Best Places to Kayak in Washington
On paddling Washington's best lakes with a dog who always wants to swim and a packraft that fits in a backpack
My friend Caroline paddling at Blue Lake, located in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, located along Highway 20.
Summer arrives earlier in the Pacific Northwest each year, while the wider implications of that are not always positive, it does mean more time on the water.
I’ve compiled a list of the best paddling spots in Washington because 1) I got tired of piecing together scattered results from Google when I just wanted one solid resource and 2) I keep getting the same search results.
If you're thinking about taking your paddling adventures overnight, I’ve also put together a beginner's guide to kayak camping in the PNW — worth a read before you head out.
Let's get into it.
This list is divided into three categories: spots with a dedicated boat launch, spots that require a hike in and spots located less than an hour away from Seattle (where I’m based in). I hope to continue adding to this list to bookmark it and check back as I continue to explore new lakes to share with you all.
I’ve also created a map with all the places mapped out. Note that this was created by Google MyMaps so you would still have to enter the address into the map app of your choice.
*Some folks don’t appreciate it when others launch their recreational kayaks or canoes. I suggest finding an open spot away from the boat launch when you clearly see boaters looking to launch or when it’s a busy day.
Spots with a Boat Launch
1. Takhlakh Lake
Mount Adams sitting behind the trees at Takhlakh Lake.
One of five lakes in the Midway High Lakes Area — jaw-dropping views of Mount Adams right from the water, electric motors only
Takhlakh Lake (tak-ka-lak) is located 7.3 miles northwest of Mount Adams. The campground has 53 sites total and attracts campers in summer and early fall, along with hikers exploring trails in the Mount Adams Wilderness. This lake is one of the give lakes in the Midway High Lakes Area, all located within a seven-mile radius and is managed by the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
I didn’t know this lake existed until I started planning a road trip down to Oregon. I was mapping out a route and looking for campgrounds along the way and stumbled upon Takhlakh Lake. I was specifically looking for campgrounds with a lake because I wanted to paddle as much as possible for that trip. I personally haven’t spent much time near Mount Adams so this was a win for me.
I stayed at Site 40 — the site itself wasn’t within walking distance to the lake due to my inflatable kayak being rather heavy with all my gear and trying to keep Tex close to me. However, there is a small parking area near the lake with a small boat launch. I’ve seen several other folks launch their canoes and kayaks here too. Motorboats are allowed here but only with an electric motor!
2. Baker Lake
Mount Baker in the distance while paddling on Baker Lake
Carrying my Hornet Lite and paddles on the Baker Lake Trail
Seven campgrounds, multiple boat launches, hiking trails, and Mount Baker in the background — the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure paddling destination
Baker Lake is a great place to explore if you’re looking to spend some time outdoors. This area has seven campgrounds, and some of them are equipped with a boat launch for motor boats. There are also several hiking trails that you could explore as a day hike or as a quick overnight trip. Baker Laker is usually crowded in the summer, and it can be difficult to reserve a campsite. If you are looking for solitude, I suggest you find another place. But if you are seeking an area that offers it all, camping, paddling, fishing, and hiking, then Baker Lake is the perfect place for you!
I have been to Baker Lake a few times. I have gone there paddle on the lake, but I have also done part of the Baker Lake Trail twice. The second time I did this trail, my group and I pitched out tents at Maple Grove. This was the first backpacking trip where I took my Hornet Lite with me. It weighs about 5lbs without the paddles, making it one of the lightest inflatables that you can take on a backpacking trip.
If you are just looking to paddle on Baker Lake, I suggest that you park your car at either Swift Creek Campground or Panorama Point Campground to launch your kayak. Both campgrounds offer sufficient parking and have a dedicated boat launch. Swift Creek has a larger boat ramp as well as several smaller docks that are suitable for launching smaller boats and kayaks.
These options are still viable even if the campgrounds are not reservable for the season. In fact, it might be even better because there would be less crowd.
