Blake Island.
7. Lake Union
Location: Seattle, WA
Directions: Easily accessible from multiple spots in Seattle, including Lake Union Park.
About the Area: Located in the heart of Seattle, Lake Union is a vibrant waterway surrounded by city sights and sounds. It’s a unique spot where you can paddle among houseboats, seaplanes, and the city skyline, all while being in the center of a bustling urban environment.
Kayaking Experience: Lake Union offers a calm paddling experience with plenty of interesting sights. You can paddle around Gas Works Park, cruise through the Montlake Cut, or explore the houseboat communities made famous by the movie “Sleepless in Seattle.” Keep an eye out for seaplanes taking off and landing on the lake!
Things to See:
- Seattle skyline and iconic Space Needle views
- Gas Works Park and its industrial remnants
- Unique houseboat communities
Kayak Rentals: Northwest Outdoor Center offers rentals and tours on Lake Union.
8. Alki Beach
Location: West Seattle, WA
Directions: From downtown Seattle, take the West Seattle Bridge and follow signs to Alki Beach.
About the Area: Alki Beach is a popular spot in West Seattle known for its sandy shores and stunning views of Elliott Bay and the Seattle skyline. It’s a great place for beginner kayakers due to its relatively calm waters and easy access.
Kayaking Experience: Paddle along the shoreline of Alki Beach and enjoy views of downtown Seattle, Bainbridge Island, and the Olympic Mountains. The area is known for its sandy beaches and marine life, including seals and seabirds. It’s also a great spot to catch the sunset over the water.
Things to See:
- Views of downtown Seattle and the Olympic Mountains
- Marine life, including seals and seabirds
- Historic Alki Point Lighthouse
Kayak Rentals: Alki Kayak Tours offers rentals and guided tours from Alki Beach.
9. Hood Canal
Location: Eastern edge of the Olympic Peninsula, WA
Directions: From Seattle, take a ferry to Bainbridge Island, then follow WA-104 W to Hood Canal.
About the Area: Hood Canal is a fjord that stretches along the eastern side of the Olympic Peninsula. It offers some of the most pristine and secluded kayaking experiences in the Puget Sound area, with clear waters, forested shorelines, and abundant wildlife.
Kayaking Experience: The waters of Hood Canal are typically calm, making it an excellent spot for a peaceful paddle. Explore the rugged coastline, spot marine life like seals and starfish, and enjoy views of the Olympic Mountains. You can also visit places like Scenic Beach State Park or paddle to one of the canal’s many hidden coves.
Things to See:
- Crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life
- Scenic views of the Olympic Mountains
- Secluded coves and inlets
Kayak Rentals: Olympic Outdoor Center offers kayak rentals at their location in Silverdale, near the northern end of Hood Canal.
10. Bainbridge Island
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Directions: Take a ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island. Eagle Harbor is a popular launch spot.
About the Area: Bainbridge Island is just a short ferry ride from Seattle but feels like a world away. With its mix of small-town charm and natural beauty, it’s an ideal destination for a kayaking day trip. The island offers protected waters, making it suitable for paddlers of all skill levels.
Kayaking Experience: Paddle around Eagle Harbor, explore the Bainbridge Island shoreline, and enjoy views of downtown Seattle across the bay. The waters around Bainbridge are typically calm, offering a leisurely paddling experience. You can also paddle to nearby Blakely Harbor or explore the island’s many coves and inlets.
Things to See:
- Views of Seattle skyline and Mount Rainier
- Charming waterfront homes and marinas
- Forested shorelines and wildlife, including seals and sea stars
Kayak Rentals: Back of Beyond Outfitters offers kayak rentals and guided tours around Bainbridge Island.
11. Titlow Beach
Location: Tacoma, WA
Directions: From Seattle, take I-5 S to WA-16 W, then take the Jackson Ave exit to reach Titlow Beach.
