Chapter Thirteen - Kayaking Stops In Washington State and the San Juan Islands

Route 90 in Washington

Interstate 90 in Washington State runs through the heart of the state and crosses the Columbia River, runs through Spokane and the eastern fruit-growing region, passes over Snoqualmie Pass (elevation 3,022 ft.) then goes on into Seattle. It's an exhilarating drive with lots of places to pull over and put in a kayak. Of course, once you get to Seattle you have endless choices of places to kayak, including the wonderful San Juan Islands. I took the ferry at Anacortes to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island and established my base camp at Westcott Bay on the northern side of the island near Roche Harbor. From this launch site there were innumerable opportunities for day trips and overnight stays at island campsites set up especially for kayakers.

Map of Route in Washington State

Stop 1: Columbia River, WA

Directions: Exit 137 off I-90. Take a right after crossing the Columbia River on I-90 bridge. Then turn right onto Boat Ramp Road.

The Coumbia River is named after Captain Robert Gray's ship Columbia Rediviva, the first ship documented to have traveled up the river in 1792. In its 1,270 mile course to the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia flows through four mountain ranges — the Rockies, Selkirks, Cascades and coastal mountains. Its largest tributary, the Snake, travels 1,038 miles from its source in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming to join the Columbia.

Columbia River

There is a very nice boat launch area at this exit. There are several small trees which provide shade as you unload. A large parking lot is close to the boat ramp so you can easily park.

Lauching area at the Columbia River

Before you launch it is a good idea to read the large warning sign they have posted next to the launch area.

Warning Sign at the Columbia River

The boat ramp and kayak launch area are located in a small protected cove which makes it easy to launch into the Columbia River.

Columbia River Boat Ramp

The Columbia River launch area has lots of small rocks which you should take care to avoid when landing. Once you launch you don't have to worry too much about boulders near this area of the river.

Columbia River looking towards the I-90 bridge

The water can be very shallow in places around the shoreline so you should take care not to scrape the bottom of your boat on the many rocks. It is a good idea to always wear sunscreen as the sun is very intense on the water and there is little shade near the shoreline, especially on the eastern shore of the river.

Columbia River looking East

This is a view from my kayak towards the I-90 bridge. The water is very clear and was very calm on this July day.

Columbia River near Western Shore

The rocks on the bottom near the shoreline are easily visible because of the water's clarity.

Rocky Bottom

The parking lot does not have a lot of shade so packing back up after a long afternoon paddle can be hot and draining. There is not much shade so a hat is a good idea.

My kayak all loaded back up and ready to go

After an excellent paddle I took one last look over the mightly Columbia River and thought again of Lewis and Clark and of their amazing journey.

Once last look at the Columbia River

The description for this kayak stop will appear after my August 2007 trip.

Stop 7: Moses Lake, WA

Directions: Exit 174 off I-90 (just off the Mae Valley Exit) - Moses Lake boat ramp and launch

The description for this kayak stop will appear after my August 2007 trip.

Chapter Thirteen - Kayaking Stops In Washington State and the San Juan Islands

Stop 1: Columbia River, WA

Stop 2: Lake Kachess, Stampede Pass, WA

Stop 3: Lake Keecheus, Hyak, WA

Stop 4: Lake Easton State Park, WA

Stop 5: Snoqualmie River, WA

Stop 6: Lake Sammamish State Park, WA

Stop 7: Moses Lake, WA