3. Cascade and Mountain Lakes (Moran State Park)
Two lakes, your own personal launch spot, and the kind of campsite you almost don't want to share — welcome to Orcas Island
Most people find it hard to believe — the first time I visited Orcas Island was in 2023. I feel like I never had luck reserving a campsite at Moran State Park so that has deterred me from visiting. I decided to finally try my luck again and I ended up scoring one of the best campsites ever. I almost didn’t want to share this but the whole point of this blog is to share my insights.
Out of all the campground loops surrounding Cascade Lake, the South End Loop is the most beautiful one. I stayed at site 9. You can see how awesome this campsite is from the photos. Once you drive past the South End Loop, you can find even the more secluded and primitive Mountain Lake Campground. I highly recommend reserving a spot in the South End Loop or one of the more primitive sites beyond the main loops because you will most likely be able to get your own personal launching spot for your kayak.
There are other launch sites closer to the other loops where there is a pretty decent sized beach, a shack that rents out kayaks and paddleboards in the summer, and snacks like ice cream for sale!
‘Parked’ my kayak on the island at Mountain Lake
Dinner with a view overlooking Cascade Lake during sunset
4. Diablo Lake
Tex and I on our first kayak camping trip on Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park
Turquoise blue water inside North Cascades National Park — paddle before 11am, check weather first, and pick up your backcountry permit at the Wilderness Information Center
Similar to Baker Lake, Diablo Lake is rarely a destination on its own. It is located in North Cascades National Park. The park itself is massive and is still considered to be one of the least visited national parks in Washington due to most of it being extremely inaccessible by driving. To explore the park, I suggest spending a couple of days camping at Colonial Creek South Campground, which is also where the boat launch is located.
I’ve kayaked in Diablo Lake a few times — sometimes it’s just for a short float on the water and other times, I went kayak camping at Thunder Point. I personally like to stop by the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount not only because I need to pick up my backcountry permit but they can also give you tips on when the best time to paddle on this lake is, and more information.
A rather calm afternoon paddle on Diablo Lake
Take my Kokopelli Moki-Lite for a ride!
Camping at Thunder Point
5. Rattlesnake Lake
Rattlesnake Lake from the Rattlesnake Ledge trail.
Crowded on weekends but genuinely peaceful on a late afternoon weekday — one of the easiest spots to get on the water near Seattle
People have a love-hate relationship with Rattlesnake Lake. Perhaps it’s due to the trail, Rattlesnake Ledge Trail that shares the same parking lot. But you can indeed find some solitude here in the early season and at sun down.
I used to spend quite a lot of time hanging out at Rattlesnake Lake. Despite it being an overly popular place in the summer time, I never had a problem finding parking on a late afternoon/evening weekday. This area is one of the easiest places you can get close to nature without driving more than an hour away from Seattle. There is a boat ramp but there are also numerous spots on the beach where you can launch your kayak, paddle board or floats. I personally do enjoy this area even though it can seem to be overrun by crowds.
However, you can definitely do your part and leave no trace - pack it in, pack it out!
6. Nolte State Park
A low-key day-use park with a large launch area — perfect for a casual float with the dogs and a picnic after
My friends and I were camping nearby at Kanaskat Palmer State Park. Unfortunately, that state park doesn’t have access to a lake. It does have access to a trail to the river. So after we packed up camp, we drove over to Nolte State Park. There are a good amount of picnic tables and grills and a large lawn area to just hang out. We took our packrafts and doggos out on the water to enjoy a fantastic day in the summer. The parking area is relatively small and there is no camping in this park either. This park requires a Discovery Pass and has a large area to launch your kayaks, paddle boards and floats!
Hike-in and Backpacking Adventures
Here is a short list of hikes that has either a lake at the end of the trail or a lake on the way to camp. Remember, these do require a hike in but most of these are considered as easy to moderate.
