Kayaking The Puget Sound – The 7 Best Spots To Explore

Whether you’re looking to get out of Seattle and experience nature, kayak with whales, or explore from Olympia your destination is the same: the Puget Sound.

The Puget Sound has been drawing paddlers in for (literally) hundreds of years.

These days this means that there are plenty of places on the Puget Sound where you can rent a kayak for the day (or week), charter a kayak tour, or drop in your own kayak.

But should you? Are there better places to go? And, if there are not, what are the best places to kayak in the Puget Sounds? Well, we’ve got you covered on all of those questions.

Can You Kayak In The Puget Sound?

The Puget Sound is a huge expanse of water the beckons to any kayaker who sees it. All the nooks and crannies on its 1,332 miles of coastline are just begging to be explored.

But it is safe?

In general, you’ll be as safe kayaking in the Puget Sound as you would be on any other body of water. While there are deep water areas that are frequented by large boats and ferries you are unlikely to stray far enough from shore for that to be a problem.

If you’re in the PNW during the spring, summer, or fall be sure to add the Sound to your Kayaking destination list.

You won’t need any sort of license or permit to kayak in the Puget Sound as long as you don’t intend to fish or try to land on any private property.

7 Best Spots In The Puget Sounds To Explore Via Kayak

Before we hit the list, I should note that these aren’t in any particular order. The best place to kayak is almost always the place closest to you so start from there and work your way onward through the rest.

1. Hope Island

Hope Island is one of the most southern areas in the Puget Sound on this list but it might also be the coolest.

Hope Island Marine State Park is a 132-acre island that is only accessible via watercraft (there is no regular ferry service).

Most people in self-powered vessels strike out for the island from the public boat launch at Acadia Point which is just east of Shelton Washington

Once on the island, you can take advantage of the beaches (which are great for clamming), hiking trails, plentiful wildlife, and more.

I will say that you should be sure to bring your own water, especially if you’re planning on camping, as there are no facilities of any sort available on the island.

2. Gig Harbour

Gig Harbour is one of the most popular destinations for kayakers and paddleboarders in the whole area. It is one of our favorite areas where you can kayak to one of Washington’s lighthouses.

On a warm day, you can expect to see dozens of people putting into the water and exploring or getting in some exercise.

If you’re just looking to get your feet wet this is a great place to start out as there are plenty of people around which, if you’re kayaking, is typically a sign of safety. There are also dozens of rental areas near the water where you can get your vessel of choice placed right on the beach for you.

If you have your own kayak or boat there are 8 public boat launches in Pierce County from which you can access the water.

3. Dabob Bay

Dabob & Quilcene Bays are great places to experience some open water kayaking.

There are several places to put in in Quilcene Bay (we used Quilcene Boat Haven) from which point you can paddle past Point Whitney as into Dabob Bay.

There is abundant wildlife here and many people report setting eagles, otters, and seals in addition to normal marine life such as fish and starfish.

If you need more of a “destination” to feel accomplished about your paddle trip then continue on to Jackson Cove before you return.

4. Fidalgo Island

I know that “Fidalgo Island” is a pretty broad place to include on the list but you can kayak just about anywhere on or around the island and have a great experience.

The area is incredibly scenic and, from most areas, you will be treated to a stunning view of the Olympic Mountains.

Our favorite spot to kayak in this area of the Puget Sound is actually Deception Pass State Park. Deception Pass is the narrow straight that separates Whidbey Island from Fidalgo island and is home to some beautiful cliffs and plentiful wildlife.

5. Protection Island

Just northeast of Sequim you’ll find another of our favorite islands in the Puget Sound: Protection Island.

The is home to the 379-acre Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge which protects dozens of local bird species (as well as seals) that use the island to breed.

Before you head out for the island, however, be sure to check if it’s currently open. It has been closed for breeding seasons and there is talk of closing it permanently to the public to save the animals from constant disruption.

Even if you are not allowed to set foot on the island, many local companies give boat tours and you are free to paddle around the island as long as you don’t approach within 200 yards of shore.

If you’re going to keep your distance, launch from Diamond Point and head straight south. It’s a bit of a paddle so this is not one that I would recommend for beginners, especially with no mid-point to get out and stretch.

6. Eld Inlet

Eld Inlet is a popular Puget Sound destination throughout the year. One of the best parts of kayaking in the cove is that you can adjust the length of your trip to how you’re feeling at the time (and the weather).

If it’s cold, just explore a single cove. If it’s nice out, paddle your way through a few more.

You’ll never be far from shore and the lack of strong currents and upwelling make this a great trip.

There are also tours of Eld Inlet available if you want to follow a predetermined route or have someone show you the sights.

7. Elliot Bay

Any list of Puget Sound wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Elliot Bay.

Elliot Bay is the piece of the Puget Sound that Seattle is best known for (and viewed from). From the bay, you can distance yourself from the dirty hubbub of the city and get an amazing panoramic view.

If you want to see the iconic Seattle skyline, this is the place most likely to provide it.

This is a popular area for boat tours (not to mention cruise lines and boat hotels) so exercise some caution and common sense while kayaking here.

