Just across the Puget Sound from Seattle, the Olympic Peninsula is an easy getaway from the Seattle Metropolitan area, either for a day trip or a weekend. If you’re traveling from Eastern Washington and the Tri-Cities, it is about a four hour drive to the OP, but it’s worth it! Olympic Peninsula kayaking is such a diverse experience and the wildlife is remarkable. Having grown up here, I’m not impartial, I guess.
The Olympic Peninsula is a landmass that protrudes westward from the mainland of Washington State into the Pacific Ocean. It is a vast and rugged area with mountains, forests, and a coastline. The Olympic Mountains dominate the peninsula’s center, while the west and south lie miles of shoreline and rugged seacoast, and then Hood Canal flows between the OP proper and the Kitsap Peninsula. The temperate rainforest that covers much of the Olympic Peninsula is one of the most beautiful in North America, and includes the incredible Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park. With such an expansive space plenty of opportunities for a paddle are everywhere!
There are tons of places for kayaking on the Olympic Peninsula, so if we didn’t include your favorite, feel free to leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more!
Easy Kayaking on the Olympic Peninsula
The Olympic Peninsula is home to a variety of landscapes popular for outdoor recreation. Given the massive space it covers, there are several waterways ideal for beginners or those seeking a leisure paddle. We’ll start with some lakes that a really wonderful and capture the scenery that kayaking on the Olympic Peninsula can give you. And remember, even though the weather in Washington is pretty mellow, winter can be FREEZING and rainy. Always plan appropriately, even if you’re doing easy kayaking on a lake. The weather can be a beast.
Lake Ozette Kayaking
Lake Ozette is packed with summer water lilies at the coast and provides a peaceful paddle excursion. A few backcountry campsites may be accessed by kayak and canoe. In the Ozette region, unexpected weather changes are common, so always check the forecast and prepare for the potential of severe winds and waves.
Something I love about Lake Ozette and kayaking in this portion of the Olympic Peninsula is the lack of people. This area is further out than most people travel, so paddling here is really quiet, even in peak summer months.
Where to launch:
Lake Quinault: Gem of the Olympics
Lake Quinault, located in the Olympic National Forest and National Park, is THE SPOT for enjoying mountain views and ancient trees. If you mention Lake Quinault to anyone in the Seattle area, they’ll say “Oh wow, so pretty. Are you taking the seaplane?” and then share their favorite experiences here. And hopefully they’ll tell you about how gorgeous the kayaking is in this part of the Olympic Peninsula.
Here, afternoon winds are typical; be prepared at all times. In general though, kayaking on Lake Quinault is a breeze and absolutely beautiful. A concession operated by Lake Quinault Lodge offers boat rentals if you show up without your own gear.
Where to launch:
Kayaking Lake Crescent at Olympic National Park
The 12-mile-long Lake Crescent is home to clear glacial waters and lots of vacation homes. Given the size of the lake, it is advised that paddlers go out early in the morning to avoid winds that come in the afternoon, creating some waves. The lake is deep, dropping 624 feet below sea level, making it second to Lake Chelan as the deepest lake in the state.
If you aren’t planning on kayaking Lake Crescent, you can still stop here and enjoy the view as Highway 101 goes along the shore, so you get to see the lake whether you planned to or not!
Where to launch:
Lake Cushman: Our Family Retreat
We’ve been to Lake Cushman so many times as it’s our family’s annual summer trip together. We get the cousins, grandparents and so many friends and usually camp or get a vacation rental here at Lake Cushman. There are a few kayaking option here, and with the mountain backdrop it’s one of the best places for kayaking on the Olympic Peninsula!
Something to keep in mind: Lake Cushman is a manmade lake and over the years they’ve been lowering the water level more and more. There are times when the boat ramps lead to dry lakebed for launching. This doesn’t mean the kayaking is not worthwhile, just that the launch can be more difficult. Still beautiful though!
- Skokomish Park Boat Ramp
- Private Launch – if you’re renting a vacation rental or visiting somebody here, this is a great ramp
Bonus: if you want to go out on a smaller lake, Lake Kokanee is just below Lake Cushman and is gorgeous. Boat launch map here.
Lake Leland for Quiet Kayaking
Hidden just south of the intersection of Highway 101 and Highway 104, just north of Quilcene is beautiful Lake Leland. It’s not a big lake like Lake Cushman, but it’s quiet and the perfect Pacific Northwest lake to paddle on. A lot of people come to Lake Leland for trout fishing, but it’s the ideal spot for mellow kayaking on the Olympic Peninsula.
