9 Incredible Places to Go Kayaking in the USA (+ Tips!)
-
Loading... - Kathrine Palmer
- 30 Nov 2021
- 658 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
It’s no wonder, given the number of incredible spots you can reach in America alone – from rivers and lakes to bays and waterways. Whether you’re out for a day or a weekend, paddling is a fantastic way to explore new places while staying active.
Quietly gliding through the water makes for a fantastic slow travel option, perfect for getting away from it all, reconnecting with nature, and spending time with your friends and loved ones.
Below, you will find a list of some of the best places for kayaking in the USA, in no particular order.
We didn’t list your favorite place? Let us know what it is in the comments! Thanks!
Best Places for Kayaking in the USA
Colorado River
Location: Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Nevada, California, New Mexico, Utah
The Colorado River is 1,450 miles long and runs through seven states – Colorado, Wyoming, Nevada, Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Utah.
The scenery changes dramatically with each state, making kayaking here fantastic in many places. The beautiful canyons, mountains, and forests are immersed in over 700 miles of backcountry.
You can either go on a day trip or choose a popular longer segment with decent access to transportation. Kayaking the whole river is quite a feat and requires advanced kayaking skills (class IV), as there are various sections with long, violent rapids.
It’s crucial that you check the classification of the area you plan to kayak in and the access/exit points, so you can leave if you need to.
Not an expert kayaker? You’ll want to pick the 15-mile section ​​from Glen Canyon to Lees Ferry, which is accessible by car. You can rent a kayak here.
This day trip will give you a taste of the Colorado River. If you intend to paddle in some parts of Arizona, Utah, and Colorado, you will need to get a permit.
Lake Tahoe
Location: California and Nevada
Lake Tahoe is the largest Alpine lake in North America, offering 75 miles of coastline. As it’s located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, you can view some stunning landscapes from its cobalt blue waters.
The lake is dotted with alcoves of soft sand beaches and surrounded by pine tree forests, rocky fields, cafes, meadows, and restaurants. You will be able to immerse yourself in nature, but get back to shore for a well-earned hot meal.
You can also do some excellent bird watching, hiking, and fishing. Paddlers of all abilities can find a good spot on the lake that suits their abilities.
You can circumnavigate Lake Tahoe in one go, or break the trip down into four days to make the most of the on-shore entertainment. Apart from the many cafes and restaurants, you can visit some cultural and historic sites, such as the Ehrman Mansion.
You can rent a kayak on the north and south shores and there are various options for accommodation, including camping. You can even go kayaking in winter in Lake Tahoe!
Glacier Bay National Park
Location: Alaska
If you’re looking for uncontaminated nature and unrivaled wildlife spotting, Alaska is hard to beat. With some luck, you can see bears, orcas, humpback whales, puffins, eagles, and sea lions.
The landscape is made up of fjords, tidewater glaciers, mountains, and forests. It’s breathtaking.
Glacier Bay National Park is truly wild and only accessible by plane or boat. There are flights, air taxis, ferries, and charters from Gustavus. You can rent a kayak directly at the park, as well as sign up for guided tours.
During the summer, the Glacier Bay Lodge can drop you off or pick you up from designated locations. These change often to limit human impact on the park.
Want to camp here? You will need to register for a free permit and attend a 30-minute orientation session. This will be essential for planning your kayaking trip and figuring out the extreme tides of the bay.
When you collect your permit, you will be able to borrow bear-resistant food canisters from the National Park Service for free.
The best place to camp in the campground in Bartlett Cove. Remember: leave no trace. Read More…
