Portage Bay Exploration

Portage Bay is the body of water between Lake Union to the west and the Montlake Cut to the east — a short, protected stretch that connects the Ship Canal system to Lake Washington. For SUP it is one of Seattle’s quieter options: less boat traffic than Lake Union, more interesting scenery than a park pond, and the University of Washington campus visible along the south shore.

The Launch

The best SUP access for Portage Bay is from the Eastlake neighborhood on the north shore, where a few public beach access points exist between the houseboat docks. The UW’s waterfront facilities border the south shore but are not generally open to public launch.

📍 Get Directions to E Hamlin St Waterfront Access

Access point: East Hamlin Street end (foot of E Hamlin St, Seattle, WA 98102) — a small public waterfront access between houseboats. Carry-in only.

Parking: Street parking in Eastlake. Residential permit zones apply on some blocks — check signs. Weekday mornings are the most forgiving for finding spots.

On the Water

Portage Bay is calm and protected from significant wind. The main feature is the houseboat community on the north shore — Seattle has the largest concentration of floating homes in the US and many of them are here. Keep a respectful distance; stay in the navigable channel and do not approach private docks.

Paddle east and you enter the Montlake Cut — a narrow canal with current from Lake Washington during certain tidal and wind conditions. Continue through the cut to reach Lake Washington and the UW crew facilities. Paddle west and you enter Lake Union with its seaplane traffic and fuller urban scene.

Practical Notes

• Water conditions: Generally calm. Protected from most wind directions. Current in the Montlake Cut can run noticeably — check lake level data if unsure.
• Boat traffic: Moderate. Rowing shells from UW crew, kayak rentals, some motorboats transiting between the lakes. Stay right and yield to shells.
• Best for: Exploratory paddling, photography, intermediate paddlers wanting a quieter alternative to Lake Union.
• Connecting routes: Gas Works Park is about 15-20 minutes west by paddle; Union Bay on Lake Washington is 10-15 minutes east through the cut.