- Lake Leland Boat Ramp (across from campground)
Rivers for Kayaking on the Olympic Peninsula
Many rivers pass through the Olympic Peninsula, starting up in the mountains, making it relatively easy to find some rapids but then also some beautiful delta areas for kayaking. Below are just a few option that range from glassy calm to class III or IV rapids. When going out for a paddle, check local weather and water conditions, and always tell somebody where you’re heading and when you’ll be back from kayaking.
Quillayute River
The Quillayute River was the first river I ever kayaked on the Olympic Peninsula. Very near Kalaloch and Ruby Beach, the Quillayute River meets the Pacific Ocean in LaPush. Paddle through the brackish delta area up into the low hanging forest along the Quillayute. It’s a short paddle, but is beautiful and a great place for bird watching.
Tip: when you’re in the brackish area at the mouth of the river, keep your eyes peeled for otter, skates and even small sharks. This is a really cool place to see wildlife!
Hoh River
Located in the dense old-growth rainforests of the Olympic National Forest and National Park, the Hoh River is a beautiful paddle. The river can, at times, be difficult with log jams. Those going for a paddle here might want to overnight at the Hoh Campground, the most popular launching point. Plan ahead of time and make reservations. Of all the Washington National Parks and their kayaking options, the Hoh is one of the most beautiful to paddle.
Also, remember that the Hoh River is very dependent on snow melt and rainfall, so at any given moment it may be much higher than you may want to paddle. Oh, and watch out for Roosevelt elk crossing the river…
Where to launch:
Queets River
During higher water levels, the Queets River is a fantastic location to explore deep, isolated rain forests. The river is frequently clogged with huge debris and low water in late summer due to limited flow, so late spring is best for kayaking on the Queets. Throughout the year, log jam dangers may exist at any put-in site, so always keep your wits about you! The Queets River often has class II and III rapids, so only tackle the paddle you’re ready and skilled for.
Where to launch:
Elwha River
The Elwha River is located in Olympic National Park and flows into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and is one of the best places to kayak in the Olympic Peninsula. The river offers a variety of paddling experiences, from easy Class I rapids to challenging Class III+ rapids. The scenery is also spectacular, with towering mountains and forests lining the river. I think the Lower Elwha is the best place to kayak as it’s more mellow and you can navigate it pretty easily, even if you’re a beginner.
There are several kayaking routes on the Elwha River, depending on your skill level and desired difficulty. The Lower Elwha River is a great option for seeing eagles and taking breaks on the rocky bars. This section of the river has primarily Class I rapids, with a few Class II rapids. The Lower Elwha is an incredible example of what happens with a dam removal, as the mouth has been changing continually for years as more sediment flows to the end.
If you’re looking for a more challenging kayaking experience, the Upper Elwha River is perfect and will require some crafty kayak transport. This section of the river has mostly Class III+ rapids, which can be difficult for even experienced kayakers.
Note: rafting on the Elwha is pretty cool too. As of 2023, the main rafting companies on the OP had paused operations. I’ll update this in 2024 with info as to who is doing runs on the river.
Where to launch:
- End of the Elwha River – paddle up from here
- Crown Z Lot – paddle down river from here
- Whiskey Bend Road – drive up until you reach launch spot just off the river – the Upper Elwha is very wild and this is for experienced paddlers only
Quinault River
The Quinault River is located in the Olympic National Park. The river flows through the rainforest and is surrounded by towering trees. The scenery is breathtaking, and the experience is unlike any other. The river is calm and serene, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty. There is also much wildlife to see, including eagles, otters, and salmon.
Experienced kayakers will have to hike into the backcountry. There are Class IV-V rapids in the Pony Bridge Section and Dolly Falls. Calmer waters can be paddled at the bridge at the end of North Shore road.
Where to launch:
- Pony Bridge is located 2.72 miles from the Graves Creek Trailhead
Sol Duc River
A 1.2-mile trek up the North Fork Trail in the Sol Duc Valley to the take-off site (Class II-IV) offers excitement for experienced kayakers above Salmon Cascades. Put in at Salmon Cascades Overlook (Class V) for experts interested in rapids. By no means would I consider this an easy run or anything I would do with MY kids yet. I’ll happily continue to go hiking at Sol Duc Falls with them, but we’ll leave kayaking this whitewater until later in life.
