Where to paddle in Seattle
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Kayakers glide by a marina in Lake Union. Photo: Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images
Summer's in full swing and Seattle's best paddle spots are ready to float your boat.
Why it matters: There's nothing like gliding across the water to feel fresh and restored — and you don't have to have a yacht, or a trust fund, to get in on the fun.
State of play: There are numerous options in Seattle and the Puget Sound region for laid-back lake mornings and sunset paddles with a city view, but here are some of our favorites.
- Prices range from about $21 to $29 an hour.
Lake Union
Aqua Verde Paddle Club: See Gas Works Park, houseboats, birds and the city skyline from Lake Union on a kayak or paddleboard.
- Limited reservations are available on weekdays, but it's first come, first served on weekends.
Moss Bay: Launch from Lake Union's south shore, where you can navigate the waterways on your own or take a tour to the Washington Arboretum.
Northwest Outdoor Center: Rent a kayak or paddleboard on Lake Union's west shore. Reservations are strongly recommended on sunny evenings, weekends and holidays.
Lake Washington
Seattle Paddle: Stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals from noon to 8pm daily at several locations on Lake Washington, including the Adams Street Boat Ramp north of Seward Park and Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland.
- Reservations are strongly encouraged but walk-ins are accepted.
UW Waterfront Activities Center: Rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard from the edge of the UW campus. No reservations.
Green Lake
Green Lake Boathouse: Try a variety of vessels, from kayaks and paddleboards to rowboats, pedal boats and water bikes in the heart of the city. First come, first served.
Puget Sound
Ballard Kayak & Paddleboard: Head to Shilshole Bay for kayak and paddleboard rentals with open-water views. Reservations required.
Alki Kayak Tours: Paddle along West Seattle's iconic shoreline with rentals and tours from Seacrest Park. Reservations required.
If you go: Call to confirm hours, which can change, and keep an eye on the weather as windy days can force last-minute cancellations.
- Walk-ins should arrive early in the day for the best chance to snag a rental.
- Parking may be limited. Consider bikes, rideshares or public transportation.