Best Places to Kayak Near Anchorage, AK

26 public launch points within 50 miles of Anchorage, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

26 nearby16 Lakes8 Rivers1 Creek

← All paddling in Alaska

Top Picks Near Anchorage

Whittier

Open-water sea kayaking access on Pacific Ocean - Passage Canal

OceanBeginner50 mi away

brown trees near lake and snow covered mountain during daytime

Lucile Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner29 mi away

a group of kayaks sitting on top of a rocky beach

Mirror Lake Park

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

LakeBeginner21 mi away

A river running through a lush green forest

Ship Creek

Alaska · 1.4 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Gwen Lake

Alaska · 8.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Mountain valley with a calm lake and forest

Goose Bay Point MacKenzie

Alaska · 12.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Lower Fire Lake

Alaska · 14.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Beach Lake

Alaska · 16.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

people riding on boat on lake during daytime

Little Susitna River

Alaska · 18.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Mirror Lake Park

Alaska · 21.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

a large body of water surrounded by mountains

Big Lake

Alaska · 22.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

brown bear standing on seashore near sea under blue sky during daytime

Big Lake South

Alaska · 22.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

a rainbow in the sky over a mountain lake

Big Lake Ramp 5

Alaska · 22.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Big Lake North

Alaska · 22.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Big Lake Ramp 4

Alaska · 23.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Lucile Lake

Alaska · 29.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

a large glacier in the middle of a body of water

Matanuska Lake

Alaska · 31.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Cottonwood Lake

Alaska · 32.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Finger Lake

Alaska · 34.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Nancy Lake State Recreation Area

Alaska · 34.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Deshka Landing

Alaska · 36.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

blue kayak on body of water during golden hour

Seward Highway Bridge - Chickaloon Bay

Alaska · 39.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

green trees on mountain near body of water during daytime

Twentymile River

Alaska · 39.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

green trees beside body of water during daytime

Seward Highway Bridge

Alaska · 40.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Solo kayaker on a misty river through old-growth Pacific Northwest forest

Placer River boat launch

Alaska · 40.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Captain Cook State Recreation Area

Alaska · 48.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Susitna Landing

Alaska · 49.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Cooper Landing

Alaska · 49.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Whittier

Alaska · 49.9 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Anchorage.

Elmendorf Afb, AK3 mi Fort Richardson, AK8 mi Eagle River, AK14 mi Chugiak, AK20 mi Indian, AK20 mi Trapper Creek, AK21 mi Hope, AK22 mi Kongiganak, AK22 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Anchorage, AK?

Top picks near Anchorage include Whittier, Lucile Lake, Mirror Lake Park. In total there are 26 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, creeks.

What types of paddling can I do near Anchorage?

Near Anchorage you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Anchorage?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Anchorage are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.