7. Blue Lake
Blue Lake, located along the North Cascades Highway offers impressive views and is a popular destination for larches in the fall.
Liberty Bell at sunset, vibrant blue water, and larch season as a bonus — go early or late to beat the parking crunch
People generally rush to Blue Lake in the fall to see the larches and in the summer, they are there to see the pristine glacial waters. It is generally regarded as an easy to moderate trail — it is mostly maintained which makes it a relatively accessible destination for a packrafting adventure.
My friend Caroline and I had been doing a couple of backpacking trips with our packrafts and we both thought it would be great to end the season with a paddle on Blue Lake. This is a great way to get even closer to the larches and the surrounding peaks. Some larches are located along the shoreline, with a packraft, you can easily get super up close with them without a billion people obstructing the view!
Parking near the Blue Lake Trail can be cumbersome. I suggest either arriving super early or arrive later than usual. Not a whole lot of folks see this as a sunset hike since the neighboring Maple Pass Loop is the one that generally steals the show.
8. Goat Lake (Mountain Loop Highway)
Two of my friends in their Kokopelli Hornet Lite packrafts paddling on Goat Lake
Don't let the distance deter you — most of this trail feels flat, and the lake at the end is an absolute banger
Goat Lake, situated along the Mountain Loop Highway was an absolute banger for taking your packrafts, kayaks or paddle boards up to. Don’t let the distance or the elevation gain deter you, most of the trail felt flat and even with a good amount of elevation gain, it didn’t feel hard until the last 0.5 miles up to the campsite. And let me tell you, this will all be worth it when you reach Goat Lake.
I went on this backpacking trip with a few of my friends, the main purpose was to help my buddy take some photos for his company - he had just started a company that rents out packrafts and he acts as a guide taking folks up to amazing places like this. We all had a blast just floating on the water and the fall colors were just beginning to come out.
9. Mirror and Cottonwood Lakes
Caroline and Millie on a nice day out on Mirror Lake, located near Snoqualmie Pass.
A super easy introductory backpacking and packrafting trip just past Snoqualmie Pass — arrive early, the parking area fills fast
Mirror and Cottonwood Lakes is a super easy hike located just past Snoqualmie Pass. I found out about this hike from Instagram and thought this would be a great, introductory backpacking trip for my friend Caroline to bring her Kokopelli Rogue Lite up for a quick overnight trip in the mountains. Mirror Lake is considered an alpine lake even though it doesn’t share the same prestige as Colchuck Lake or Molwich Lake. However, this was an easy and fun trail to do since elevation gain is very minimal. There were a good amount of campsites situated along the lake but I would advise you to get there early.
The parking area was small and most vehicles would not be able to make it up to the upper parking lot - the road was quite literally filled with rocks shooting from the ground.
10. Pete Lake
Our campsite for the night - you don’t get views until you are out paddling on the water but this was a cool point of view!
Long mileage, almost no elevation — self-register at the trailhead and hike into one of the most peaceful lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness
The hike to Pete Lake felt a lot more difficult than the stats suggested. It was maybe due to the rolling terrain. Pete Lake is located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and requires no advanced permits. Self register at the trailhead and hang the permit on your pack and you are good to go. A lot of people prefer to set up camp at Pete Lake before day hiking up to Spectacle Lake. My friend Caroline and I weren’t feeling super ambitious so we decided to just camp at Pete Lake.
We hiked to the other side of the lake and managed to find a quiet spot on a rocky beach and this made a great spot for launching our packrafts. There was a little small creek crossing to get to the rocky beach but totally doable with sturdy shoes and possibly some trekking poles!
11. Snow Lake
My friend Adam from Optimum Adventures paddling at Snow Lake
Popular for a reason — paddle away from the crowds to a secluded island on the far side, where most people never make it
The Snow Lake trail located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is popular for a reason. It offers easy access to one of Washington’s most beautiful alpine lakes. It is relatively close to Seattle, and not considered a strenuous hike. It attracts large crowds on sunny weekends in the summer and expect moderate crowds even on an overcast day.
