Exploring Lake Union
Lake Union is an excellent place to start your paddle boarding adventure in Seattle. The lake is located in the heart of the city and offers stunning views of the Seattle skyline. The water is relatively calm, making it perfect for beginners and intermediate paddlers.
There are several launch points around the lake, including Gas Works Park and South Lake Union. It’s easy to rent a board from one of the many local outfitters if you don’t have your own. As you paddle, you’ll see seaplanes taking off and landing, sailboats gliding by, and houseboats lining the shore.
One of the highlights of paddling on Lake Union is passing by the famous Sleepless in Seattle houseboat. You can also navigate through the series of connecting waterways that lead to Lake Union Park. Here, you can take a break and enjoy a picnic or explore the Center for Wooden Boats.
Discovering the Puget Sound
Paddling in the Puget Sound offers a different experience compared to the calm waters of Lake Union. The Sound is much larger and can be more challenging due to wind and tidal currents. However, the rewards are worth it. You’ll get to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, including views of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges.
Alki Beach is a popular launch point in West Seattle. From here, you can paddle along the shoreline and enjoy views of downtown Seattle. Keep an eye out for marine wildlife, including seals, sea lions, and even the occasional orca whale.
Golden Gardens in Ballard is another excellent spot to begin your paddleboarding journey on the Puget Sound. This beach park offers a sandy launch area and is located near the Shilshole Bay Marina. Once on the water, you can paddle around the marina or head south towards Magnolia Bluff for a longer adventure.
Tour the Washington Park Arboretum
For a serene paddle boarding experience, explore the waterways of the Washington Park Arboretum. This botanical garden, located on the shores of Lake Washington, features a network of narrow channels and lagoons that are perfect for leisurely paddling.
The Arboretum is also home to a diverse array of plant life. As you paddle through the calm waters, you’ll be surrounded by a lush canopy of trees and flowering shrubs. The tranquility of this setting makes it easy to forget that you’re still in the city.
Access to the Arboretum’s waterways is available via the Foster Island launch. From here, you can paddle through the narrow channels that wind through the park. Be sure to bring a camera, as you’ll likely encounter a variety of bird species, including herons and ducks.
Exploring the Ballard Locks
Paddleboarding through the Ballard Locks is a unique way to experience one of Seattle’s historic landmarks. The locks, also known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, connect the freshwater of Lake Union and Lake Washington to the saltwater of Puget Sound.
Starting your paddle at the locks allows you to witness boats of all sizes being raised and lowered as they pass through. You’ll need to navigate the busy waterways and pay close attention to other boat traffic. The experience of paddling through the locks themselves is exhilarating, especially for those interested in engineering and maritime history.
After passing through the locks, you can continue paddling along the ship canal towards Lake Union or head out into the Puget Sound. Either direction offers unique sights and experiences, making the Ballard Locks a must-visit for adventurous paddle boarders.
Venturing to Blake Island
For a more remote paddleboarding adventure, consider a trip to Blake Island. This state park is located in the Puget Sound and is accessible only by boat. Paddling to Blake Island requires more experience and preparation, as you’ll need to cross open water and contend with potential weather changes.
Start your journey from the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal in West Seattle, or from one of the beaches in the area. The paddle to Blake Island is approximately five miles, and you’ll be rewarded with secluded beaches and forested trails upon arrival.
Blake Island is known for its natural beauty and offers camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities. If you’re looking for a challenging paddleboarding route that combines the thrill of open water paddling with the serenity of a remote destination, Blake Island is an excellent choice.
Enjoying Green Lake
Green Lake is a popular spot for outdoor activities in Seattle, including paddleboarding. The lake is smaller than Lake Union but offers a relaxed atmosphere and an easy paddling experience. Its convenient location in North Seattle makes it a great option for a quick outing.
The calm waters of Green Lake are perfect for beginners and families, and there are several rental options available at the park. The lake is surrounded by a 2.8-mile paved trail, so you can combine your paddling with a walk or bike ride around the lake.
During the summer months, Green Lake can get busy with kayakers, swimmers, and other paddleboarders. It’s a great place to socialize and enjoy the vibrant outdoor community in Seattle.
Exploring the Duwamish River
The Duwamish River offers a different kind of paddleboarding experience. It flows through an industrial area of Seattle, providing a unique perspective on the city’s working waterfront. Paddling on the Duwamish allows you to see a side of Seattle that is often overlooked by tourists.
There are several small parks and launch points along the river, including Duwamish Waterway Park and T-107 Park. As you paddle, you’ll pass by cargo ships, cranes, and container terminals. It’s a fascinating contrast to the more natural and scenic routes in the area.
Despite its industrial surroundings, the Duwamish River is undergoing environmental restoration efforts. Paddling here gives insight into the ongoing work to improve water quality and restore natural habitats within the urban environment.
Adventuring Around Mercer Island
Mercer Island, located in the middle of Lake Washington, offers beautiful paddleboarding routes with panoramic views. The island’s perimeter features various launch points and access to quiet coves and picturesque shorelines.
One popular launch spot is Luther Burbank Park, located on the northern tip of the island. From here, you can paddle along the eastern shore of the island, exploring hidden beaches and rocky outcrops. The western side of the island offers views of Seattle’s downtown and the I-90 floating bridge.
Paddling around Mercer Island can be a full-day adventure, and it’s worth packing a lunch or planning a stop at one of the island’s parks. The waters around the island are usually calm, making it suitable for paddlers of all skill levels.
Navigating Around Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island is accessible by ferry from downtown Seattle and offers fantastic paddleboarding opportunities. The island’s coastline is dotted with scenic bays, inlets, and marine parks, making it a paradise for paddlers.
Begin your journey at Fay Bainbridge Park on the island’s northeast side. From here, paddle along the shoreline to explore hidden beaches and forested headlands. Eagle Harbor, located closer to the ferry terminal, is another great area to explore.
The waters around Bainbridge Island are rich in marine life. You might spot seals, otters, and various seabirds as you paddle. This route can be more challenging due to the tidal currents, so it’s best suited for experienced paddlers.
Heading to Shilshole Bay
Shilshole Bay, located north of Ballard, is a prime spot for paddleboarding on the Puget Sound. The bay offers easy access to open water and is a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
Launch from Golden Gardens Park to start your adventure. Paddle north along the shoreline, and you’ll encounter scenic views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. This area is also known for its sandy beaches and clear waters, making it perfect for a relaxing paddle.
Shilshole Bay is home to the Shilshole Bay Marina, one of the largest marinas in the region. Paddling around the marina offers a unique view of the many boats and yachts docked there. You can also venture further out into the Sound for a more challenging paddleboarding experience.
Exploring Elliott Bay
Paddleboarding in Elliott Bay provides breathtaking views of Seattle’s downtown skyline and waterfront. The bay is located directly west of downtown Seattle and offers a mix of urban and natural scenery.
Begin your paddle at one of the launch points near the Seattle waterfront, such as Myrtle Edwards Park. As you paddle, you’ll see iconic landmarks like the Space Needle, the Seattle Great Wheel, and the bustling piers of the waterfront.
For a longer paddle, consider heading south towards the Duwamish Head in West Seattle or north towards the Olympic Sculpture Park. The waters in Elliott Bay can be busy with boat traffic, so it’s important to stay alert and be mindful of your surroundings.
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