Seattle, Washington is famous for being the birthplace of the well known coffee chain Starbucks and the longest running farmers market in the USA, Pike Place, but it also boasts an extraordinary amount of top quality water ways that draw in paddleboarders from all over. This city is nestled between the North Pacific Ocean and the Northwest Cascades, offering a dramatic skyline reflected in the ocean against the rugged mountains. These are our top 5 paddleboarding spots around Seattle that you won't want to miss:
Lake Union is in the heart of Seattle, shadowed by the iconic Space Needle, and is a watersports paradise. You can paddleboard around and watch seaplanes take off and land, admire the houseboats, and laugh at the flotillas of hipsters enjoying a beer on a floating pontoon on a Friday afternoon. Surprisingly the lake is predominantly fresh water despite being connected to the ocean in both directions. There are plenty of options for paddleboard rentals in the area and we recommend you seek their advice if you plan to explore the waterways to the east and west of the lake as these areas get busy with boat traffic. After a day at the lake we recommend stopping by Dicks drive in for a burger and hand dipped shake!
Parking: Gas Works Park - Parking
Best time to go: Mornings before the wind starts to pick up
Alki Beach also offers great views of the Seattle skyline. It's a little urban oasis to the west of the city. The beach itself can get crowded on better weather days, however launching into the water can get you away from the rabble and get you closer to the true locals such as the harbor seals that populate the area! You can paddle all the way around the cape taking in the views from each angle as you paddle and it's a great place to catch sunset.
Close to Alki Beach is Mountain to Sound Outfitters stocking everything from skis to paddleboards, they can even help you with advice on roof rack systems and car rack installation! They offer demo days twice monthly starting in April and beach rentals through the summer on the beach.
Parking: Street parking
Best time to go: Mornings before the wind starts to pick up
Located in the heart of Seattle is Lake Washington, a freshwater lake that, on a clear day, has outstanding views of Mt Rainier. The lake boasts over 22 miles of shoreline which gives ample offerings for great paddling. Being cut off from the ocean, this freshwater lake holds calm waters and attracts many for swimming, fishing and boating. There are many great launch spots along the lake, however our best picks include Seward Park- Seattle's oldest park with a beautiful old growth forest and Juanita Park, which offers ample parking and great picnic spots. After a day on the water you can head to the Museum of Flight close to Lake Washington which holds the largest air and space collections in the US!
Parking: Matthews Beach Park Parking Lot.
Best time to go: Anytime.
Lake Sammamish is only 8 miles east of Seattle and as a result has a more relaxed and serene feel about it. Sunset Beach is a great place to launch with lots of parking and washroom facilities and ample shoreline to explore. It's a great place to spot a golden eagle, catch a sunset and to marvel at the waterfront properties that line the shores.
Just a 10 minute drive from Lake Sammamish State Park is Kayak Academy that offers paddle board lessons on the lake and a store selling everything you would need to get out on the water. Through May-September they also offer paddleboard rentals through Issaquah Paddle Sports on the lake itself.
Parking: Lake Sammamish Sunset Beach Parking
Best time to go: Mornings before the wind starts to pick up
Green Lake is Seattle's version of New York's Central Park, where you will encounter people doing a variety of activities around the lake including running, roller skating and biking. The lake was created by a glacier some 50,000 years ago and the greenscape surrounding the lake is a nice contrast to the otherwise urban city. Stop by the Green Lake Boathouse, located on the Northeast side of the lake if you're looking to rent a paddleboard or grab a coffee before heading out.
Parking: Green Lake Public Parking on the East side of the lake
Best time to go: Mornings before the wind starts to pick up
A hidden gem located just north of the city in Everett, Silver Lake is a small but scenic lagoon. There is ample parking and an easy boat launch to the west of the lake. Although the lake is small it can feel less crowded than the inner city areas, making it easy to navigate and ensuring confidence if you are learning to paddle. Hydrology SUP offers SUP lessons on the lake and also over on Stevens Lake in Lundeen Park, a quick 20 minute drive away. Both are excellent options if you are looking for a more relaxed suburban vibe for your first lesson.
Parking: Thornton A. Sullivan Park
Best time to go: All day
Located to the east of the city on lake Washington is Meydenbauer Bay, close to downtown Bellevue. The bay has several public parking places and launch spots making it an ideal choice for paddleboarders not wanting to fight the down-town traffic. Most of the time, the bay provides calm waters because of its protection from strong winds and currents. You will also get great views of the surrounding areas including the Bellevue skyline and Olympic Mountains in the distance. After paddling for the day you can take advantage of Bellevues downtown which boasts plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops. The REI Co-op Boathouse is located at the end of 99th Avenue where you can take out rentals for the day or enroll in a guided lesson or tour.
Among the skyscrapers and hipster cafes, Seattle offers an abundance of mini rural escapes and thousands of acres of parkland. There's no need to travel miles away from the city to get your fix of nature and wildlife. If you’re looking to rent a paddleboard in the area or looking for a guide for the day, check out our SUP schools and instructors page for local paddleboard businesses.
Parking: 99th Avenue close to the boathouse
Best time to go: 8am -10pm Thursday - Sunday
Where's your favourite place to paddle in Seattle? Leave a comment below!
While paddleboarding in Seattle can be an enjoyable experience, it's essential to prioritize safety. Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) and consider wearing a leash to keep yourself tethered to your board. Be aware of your surroundings, including boat traffic and weather conditions. Additionally, it's advisable to familiarize yourself with local regulations and guidelines for paddleboarding in specific areas.
Yes, there are several rental options available in Seattle for those looking to paddleboard. Many outfitters and boathouses around popular paddleboarding spots offer rental services. Additionally, some shops provide lessons and guided tours for beginners or those seeking a more structured experience.
The optimal time for paddleboarding in Seattle varies depending on factors such as weather, wind conditions, and personal preferences. Generally, mornings before the wind starts to pick up tend to offer calmer waters and more enjoyable paddling experiences. However, some locations may be suitable for paddleboarding throughout the day, so it's recommended to check local conditions and plan accordingly.
Seattle's waterways are home to various wildlife species, including birds, seals, and even eagles. While encounters with wildlife can enhance your paddleboarding experience, it's essential to observe them from a respectful distance and avoid disturbing their natural habitat. Be particularly cautious around marine mammals like seals, giving them plenty of space to avoid stress or agitation.
If you're new to paddleboarding, several locations around Seattle offer calm waters and gentle paddling conditions suitable for beginners. Places like Lake Union, Green Lake, and Meydenbauer Bay often provide beginner-friendly environments with minimal boat traffic and accessible launch points. Consider starting your paddleboarding journey at one of these spots and gradually exploring more challenging locations as you gain experience.
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