Where to launch:
Salt Water Kayaking Spots Around the Olympic Peninsula
The Olympic Peninsula is home to several national and 13 state parks, making it an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts. Olympic National Park is the largest park in the area, covering much of the peninsula. The park is known for its Olympic Mountains, temperate rainforest, and coastal beaches. There are several lakes and rivers within the park boundaries, making it a great place to kayak.
Olympic National Forest
The Olympic National Forest is home to diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, rivers, and coastline. It is one of the best places to go kayaking on the Olympic Peninsula. The Olympic Mountains dominate the landscape of the Olympic National Forest and include six peaks over 7,000 feet tall. The Olympic National Forest includes several rivers, including the Hoh and Elwha rivers. Many different kayaking trails wind through the forest, and visitors can paddle through pristine forests, meadows, and rivers. Some of the best places to go kayaking in the Olympic National Forest include Lake Ozette, Seven Lakes Basin, and Sol Duc Hot Springs.
Where to launch:
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary
The Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary is a spectacular landscape characterized by rugged shorelines. This is the perfect place for seasoned paddlers. The area is home to a rich marine ecosystem teeming with animals, birds, and plants, as well as over 100 shipwrecks. The 73-mile coastline shared with the Olympic National Park is filled with extreme kayaking conditions. Port Angeles is a hub for outfitters who rent gear to experienced paddlers only after checking their skill levels.
You can explore portions of the Olympic Coast Marine Sanctuary from Port Angeles to Forks and beyond. Kayaking from the beaches and river mouths are some of the best launches to experience the salt water preserve. Always remember to put safety first and use the appropriate gear for your Olympic Peninsula kayaking destination and conditions.
Sequim Bay State Park
Sequim Bay State Park is a large marine park on the west side of Sequim Bay. The 92-acre preserve has 4,909 feet of beachfront, 424 feet of moorage capacity, and a huge boat ramp just west of the lower campground loop. The bay is protected from the wind and swells in the Juan De Fuca Strait, making Sequim Bay an excellent place to begin if you’re a first-time stand-up paddleboarder or kayaker while also providing intricate currents for more experienced paddlers and unending picturesque possibilities for all skill levels.
Where to launch:
Dosewallips State Park
The Olympic Peninsula’s eastern access point is Dosewallips State Park, which is only 60 miles north of Olympia. It is a year-round camping park with 5,500 feet of saltwater shoreline on Hood Canal and 5,400 feet of freshwater shoreline on either side of the Dosewallips River. The park is one-of-a-kind because it provides both fresh and saltwater activities. Hood Canal and the Olympic Mountains provide spectacular views from a kayak.
Note: be aware of elk in the river and along the riverbanks. If you’re kayaking on the Dosewallips in fall, that’s when the elk rut happens and they can be aggressive. Be mindful of wildlife safety!
Where to launch:
Twanoh State Park
I grew up in Belfair, which is the town just north of Twanoh State Park. This is the BEST place to put in for kayaking on Hood Canal with a view of the Olympic Mountains. Twanoh State Park is a common place for camping and day picnics, but if you want to launch from here, there’s a great boat ramp. Paddle out into Hood Canal or just along the coast watching for eagles and otters. It’s a beautiful spot, and now as an adult I can’t believe how I didn’t appreciate it as a kid.
Need to Know for Visiting the Olympic Peninsula
The Olympic Peninsula is a great place to kayak, with plenty of places to explore. The temperate climate and diverse landscape make the Olympic Peninsula a popular destination for kayakers. The area is known for its heavy rainfall, so be prepared for wet weather. Be sure to check out some of these top places we outlined to kayak in the Olympic Peninsula, or take time to add wine tasting or a visit to Port Townsend. You won’t be disappointed!
Weather in Olympic Peninsula
The Olympic Peninsula has a temperate climate, mild winters, and cool summers. The average temperatures vary depending on the location but generally range from the low 40s in the winter to the mid-60s in the summer. The weather is highly variable, and it is not unusual to experience all four seasons in a single day. The area is known for its heavy rainfall, with some receiving more than 150 inches of rain annually. The Olympic Peninsula is also subject to frequent windstorms. I remember the great storm of 1996…
In the summer though, the OP is amazing. You’ll fall in love with it, but remember that winter get wet and dark, so don’t get too enamored.
