Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Activity

KayakingCanoeingSUPKayak FishingBeginner

Conditions

LakeCalmSheltered

Amenities

Boat RampParking

Best Time to Visit

North Beach County Park

Port Townsend, WA · Boat Ramp · Public

North Beach County Park is a public boat ramp on Strait of Juan de Fuca near Port Townsend, Washington. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding. Amenities include boat ramp, parking. 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

Public launch on Strait of Juan de Fuca in Washington. Beginner-friendly lake paddling near Port Townsend.

Paddlers visiting Strait of Juan de Fuca in Washington can launch from North Beach County Park, a well-positioned access point on the lake.

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.

At about 5 min from Port Townsend, North Beach County Park is a practical choice for paddlers based in the Port Townsend area.

New to paddling? This is a great beginner spot.

Calm lake waters make North Beach County Park ideal for first-timers. Make sure you have the right gear:

Paddling Tips

  • Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and spot submerged obstacles.
  • If fishing, try the coves and points where fish tend to congregate.
  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access North Beach County Park?
North Beach County Park is a public boat ramp in Washington. There is no entrance fee.
What activities are available at North Beach County Park?
North Beach County Park 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 North Beach County Park?
On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit North Beach County Park?
The best time to paddle at North Beach County Park is during spring and summer and fall. March through November
What are the water conditions at North Beach County Park?
Water conditions at North Beach County Park include calm, sheltered.
Is North Beach County Park good for beginners?
Yes, North Beach County Park 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: 48.1424, -122.7822

Quick Facts

Region
Pacific Northwest
Getting There
~5 min from Port Townsend
Get Directions

48.1424, -122.7822

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