While the majority of people choose to hang out on the east shore of the lake, my friend and I decided that it would be a great idea to paddle out to a more secluded spot across the lake to camp for the night. It took us both about 40-45 minutes. The little island does ‘connect’ with the trail that continues onto Gem Lake and Wildcat Lakes, but there was no easy way to access it without getting your feet or even your body a little wet.
I think the idea of taking an inflatable on a hike is beginning to gain popularity. When we were hiking out, we saw a few folks that had the same idea and for good reasons as well!
12. Rampart Lakes and Lila Lake
Lila Lake
Push past the crowds at Rampart Lakes and climb a little further to Lila for a lot more solitude — the quads will complain but it's worth it
Rampart Lakes via Rachel Lake is a hike that’s been on my list for a while, but I never quite found the time and motivation do it. Lila Lake requires a bit more effort to get to but still very doable as a day hike especially for those long summer days.
Lila Lake is tucked away above the popular Rampart Lakes and it is also accessible via the Rachel Lake Trail. Even though this hike is generally less popular than Snow Lake and more difficult in terms of elevation gain, expect large crowds, especially at Rampart Lakes. Don’t let the popularity fool you though, the climb up to Rachel Lake was no joke! You will get your quads working. Lila Lake is only 1.5 miles past Rampart Lakes and I recommend making your way up there for a bit more solitude.
What makes this area cool is a series of pothole lakes that make up Rampart Lakes. There are established backcountry campsites at all 3 lakes.
Close to Seattle
These lakes are either located within Seattle city limits or they’re located not too far from Seattle, which includes a few spots on the eastside across the 520 or I-90 bridge. These places are perfect if you’re looking for a quick spot to launch your kayak or paddle board for those longer summer days.
13. Cottage Lake Park
A little gem near Woodinville — never feels too crowded, with a small dock perfect for launching inflatables
Cottage Lake Park is a little gem located near Woodinville, Washington. This place seems to always have an event or concert on a summer weekday or weekend. This place never feels too crowded, however parking could be a problem when there is an event going on. I found out about this cute little spot through my friend Caroline. So, if you ever find yourself heading up north or somehow near the Bothell/Woodinville area, head over to Cottage Lake!
This location does have a small beach and a dock to launch your kayak or paddle board and has a small area that fits 5 cars to make it easy to unload and pack up.
14. Lake Sammamish State Park
Massive state park near Issaquah with full amenities — expect motor boats and crowds, but plenty of room to find your own launch spot
Lake Sammamish State Park is a popular park located in Issaquah, Washington. Parking never seems to be a problem here because this park is massive. There are a few entrances to the park, but it is quite obvious to find the spot you need to get to the boat launch. I never had problems finding parking but it does take a little patience and you could end up parking rather far from the boat launch.
Since this is a Washington State Park, there are lots of amenities here, which includes picnic tables and grills so you can really make this a day trip with family and friends. I do find the waters to be slightly choppier sometimes because it is a larger lake and motor boats are also allowed. This lake does get loud and crowded, so if you’re looking for peace and quiet, this is not the lake for you.
15. Washington Park Arboretum
Quiet, close to the city, and surprisingly peaceful — find a spot along the waterway, launch, and just float
I actually haven’t paddled in the Washington Park Arboretum for a while. The only times I have gone were when I bought my first inflatable kayak (the Intex Challenger that everyone had at some point in their lives). However, I was still living in the University District at that time and this seemed to be the closest and easiest spot to launch my new inflatable kayak. There are a few different parking areas you can park in. I stumbled upon a random one back then and hiked a few feet to find a suitable spot for launching. What I like about the arboretum is the quietness you can still find with it being so close to the city.
