Best Waterways in Washington

Trying to find the best waterways in Washington? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Washington, Whatcom County

24 :46 hrs
55 mi
153.17746 ft
I

Ross Lake is one of the state's most spectacular lakes, though it is man-made. The 50-mile long lake is flanked by very steep, heavily forested granite mountains that rise as much as 7,500 feet above the lake. Getting your boat to it is a little tricky, however. The only road access (other than from Hozomeen, which requires a long drive through Canada) is from the Colonial Creek Campground on the silty turquoise waters of Diablo Lake. Put in here and paddle up Diablo Lake to the base of the Ross Lake Dam. From here, you must either portage 1.7 miles up a steep gravel road around the dam, or call the Ross Lake Resort (there is a phone at the base of the dam) to arrange a shuttle for $25 per boat. Once on Ross Lake, you will find most of the camping spots on the eastern shore or close-in islands. Reservations for camping spots must be made in advance with the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. It's worth taking a few days to spend here as there are many interesting side destinations like Desolation Peak as well as virtually limitless backpacking opportunities. The best paddling is usually found in the morning and evening, as the winds during the daylight hours are legendary.

2

Washington, Franklin County

05 :03 hrs
5.6 mi
28.720215 ft
II

This paddle route follows the Palouse River upstream from its confluence with the Snake River to the spectacular Palouse Falls. Depending on the flow of the river and the water level of the reservoir that makes up the lowest part of the Palouse River, it may be quite challenging to paddle or pole upstream to the falls. The effort is well worth it for the incredible and unique view of the falls from below. Don't get too close to the falls because of the dangerous wind, waves, currents and undertow that they create.

3

Washington, Whatcom County

03 :56 hrs
9 mi
37.616714 ft
III

The Skagit River from Newhalem to Copper Creek flows quickly through a deep canyon in between the high mountains of North Cascades National Park. As expected in a mountain stream, there are numerous riffles, rapids, and rocks to contend with. The largest series of Class 3 rapids is located at the "S-bends" starting at 6.5 miles and continuing for more than half a mile. Spawning salmon are frequently seen in fall and bald eagles in winter.

4

Washington, King County

03 :26 hrs
8.5 mi
56.611618 ft
III

The "Upper Middle" traverses wild country on some wild rapids. The forested banks open frequently to gravel and sand beaches with spectacular views of Mt Garfield and Russian Butte. Most of the rapids are Class 2 at normal flows, but there is one Class 3, the Rainy Creek Drop, at just over half a mile in. There is an alternate access point where the road follows the river bank downstream of that rapid if you wish to avoid running it. The put-in site has limited parking, so it's better to park at a pullout downstream or at the parking lot for the Taylor River area trails. A NW Forest or Inter-agency Pass is required to park there.

5

Washington, San Juan County

08 :09 hrs
20.4 mi
18.084383 ft
SK III

A paddle around Shaw Island usually begins on Lopez Island because there is no beach access for kayakers taking the ferry to Shaw. Cross the usually non-turbulent Upright Channel via Canoe Island to reach Shaw Island. There is camping at Shaw Island County Park in Indian Cove, but it can only be reached at high tide without pulling your boat through mud. There is also camping on tiny Blind Island in Harney Channel and on outlying Jones Island and Turn Island. Shaw Island's shoreline is a mix of rugged cliffs and sandy bays and has plenty of forest cover. In places on the west side of the island where the land protrudes into San Juan Channel, such as Neck Point and Point George, be sure to stay close in to shore, as the current can be very strong there.

6

Washington, Clallam County

03 :12 hrs
7.5 mi
53.25792 ft
III

The Soleduck River offers beautiful rainforest scenery, clear water, and challenging rapids in this segment in the glacially-carved upper Soleduck Valley. While Highway 101 parallels the river, its presence is screened by the river's heavily vegetated steep banks. The most difficult rapid is found at mile 5. The take-out is on Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife property, so a vehicle access permit or Discover Pass is required to park a vehicle there.

7

Washington, Skagit County

01 :01 hrs
2.5 mi
12.99149 ft
SK I

Bowman and Lottie Bays are both small, protected coves just north of the turbulent waters of Deception Pass. They offer placid paddling between the rocky and windswept expanses of Rosario Head and Lighthouse Point. If you are comfortable with the possibility of a stronger current, it's worthwhile to paddle around Lighthouse Point, viewing its many rocky nooks en route to Lottie Bay. Staying close to the shore will likely keep you out of the current. Otherwise, paddle to the north side of Lighthouse Point and portage across the tombolo connecting it to Fidalgo Island.

8

Washington, Kittitas County

08 :18 hrs
18.9 mi
59.259277 ft
I

The Yakima River remains broad and gentle through this canyon in spite of its steep and dramatic walls. The arid landscape is full of beauty year-round. The river, controlled by reservoirs, is generally kept full in the spring and summer, but drops precipitously in the fall, giving the run an entirely different character in autumn and winter. Bighorn sheep are frequently seen overlooking the river, as are bald eagles in the winter months. Winds are often high and heat intense in the spring and summer.

9

Washington, San Juan County

09 :18 hrs
23.3 mi
16.322166 ft
SK IV

Stuart Island is one of the more isolated of the San Juans, sticking out into Haro Strait in the northwest corner of the island group. Much of the island is undeveloped and a good part is state land. There is camping near the center of the island between Reid Harbor and Prevost Harbor that is accessible from either. To reach the island by kayak requires an overnight stay, and you might find that two or more nights on the island are desirable, as there is much to explore on both land and sea. Of particular interest is Turn Point Light on the northwestern tip and the tiny schoolhouse on the road leading there. Circumnavigating the island will probably also take the better part of a day as there are many rocky coves to explore on the island's articulated shoreline. The journey to the island, while having open water crossings of less than 1 mile, involves negotiating some of the strongest and trickiest currents in the islands, especially in the Spieden Channel between San Juan and Spieden Islands. If possible, avoid the eastern end of the channel, where 5 knot currents are likely. Time your crossing for the slack tide and ride the ebb west along the south shore of Spieden Island. Currents, wind, and boat wakes can also be strong near Turn Point.

10

Washington, Chelan County

13 :14 hrs
33.1 mi
13.758942 ft
SK III

Lake Chelan is the largest lake in Washington and a mecca for boaters from across the northwest. The majority of the lake, especially the upper end, is federally protected in parks and forests and is quite wild. Rugged mountains rise 7,000 feet from the shore and waterfalls tumble directly into the lake. The lake's upper end is especially remote; unless you plan to paddle from the lower lake, the only way to get to Stehekin is by plane or on the Lady of the Lake ferry. This loop tours the wild upper end of the lake, exploring the Stehekin River inlet, the little village of Lucerne, Domke Falls, and numerous creeks rushing from the mountains to meet the rocky shoreline. There are several good boat-accessed campsites along the lake, including one near Domke Falls and one across the lake at Prince Creek that are good halfway points. The trip can also be started at Lucerne. High winds are a major concern any time of year.

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