What’s The Best Kayak For The Puget Sound?

I’ll be honest with you here…the best kayak for the Puget Sound is the one you already have or whichever one you can afford to buy/rent.

While the type of kayak you have might limit how far you feel comfortable straying for shore or how rough of water you feel stable in, no type of kayak is unusable.

I’ve seen people in inflatables, homemade wooden kayaks, Walmart kayaks, fishing kayaks, and everything in between.

But, if you had unlimited money and want to kayak only in the Puget Sound, here are a few things you’ll want to think about before pulling out your wallet.

Types of Kayaks

The two most common types of kayaks are recreational and touring models. Recreational kayaks are shorter, wider, and more stable than other types. They also tend to be less expensive and easier to maneuver in tight spaces like coves and bays.

Touring models, on the other hand, are longer and narrower than recreational kayaks, making them faster but less stable on choppy waters. They also have more storage space for camping gear or supplies.

So if you’re planning on paddling out to the island, going camp, or crossing significant distances then you’ll want to pony up and get a touring kayak.

However, if you’re a normal person just looking to have fun, any sort of recreational kayak that’s designed for your weight/size will be a good choice.

Materials

The materials used in constructing a kayak can also affect how it performs in different conditions. Polyethylene plastic is a popular choice because it’s lightweight yet durable enough to withstand heavy waves or rocks.

Kevlar-reinforced fiberglass is another option that offers superior strength while remaining light enough for longer trips.

Composite materials such as carbon fiber are great for speed but may not be able to handle rough seas as well as polyethylene plastic or kevlar-reinforced fiberglass models can.

Much of the “materials discussion” simply comes down to durability and cost. Besides, unless you’re a professional kayaker you probably won’t notice a difference anyway.

Safety Considerations

In my opinion, safety should always be your top priority when you choose a kayak for open water.

With that being said, it’s possible to stay in the safety-zone with almost any kayak. I’m sure that I could take an inflatable kayak out in rough water and stay relatively safe…I would just have a lifejacket and stay close to shore in protected bays.

So, what I’m trying to say, is that you should get the kayak you want and recognize that it will have some shortcomings.

Make sure you choose a model that has plenty of flotation built into its design so that if you capsize, you won’t sink too far beneath the surface before being able to right yourself again. You should also look for a kayak with adjustable footrests so that you can adjust your seating position depending on your height and weight distribution throughout the day—this will help keep you comfortable while paddling long distances or navigating choppy waters with ease.

At the end of the day, finding the right type of kayak for exploring the ocean doesn’t need to be complicated. From recreational models to touring designs made from polyethylene plastic or kevlar-reinforced fiberglass, there are plenty of options available when it comes to finding a quality craft designed specifically for ocean exploration in Seattle and beyond!

However, if you’re still conflicted, your best bet is to rent a kayak on a couple of different types of days (conditions-wise) for the types of trips you’re likely to take.

But where do you rent a kayak for a trip on the Sound? Well, I’m so glad you asked…

My Top Kayak Rental Locations

Ballard Kayak & Paddleboard

Located right next to Golden Garden Park, Ballard Kayak & Paddleboard is probably one of the easiest spots to rent and get on the water quickly.

The rent both singles and double kayaks and, if you’re new to the area, you can book a guided tour.

Alki Kayak Tours

If I’m in Seattle itself then Alki is my go-to spot for all sorts of rentals.

You can get kayaks and SUPs but they also offer fishing boats, bikes, skateboards, and more!

As far as a learning structure go, Alki’s offers both classes and guided tours to keep you on track.

I would advise you to go for an all-day rental as they tend to be a significant discount over the hourly rate.

Kayaking The Puget Sound Near Seattle

If you’re kayaking near Seattle I’ve got a bonus spot for you that will, all at once, be way more exciting and boring than Elliot Bay.

The Ballard Locks are the second most visited tourist location in Seattle but, as a kayaker, you have the unique option of going through it rather than just viewing it from the top.

While hiring a tour is a solid option here you should at least watch the locks for a bit before paddling through. The whole trip can take an hour or more as the locks fill slowly but you’ll likely have a story that very few kayakers outside of the PNW can match!

Kayaking The Puget Sound Near Olympia

If you’re looking for some kayaking excursions around Olympia, you’re in luck. In addition to the Puget Sound, there are half a dozen other bodies of water to explore.

If you’re looking to escape the salt and try your hand exploring (or fishing in) a freshwater lake then head to Lake Cushman.

Lake Cushman is part of the Olympia National Forest and is famed for its crystal clear waters and heavily forested shoreline.

The lake (actually it’s a reservoir) is extremely popular so be sure to get here and put your kayak in the water early to avoid the crowds!

Conclusion

Whether you live in the PNW or are just visiting you’ll no doubt see a bit of the Puget Sound. However, I think that every single person who sees it should go the extra mile and see how it looks from a kayak.

Not only with kayaking the Puget Sound give you a great appreciation for the natural marine beauty of the area but even Seattle manages to look beautiful when you’re out on the water.

So grab a paddle (or rent one) and get out there!