Best Places to Kayak Near Tacoma, WA

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

30 nearby13 Lakes10 Bays6 Inlets
← All paddling in Washington

Top Picks Near Tacoma

Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background1

Wuana/Purdy Spit

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

BayBeginner9 mi away
person surfing on sea during daytime2

Bay Lake

Open-water sea kayaking access on the bay

BayBeginner2 mi away
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background3

Vaughn Bay

Just 4 miles from Tacoma — the closest quality launch

BayBeginner4 mi away
two white speedboats at sea

Home

Washington · 0.1 mi

InletKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Jackson Lake

Washington · 1.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Lakebay Marina

Washington · 1.3 mi

InletKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person surfing on sea during daytime

Bay Lake

Washington · 1.9 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a boat is docked on a wooden dock

Horsehead Bay

Washington · 3.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a man standing in the water holding a surfboard

Joemma Beach State Park

Washington · 4.3 mi

InletKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Vaughn Bay

Washington · 4.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Fox Island

Washington · 5.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Fairharbor

Washington · 5.5 mi

InletKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Longbranch Ramp

Washington · 5.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Jarrell Cove State Park

Washington · 6.0 mi

InletKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by mountains

Wollochet

Washington · 7.0 mi

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

Sherwood Creek

Washington · 7.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Port of Allyn Waterfront Park

Washington · 8.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

North Bay

Washington · 8.3 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by mountains

Latimer's Landing

Washington · 8.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Benson Lake

Washington · 8.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A red kayak in the middle of a river

Carney Lake

Washington · 8.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Wuana/Purdy Spit

Washington · 8.9 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
person surfing on sea during daytime

Gig Harbor

Washington · 9.3 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a red paddle boat floating on top of a lake filled with lily pads

Phillips Lake

Washington · 9.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by trees

Trails End Lake

Washington · 9.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Mason Lake Park

Washington · 9.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Spencer Lake

Washington · 9.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by mountains

Devereaux Lake

Washington · 9.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by mountains

Horseshoe Lake

Washington · 10.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Wye Lake

Washington · 10.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small island in the middle of a lake

Arcadia Point

Washington · 10.1 mi

InletKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Point Defiance Waterfront

Washington · 11.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
person surfing on sea during daytime

Boston Harbor

Washington · 11.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Tacoma.

Lakebay, WA2 miVaughn, WA4 miLongbranch, WA5 miFox Island, WA6 miGig Harbor, WA8 miAnderson Island, WA9 miAllyn, WA9 miWauna, WA9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Tacoma, WA?

Top picks near Tacoma include Wuana/Purdy Spit, Bay Lake, Vaughn Bay. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, bays, inlets.

What types of paddling can I do near Tacoma?

Near Tacoma 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 Tacoma?

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