A red kayak in the middle of a river
Photo by fr0ggy5 on Unsplash

Activity

KayakingCanoeingSUPKayak FishingBeginner

Conditions

LakeCalmSheltered

Amenities

Boat RampParkingRestroomsFishing PierADA Accessible

Best Time to Visit

Kress Lake

Carrolls, WA · Boat Ramp · Public

Kress Lake is a public boat ramp on Kress Lake near Carrolls, Washington. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding. Amenities include boat ramp, parking, restrooms. Best visited in spring and summer and fall.

At a Glance

Water Body

Lake

Launch Type

Boat Ramp

Difficulty

Beginner

Activities

Kayaking, Canoeing, SUP, Kayak Fishing

Parking

Parking lot available at boat ramp facility

Cell Service

Good

Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

About This Location

Lake access at Kress Lake near Carrolls, Washington. Good for kayaking and canoeing.

Situated on Kress Lake in Washington, Kress Lake is a launch point for kayakers, canoeists, and SUP enthusiasts.

This is a solid spot for kayaking, with enough room to settle into a comfortable paddling rhythm. Canoeing works well here, especially for those looking for a peaceful day on the water. The Pacific Northwest delivers lush, green waterways with reliable rainfall keeping rivers and lakes full.

Conditions here tend to be calm and sheltered, making it suitable for paddlers of all skill levels. Plan your visit for March through November. Facilities include boat ramp and parking and restrooms and fishing pier and ada accessible.

At about 5 min from Carrolls, Kress Lake is a practical choice for paddlers based in the Carrolls area.

New to paddling? This is a great beginner spot.

Calm lake waters make Kress Lake ideal for first-timers. Make sure you have the right gear:

Paddling Tips

  • Morning hours offer the calmest water and best wildlife viewing on the lake.
  • Keep an eye on the weather — afternoon winds can pick up quickly on open water.
  • Hug the shoreline for the most interesting scenery and easier paddling.
  • Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and spot submerged obstacles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Kress Lake?
Kress Lake is a public boat ramp in Washington. There is no entrance fee.
What activities are available at Kress Lake?
Kress Lake supports kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, kayak fishing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at Kress Lake?
On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking, restrooms, fishing pier, ada accessible. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit Kress Lake?
The best time to paddle at Kress Lake is during spring and summer and fall. March through November
What are the water conditions at Kress Lake?
Water conditions at Kress Lake include calm, sheltered.
Is Kress Lake good for beginners?
Yes, Kress Lake is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 46.0466, -122.8535

Quick Facts

Region
Pacific Northwest
Getting There
~5 min from Carrolls
Get Directions

46.0466, -122.8535

Best Paddling in Washington

Read our complete guide →

Paddler Reviews

Write a Review

0/5,000 characters

Sign in to add photos to your review.

Trip Reports

Share a trip report

Sign in to write a detailed trip report for Kress Lake

Sign In

Paddle Routes from Here

No paddle routes from this location yet.

Be the first to create one!