Sports Hey PDX July 21, 2025 0 Comments

Washington State’s Best Paddleboarding Spots (With A Bonus Spot!) – Oregon Sports News

If you love water, sunshine, and exploring the outdoors, paddleboarding is a great way to experience the beauty of Washington State. Whether you’re gliding over a calm lake, coasting along the shoreline, or paddling through island inlets, Washington offers amazing places to stand-up paddleboard (SUP).

This guide will introduce you to some of the best spots in the state, from quiet beaches for beginners to wild scenic locations for experienced paddlers.

1. San Juan Islands – Moran State Park, Orcas Island

Why It’s Great:
The San Juan Islands are a top choice for anyone seeking to paddleboard in serene, scenic surroundings. On Orcas Island, Moran State Park offers access to Cascade Lake, a serene, crystal-clear lake nestled within lush forests and rolling hills. If you’re more experienced, you can also paddle in the open sea and explore rocky coves or even spot seals and sea otters.

Skill Level:
Beginner to intermediate. Cascade Lake is perfect for beginners, but the nearby ocean water is better suited for skilled paddlers who understand tides and currents.

Bonus Tip:
Stay overnight at the park’s campground and head out at sunrise. The lake is usually calm in the early morning, and the light over the trees is incredible.

2. Lake Crescent – Olympic National Park

Why It’s Great:
Lake Crescent is one of the clearest and deepest lakes in the state. Located in Olympic National Park, it’s surrounded by mountains and tall evergreen trees. The lake’s sparkling blue water makes you feel like you’re in a peaceful, untouched world.

Skill Level:
Beginner to advanced. The lake is generally calm, especially near the shore; however, the center of the lake can become windy at times.

Bonus Tip:
Launch your board from the Storm King Ranger Station. It’s a quieter area with beautiful views and great spots to rest on shore.

3. Lake Sammamish – Issaquah, WA

Why It’s Great:
Lake Sammamish is conveniently located near Seattle and easily accessible. It’s a great place to practice paddleboarding, especially if you’re just starting. The lake has long stretches of calm water, and you might spot bald eagles, herons, or turtles while you’re out paddling.

Skill Level:
Beginner to intermediate. The lake is generally calm, but winds can pick up later in the day.

Bonus Tip:
Launch from Lake Sammamish State Park. There’s plenty of parking, restrooms, and even grassy areas for relaxing after your paddle.

4. Juanita Beach Park – Kirkland, WA (Lake Washington Access)

Why It’s Great:
Juanita Beach Park is one of the best ways to access Lake Washington. The beach has soft sand and shallow entry points, which makes it great for kids and beginners. The views are beautiful, and it’s fun to watch boats and wildlife while you paddle.

Skill Level:
Beginner. This is one of the top beginner-friendly paddleboarding spots thanks to its location within the calm and sheltered Juanita Bay. The protected water allows new paddlers to work on balance and strokes without worrying about boat traffic, strong currents, or heavy wind.

Bonus Tip:
After your paddle, grab a treat from one of the local coffee shops or ice cream stands in Juanita Village or downtown Kirkland. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a sunny day on the water. You can also visit the nearby Juanita Bay Park and spot turtles, herons, bald eagles, ospreys, and other critters.

5. Deception Pass State Park – Whidbey Island

Why It’s Great:
Deception Pass is renowned for its dramatic scenery. Paddle beneath tall cliffs, along rocky shorelines, and through clear green water. You might see sea stars, kelp forests, or even porpoises. It’s exciting and beautiful, but it’s also challenging.

Skill Level:
Advanced. Strong tides and currents can make this area challenging, so only experienced paddlers should attempt it.

Bonus Tip:
Check tide charts before going and paddle only during slack tide, the time between high and low tide when the water is calmest.

6. Lake Union – Seattle, WA

Why It’s Great:
Lake Union gives you a chance to paddle through the heart of Seattle. You’ll see floating homes, kayakers, sailboats, and even seaplanes taking off! It’s a great way to see the city from a totally new angle.

Skill Level:
Intermediate. There’s boat traffic to watch for, so it’s important to be alert and have some paddleboarding experience.

Bonus Tip:
Start from the north end of the lake near Gas Works Park. The views of downtown Seattle are amazing, especially around sunset.

7. Diablo Lake – North Cascades National Park

Why It’s Great:
Diablo Lake is famous for its bright, seafoam green water, which is caused by glacial flour floating in the lake. Surrounded by rugged mountain peaks, it’s one of the most stunning places in the state to paddle. The water is super cold but absolutely beautiful.

Skill Level:
Intermediate to advanced. The lake can be windy, and the cold water makes it important to be prepared.

Bonus Tip:
Launch your board from Colonial Creek Campground and wear a wetsuit or quick-dry clothing, as hypothermia is a real risk if you fall in.

8. Lake Wenatchee – Near Leavenworth, WA

Why It’s Great:
Lake Wenatchee is a vast, open lake with stunning mountain views, sandy beaches, and a peaceful forest surrounding it. It’s a fantastic place to paddleboard and camp. The water is clear and the air is fresh. If you go in the fall, the changing colors make the views even more amazing.

Skill Level:
Beginner to intermediate.

Bonus Tip:
Try paddling in the early morning when the water is smooth and quiet. It’s also a great time to spot deer, birds, and other wildlife near the shore.

Bonus Spot: Larrabee State Park – Bellingham, WA

Why It’s Great:
Larrabee State Park is Washington’s first official state park, and it’s a fantastic paddleboarding spot. You can launch right into the Salish Sea from the park’s beach. Paddle along scenic coves, rocky cliffs, and forested shorelines with sweeping views of the San Juan Islands in the distance. On calm days, the water is perfect for a relaxing paddle, accompanied by a salty sea breeze.

Skill Level:
Intermediate. The water is generally calm close to shore, but changing tides and boat traffic mean you should be confident handling your board in open water.

Bonus Tip:
Head out during the golden hour before sunset when the water glows, the islands shine, and the coastal views are absolutely stunning. Don’t forget to check tide charts before paddling!

Final Thoughts

Washington State is one of the best places in the country for paddleboarding. With its variety of lakes, bays, and island inlets, there’s something for everyone from easy spots for beginners to wild adventures for pros. Paddleboarding is not only a fun workout but also a relaxing way to enjoy nature, spot wildlife, and take in beautiful views.

Before you go, remember to: