Discover the serene beauty of the Pacific Northwest as you glide through crystal-clear waters.
The best places to paddleboard in the Puget Sound Region, Washington, await your arrival.
Embark on a journey to explore the breathtaking scenery and rich marine life of this unique area. Are you ready for the adventure?
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in Puget Sound Region
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Alki Beach
- ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- ???? Access Point: Alki Beach Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild currents, afternoon winds
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Seals, sea lions, occasional dolphins
- ️Landmarks & Views: Seattle skyline, Olympic mountains, West Seattle Bridge
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, avoid heavy boat traffic
Alki Beach, located in West Seattle, offers amazing views of the Seattle skyline and the surrounding Olympic mountains. Its calm waters are perfect for both beginners and experienced paddleboarders.
As you glide along the shoreline, keep an eye out for seals and sea lions that often frequent the area.
#2 Green Lake
- ????️ ️Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Green Lake Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, minimal currents, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, turtles
- ️????️Landmarks & Views: Woodland Park, Green Lake Park
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect designated swimming areas, avoid motorized boat traffic
Green Lake, located in the heart of Seattle, is a popular destination for paddleboarding. The calm waters and picturesque surroundings provide a tranquil escape from the city.
With designated swimming areas and abundant wildlife, it’s a great place for families and enthusiasts alike.
#3 Deception Pass
- ️Location Type: Channel
- ???? Access Point: Bowman Bay (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Tidal currents, variable winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Seals, bald eagles, herons
- ️ Landmarks & Views: Deception Pass Bridge, rugged cliffs
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution during tidal changes, watch for boat traffic
Deception Pass, located between Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island, is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and dramatic tidal currents. The area offers unique challenges for experienced paddleboarders, along with gorgeous views of the Deception Pass Bridge and surrounding cliffs.
Be cautious of the changing tides, as they can create swift currents and unsafe conditions.
#4 Lake Union
- ????️ Location Type: Lake
- ???? Access Point: Gas Works Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, minimal currents, afternoon winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, occasional beavers
- ️????️ Landmarks & Views: Seattle skyline, houseboats, historic Gas Works Park
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution with boat traffic, respect no-wake zones
Lake Union, situated in the heart of Seattle, offers a picturesque urban paddleboarding experience with stunning views of the city skyline and houseboats lining the shores.
Launch from historic Gas Works Park and enjoy the calm waters as you paddle past iconic landmarks and floating homes.
#5 Juanita Beach Park
- ????️ Location Type: Lake
- ???? Access Point: Juanita Beach Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, minimal currents, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, beavers
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Kirkland waterfront, Lake Washington
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution near swimming areas, avoid boat traffic
Juanita Beach Park, located on the shores of Lake Washington, offers a relaxing paddleboarding experience along Kirkland’s waterfront. The calm waters and scenic surroundings make for a perfect day on the lake.
Be cautious of swimmers and boat traffic as you enjoy the beauty of this popular destination.
#6 Point Defiance Park
- ????️ Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: Owen Beach (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, mild currents, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Seals, bald eagles, herons
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Gig Harbor
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in stronger currents, watch for boat traffic
Point Defiance Park, located in Tacoma, offers an array of scenic paddling experiences within its protected bay. Owen Beach is an ideal launching point for exploring the Tacoma Narrows and Gig Harbor.
As you paddle, admire the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and keep an eye out for seals and bald eagles.
#7 Silver Lake
- ????️ Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Thornton A. Sullivan Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, minimal currents, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, turtles
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Cascade mountains, scenic parks
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid swimming areas, be cautious of boat traffic
Silver Lake, located in Everett, is a serene spot surrounded by parks, offering a blend of calm waters and picturesque scenery. Launch from Thornton A. Sullivan Park and paddle beneath the watchful gaze of the Cascade mountains.
Keep an eye out for ducks and turtles as you traverse Silver Lake’s pristine surface.
#8 Lake Sammamish
- ????️ Location Type: Lake
- ???? Access Point: Lake Sammamish State Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, minimal currents, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Beavers, ducks, herons
- ️????️ Landmarks & Views: Issaquah Alps, Mount Rainier on a clear day
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, avoid designated swimming areas
Lake Sammamish, situated between Bellevue and Redmond, offers an idyllic setting for paddleboarding. With its calm waters and the surrounding Issaquah Alps, it’s a prime spot to appreciate nature’s beauty.
On a clear day, catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier as you paddle through Lake Sammamish State Park’s pristine waters.
#9 American Lake
- ????️ ️Location Type: Lake
- ???? Access Point: Harry E. Todd Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, minimal currents, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, turtles
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Mount Rainier on a clear day, scenic shorelines
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution near swimming areas, avoid boat traffic
American Lake, located near Tacoma, offers a peaceful paddling experience along its scenic shorelines. Launch from Harry E. Todd Park and admire the beauty of Mount Rainier on a clear day.
As you paddle, be cautious of swimmers and boat traffic while enjoying the tranquil surroundings of American Lake.
I am unable to provide additional accurate spots in or very close to Puget Sound Region, WA, so I will stop here.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in the Puget Sound Region?
Favorite paddle board spots in the Puget Sound Region include Alki Beach, Shilshole Bay, and Lake Washington.
Do paddle boards need to get registered in the Puget Sound Region?
No, paddle boards are not required to be registered in the Puget Sound Region.
When is the best time to paddle board in the Puget Sound Region?
Late spring until early fall is the optimal time for paddle boarding in the Puget Sound Region thanks to warmer temperatures.
