Getting out on the water is a quintessential Pacific Northwest pastime and the perfect way to experience Washington’s stunning natural beauty. Whether for relaxation or adventure, Washington watersports offer a refreshing escape. From Puget Sound to Lake Chelan and the mighty Columbia River, the state’s waterways provide endless opportunities for boating, kayaking, and more.
Washington Watersports & Experiences
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Washington’s warm and mild summers are the perfect time for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, whether taking a guided tour or heading out with a rental. In Seattle, kayak through the Ballard Locks with Ballard Kayak or explore Lake Union with a rental from Agua Verde Paddle Club. Paddle by houseboats and watch as seaplanes take off and land on the lake.
In West Seattle, Alki Kayak Tours offers an Intro to Stand Up Paddle Boarding where you can learn the basics with the iconic Seattle skyline as your backdrop. In nearby Bellevue, Enatai Beach Park is a great spot to launch on Lake Washington. Paddle a short distance and tuck into the Mercer Slough Nature Park, a 320-acre wetland home to otters, herons, turtles, and other wildlife.
For one-on-one classes, Salmon Bay Paddle offers everything from learning to navigate currents at Deception Pass to Surfing Freighter Waves in Seattle, where you’ll learn to ride the waves generated by fast-moving ships.
Head north to the San Juan Islands for an evening tour through glowing bioluminescence. San Juan Island Outfitters takes visitors out on calm Garrison and Westcott bays in search of these illuminating microorganisms. East of the Cascades in the Tri-Cities, get out on the Columbia River with rentals from Kayak Bateman. The outfitter offers traditional paddleboard and kayak rentals with free delivery to area boat launches, as well as a giant paddleboard that you can share with a handful of friends.
Tip: Even in summer, be prepared for cold water and come prepared with proper gear.
Sailing
On the Olympic Peninsula, Sail Port Townsend is a woman-owned sailing school specializing in inclusive, introductory sailing experiences. Head out on a two-hour sail to enjoy this Victorian seaport town from one of its best vantage points: the water. You can even earn your ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing Certification during a class where you’ll learn to skipper a sloop-rigged keelboat and gain an understanding of fundamentals like navigation rules.
In Seattle, Sailing Seattle offers daily voyages from downtown on their 70-foot racing yachts. Grab some friends and get ready to take in views of the city and distant mountains. Across Elliott Bay from Seattle, set sail from Bainbridge Island with Sail Bainbridge. The company provides private excursions for groups of up to six, including day sails, sunset cruises, and visits to remote Blake Island.
Surfing
Whether you’re looking to catch your first wave or learn a new trick, head to Westport for world-class surf. This coastal town offers three main surf breaks, and Steepwater Surf can provide lessons and board rentals. Further north on the Olympic Peninsula, La Push Surf Adventures offers lessons as well as a summer weekend Surf Retreat, where you’ll enjoy two full days of surf lessons and camping.
Swimming
Washington is home to lakes and rivers of all sizes, ensuring it’s easy to take a dip when the weather heats up. In Seattle, Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish are popular spots for swimming thanks to relatively warm and shallow waters. To the north, Cranberry Lake at Deception Pass State Park is known for its beautiful scenery and surrounding hiking trails.
In the Cascades, Lake Easton is the perfect spot for a dip if you want to squeeze in other activities like camping and paddling. Further east, the Spokane River offers various swimming holes, including Boulder Beach and Centennial Trail Park.
Floating
Lazily floating down a river is a classic summer experience. Near Leavenworth, you can enjoy a gentle float along the scenic Icicle River. The Leavenworth Outdoor Center provides gear and transportation, and this section of the river is easy to navigate with no rapids, making it a great introduction to floating. Be sure to stop for a picnic at a beach along the way.
Rafting
For an adrenaline boost, head out on a rafting excursion. Alpine Adventures in Gold Bar offers both whitewater and scenic rafting trips on 10 rivers in Washington. Float for 27 miles along the Yakima River Canyon through desert hills and basalt cliffs between Ellensburg and Yakima. Fun fact: The canyon is home to the densest concentration of nesting hawks, eagles, and falcons in the state. In Northwest Washington, Triad River Tours will guide you through breathtaking scenery on a whitewater rafting trip along the Skagit, Sauk, or Skykomish rivers.
Boating
Washington’s lakes, rivers, and coastline are made for boating. East of the Cascades, Lake Chelan boasts 50 miles of turquoise water and breathtaking scenery. See it for yourself with a boat rental from Shoreline Watercraft. This Washington watersports destination is especially great for families or those looking to access North Cascades National Park from the tiny community of Stehekin on the lake’s remote north shore. The Lady of the Lake passenger ferry operates year-round service between Chelan and Stehekin. Keep an eye out for bald eagles and deer as you glide past forested shoreline.
Nestled between Seattle and Bellevue, Lake Washington combines water fun with an urban setting. Boat past two floating bridges and take in iconic views of Mount Rainier and the Olympic and Cascade mountains. Several companies offer rentals, including Yarrow Bay Marina.
Alternative Boating Experiences
From soaking in a hot tub boat to roaming around in a donut boat, Washington has plenty of unique ways to enjoy time on the water, even during the colder months. On Lake Union, take in the Seattle skyline with a rental from Lake Union Hot Tub Boats—heated by burning recycled logs—or the Electric Boat Company, which can be fully enclosed to keep out the elements. Both boats offer an eco-friendly outing thanks to electric motors. Seattle Donut Boat Co. also offers electric boats that are easy to operate and are steered by a tiller.
Windsurfing and Kiteboarding
The Columbia River Gorge between Washington and Oregon is a top destination for windsurfing thanks to consistently strong winds and a natural wind tunnel effect. Beginner-friendly Doug’s Beach State Park is a popular launch site with good swells and a sandy bottom. The most reliable wind conditions are usually from June through September. East of Seattle across the Cascade Mountains, Lake Wenatchee offers a relaxed atmosphere, fewer crowds, and consistent winds.
For saltwater sailboarders, Dash Point in Tacoma and Shine Tidelands in the Hood Canal are great options. In Ocean Shores along the Pacific Coast, Damon Point offers protected waters for beginners and intermediates, with the potential for more challenging waves. In Seattle, Lake Washington Sailing Club offers two-day windsurfing classes every summer as well as Tuesday evening windsurfing excursions.
Know Before You Go: Water Safety
Stay safe with these tips and resources.
- Be aware of the abilities and comfort levels of everyone in your group with respect to water temperature, currents, and depth.
- Check the weather forecast and tide tables, when applicable.
- Respect the water. Cold water is common in Washington, even in the summer months.
- Obey all posted safety signs and rules. Check local ranger, national forest, or park websites for closures and warnings.
- Ensure all participants have a properly fitted life jacket. You can borrow life jackets from Life Jacket Loaner Stations across the state.
- Learn how to self-rescue so you’re prepared to get back in/on your vessel.
Learn more about recreating on the water in Washington.
About the Author
Lisette Wolter-McKinley is a freelance writer and photographer based in the Pacific Northwest who has contributed to publications like Seattle Refined, Parent Map, Seattle Magazine, and 1889 Magazine. When she isn’t adventuring outdoors with her husband and children, she is tending to her garden, admiring the beauty of the PNW on her daily runs, and perfecting her homemade brownies.