The Arboretum waterways connect directly to Portage Bay and Lake Union. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can paddle all the way through to Gas Works Park. The Washington Arboretum Waterways are fully open again after a three-year closure with only the Montlake Cut restricted due to heavy boat traffic.
16. Lake Union Park
The most central launch in the city — paddle as far as you want or just hang near the boats and docks while the city buzzes around you
Lake Union Park can get extremely crowded in the summer. Lake Union sits at the heart of Seattle's waterway system — you can paddle south toward South Lake Union and the houseboats on Eastlake, or head toward the Fremont Bridge and Gas Works Park. For the ambitious, Lake Union connects east through the Montlake Cut to Portage Bay and eventually out to Lake Washington. It's a true choose-your-own-adventure paddle.
I find Lake Union Park on the south end of the lake to be the easiest spot to launch — there's parking nearby and enough space to get on the water without too much fuss. Paid parking is available close by, with some free spots if you're willing to walk a few minutes.
17. Warren G. Magnuson Park
Launch near the brewery, paddle Lake Washington with mountain views on a clear day — quieter than the main beach and easier for reactive dogs
Lake Washington is massive — the largest lake in King County and the second largest natural lake in Washington state. That scale works in your favor on the water: even on a busy summer weekend, you can paddle far enough out to feel like you have the whole thing to yourself.
I usually launch near the café and brewery on the park's west side, where parking is surprisingly easy to find even when the rest of the park is packed. If you want something a little quieter, Madrona Park on the south end of the lake is a nice alternative — smaller, less chaotic, same great water.
The other reason Magnuson is my go-to: Tex. The park has one of the best off-leash areas in Seattle, so we usually do a long paddle first, then let him tear around the dog beach until he's sufficiently exhausted. Highly recommend the combo.
Conclusion
That was a lot of places to cover but I certainly hope you are able to find the spot that fits what you’re looking to do at one of these locations mentioned in this post! As always - please remember to review the leave no trace principles especially if you’re heading out on a hike or a backpacking trip. Most of the larger parks do have the capacity to accommodate larger crowds but a few of these places mentioned here are not.
Resources & Planning
Rentals in the Seattle Area
Agua Verde Paddle Club: kayaks & SUPs on Portage Bay, open seasonally. A great starting point for paddling through the Arboretum waterways or out to Lake Union.
UW Waterfront Activities Center: kayaks, canoes & SUPs on Portage Bay. Public rates from $21/hour, open Wednesday–Sunday through September. Dogs welcome in canoes.
Northwest Outdoor Center: kayaks & SUPs on Lake Union. 90-minute minimum, walk-ins welcome, free reservations by phone.
Passes & Permits
Northwest Forest Pass: required at most trailheads on National Forest land, including the majority of hike-in lakes in this guide.
Discover Pass: required for Washington State Parks, including Moran State Park (Orcas Island) and Nolte State Park.
America the Beautiful Pass: covers National Park entry fees, including Diablo Lake and North Cascades.
Recreation.gov: campsite reservations for Takhlakh Lake, Baker Lake, and Diablo Lake.
Washington State Parks Reservations: camping reservations for Moran State Park on Orcas Island.
Planning & Conditions
Washington Trails Association: the best resource for current trail conditions and trip reports for hike-in lakes.
NOAA Marine Forecast: always check wind and weather before paddling exposed lakes like Diablo or Baker. Conditions can change fast.
More from cynhw.com
Best Alpine Lakes for Packrafting in Washington: a deeper dive into the best hike-in lakes with difficulty ratings, area info, and dog-friendly notes.
Kayak Camping for Beginners: Getting Started in the PNW: everything you need to know before your first overnight paddling trip.
Silver Peak and Tinkham Peak looked intimidating on paper — steep talus, exposed scrambling, a route that isn't always obvious. Turns out, with the right beta, both summits (plus the traverse between them) are more manageable than they look. Here's the full loop from Mirror Lake, beta, tips and all.