About the Area: Titlow Beach is a hidden gem in Tacoma, known for its sandy shores, tidal pools, and beautiful views of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The area has a relaxed vibe and offers easy access to the water, making it a great spot for a day of kayaking.
Kayaking Experience: Launch from the beach and paddle through the calm waters of the Narrows, with views of the surrounding cliffs and bridges. You can explore the shoreline, paddle around Day Island, or venture towards the Tacoma Narrows for a closer look at the iconic bridge. The area is rich in marine life, with opportunities to spot sea stars, crabs, and various seabirds.
Things to See:
- Views of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and surrounding cliffs
- Marine life in the tidal pools and nearshore waters
- Scenic shoreline and opportunities for bird watching
Kayak Rentals: While there are no direct rentals at Titlow Beach, Defiance Kayaks in Tacoma offers rentals and guided tours in the nearby area.
12. Oakland Bay
Location: North of Shelton, WA
Directions: From downtown Shelton, head north on Oakland Bay Road to reach public access points along the bay.
About the Area: Oakland Bay is a shallow, protected inlet near Shelton, known for its calm waters and rich marine life. The bay is surrounded by lush forests and tidal flats, making it a serene and picturesque location for kayaking. It’s a great spot for beginners due to its sheltered waters and easy access points.
Kayaking Experience: Paddle along the quiet shores of Oakland Bay and explore its numerous coves and inlets. The calm conditions make it easy to navigate, and you can enjoy the area’s natural beauty while observing marine life such as seals, fish, and various bird species. The bay’s tidal flats are also interesting to explore during low tide, revealing a different side of this diverse ecosystem.
Things to See:
- Sheltered inlets and tidal flats
- Abundant marine life, including seals and shorebirds
- Scenic forested shorelines
Kayak Rentals: There are no direct rental locations on Oakland Bay, but Blue Horizons Paddle Sports in Olympia offers rentals that you can transport to this area.
Additional Tips for Kayaking in Puget Sound
- Seasonal Considerations: While you can kayak in Puget Sound year-round, spring and summer offer the best weather and calmer waters. Fall provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage, while winter paddling is possible with the right gear and preparation.
- Tidal Awareness: Always check the tide tables and current conditions for your chosen location. Tidal currents can significantly affect your paddling experience, especially in areas like Deception Pass and the San Juan Islands.
- Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from marine life, including seals, sea lions, and orcas. Follow local guidelines to ensure your presence doesn’t disturb the animals.
Kayak Safety in Puget Sound
Kayaking in Puget Sound can be an incredible experience, but it’s important to stay safe, especially given the area’s varying conditions.
- Weather and Tides: Check the weather forecast and tide schedules before heading out. Puget Sound’s currents can be strong, especially around points like Deception Pass and the San Juan Islands.
- Cold Water: The waters of Puget Sound are cold year-round. Wearing a wetsuit or drysuit is recommended, especially in colder months, to prevent hypothermia in case of capsizing.
- Right of Way: As a kayaker, you are required to give way to larger vessels. Stay out of shipping lanes and be mindful of other boat traffic.
- PFDs and Gear: Always wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and carry essential gear like a whistle, paddle float, and bilge pump. A waterproof map and compass are also useful for navigation.
Kayaks for Puget Sound For Sale
When kayaking in Puget Sound, it’s important to choose a kayak suited to the conditions:
- Inflatable Kayaks: These are convienent by enabling you to enjoy kayaking in remote areas. Inflates to a full sized kayak in less than 10 minutes
- Sit-on-Top Kayaks: Great for beginners and warmer weather, these kayaks are user-friendly and easy to get in and out of. They are less ideal for rough conditions but work well in protected bays and calm waters.
- Touring Kayaks: They offer a balance between stability and speed, making them suitable for longer paddles around islands and bays.
Content creator and writer for multiple websites including All About Glamping, Fit Living Lifestyle, and Live Dream Discover. A full-time traveler who has spoken at various travel conferences around the world.
