Lake Washington Paddleboarding: Seattle’s Big Water SUP Adventure
If Lake Union is Seattle’s urban paddleboarding playground, then Lake Washington is the region’s majestic backyard lake. Stretching 22 miles long and up to 2.5 miles wide, this is the second-largest natural lake in Washington State – and it’s absolutely spectacular for paddleboarding!
From the sandy beaches of Kirkland to the tree-lined shores of Madison Park, Lake Washington offers dozens of launch spots, each with its own character. Whether you want protected bay paddling perfect for beginners or open-water adventures for experienced SUPers, this lake delivers.
Let’s explore the best spots to paddle on Lake Washington and why this Seattle gem should be on every paddleboarder’s radar!
Why Lake Washington is Incredible for SUP
Variety of Conditions: Choose protected bays for calm water or open shorelines for a workout. The lake offers something for every skill level.
Stunning Scenery: Paddle with views of Mount Rainier to the south, the Cascades to the east, and Seattle’s skyline to the west. The backdrop is unbeatable!
Warm(er) Water: Lake Washington warms to 65-70°F by mid-summer – significantly warmer than Puget Sound. Perfect for those inevitable swims!
Sandy Beaches: Many Lake Washington parks feature actual sandy beaches (rare in the Pacific Northwest!), making entry and exit easy.
Multiple Neighborhoods: From Seward Park to Kirkland to Madison Park, every section of the lake has its own vibe and community.
Best Lake Washington Launch Spots
Kirkland Area – The Eastside SUP Hub
1. Juanita Beach Park – BEST FOR BEGINNERS
Location: 9703 NE Juanita Drive, Kirkland, WA 98034
Parking: Large free lot (170+ spaces)
Facilities: Restrooms, changing rooms, picnic areas, playground
Why It’s Amazing: Juanita Beach is THE premier beginner spot on Lake Washington. The protected location within Juanita Bay means calm, glassy water even when the main lake is choppy. The soft sandy beach and gradual entry make it perfect for first-time paddlers.
What Makes It Special: The bay creates a naturally sheltered paddling area with minimal boat traffic. You can paddle around the entire bay (about 2 miles round trip) and never feel intimidated by open water or wakes.
Rentals: Northwest Paddle Surfers operates right from this beach in summer, offering rentals, lessons, and tours. Perfect if you don’t have your own gear yet!
Local Tip: The swim area (marked with buoys) gets crowded in summer. Launch from the north end of the beach for more space and direct access to explore the bay.
Best For: Families, beginners, anyone wanting calm guaranteed-calm conditions, SUP yoga.
2. Marina Park Kirkland – The Social Paddle
Location: 25 Lakeshore Plaza, Kirkland, WA 98033
Parking: Paid parking garage nearby, some street meters
Facilities: Restrooms, water features, downtown Kirkland right there
Why It’s Great: Marina Park sits right in the heart of downtown Kirkland’s waterfront. The small beach launch leads directly into the marina area (stay clear of boat slips) and connects to Kirkland’s beautiful waterfront promenade.
The Vibe: This is Kirkland’s see-and-be-seen spot. Paddle past waterfront restaurants with outdoor patios, luxury boats in the marina, and beachfront parks packed with activity. It’s social paddling at its best!
Perfect Route: Launch here, paddle south along Kirkland’s waterfront past boutique shops and restaurants, then return. About 1-2 miles makes a perfect evening sunset paddle followed by dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Bonus: Northwest Paddle Surfers also operates from Marina Park. The proximity to downtown means you can grab coffee, paddle, then explore Kirkland’s shops and galleries.
3. O.O. Denny Park – The Quiet Alternative
Location: 12032 Holmes Point Drive NE, Kirkland, WA 98034
Parking: Small free lot
Facilities: Restrooms, picnic areas
Why It’s Great: If Juanita Beach feels too crowded, O.O. Denny Park offers a sheltered cove with protection from wind and waves but fewer people. The northwest shore location means you’re paddling in a protected area but can easily access the main lake.
Hidden Gem Status: Many Seattle paddlers haven’t discovered this spot yet. You’ll often have the small beach nearly to yourself, even on beautiful summer days.
Wildlife: The quiet cove attracts more waterfowl and occasional great blue herons. Perfect for nature-focused paddlers.
Seattle Side – Classic City Paddling
4. Madison Park Beach – Seattle Classic
Location: E Madison St & 43rd Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112
Parking: Limited free lot, street parking (can be challenging)
Facilities: Restrooms, concessions in summer
The Classic Seattle Beach: Madison Park has been Seattle’s go-to lake beach since the 1800s. The sandy shoreline, floating swim platform, and neighborhood atmosphere make it quintessential Seattle summer.
Paddling from Madison: Launch and head north along the Seattle shoreline to explore the tree-lined residential areas. Or paddle east toward Bellevue/Medina – you’ll pass waterfront mansions (including some of the region’s tech billionaires’ estates!).
The Scene: This is a popular social beach. Summer weekends are packed with families, sunbathers, and swimmers. Great energy, but not the place for solitude.
Best Time: Early mornings before 10 AM or weekday afternoons when parking is easier and crowds are lighter.
5. Matthews Beach Park – North End Gem
Location: 9300 51st Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115
Parking: Free lot, usually has availability
Facilities: Restrooms, covered picnic areas, grassy beach
Why It’s Great: Matthews Beach offers the perfect combo: easy access, ample parking, calm waters, and it’s not as crowded as southern lake beaches. The shallow entry and protected location make it very beginner-friendly.
Exploration Route: Paddle south along the shoreline toward Magnuson Park (see below) – about 2 miles of scenic paddling with views across to the Eastside.
Mount Rainier Views: On clear days, the view of “The Mountain” from Matthews Beach is spectacular – one of the best Rainier views on the lake!
6. Magnuson Park – The Adventure Launch
Location: 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
Parking: Multiple large lots throughout the park
Facilities: Restrooms, covered areas, dog park nearby
Seattle’s Largest Waterfront Park: At 350 acres, Magnuson Park offers multiple launch options along its mile-long shoreline. The former Naval Air Station site now hosts sports fields, walking trails, and tons of beach access.
Multiple Beach Options: South beach near the wetlands is quieter and more natural. North beach closer to the point has more facilities and activity.
Wildlife Paradise: The restored wetlands attract incredible birdlife. Paddle close to shore early morning for heron, duck, and waterfowl sightings.
Longer Paddles: From Magnuson, you can paddle north toward Kenmore/Log Boom Park (5+ miles) or south toward Seward Park (6+ miles). These are intermediate distances perfect for building endurance.
South Lake – Scenic Natural Beauty
7. Seward Park – Peninsula Paddling
Location: 5900 Lake Washington Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98118
Parking: Free lot along the shoreline loop road
Facilities: Restrooms, picnic areas, hiking trails
Seattle’s Hidden Treasure: Seward Park is a 300-acre peninsula jutting into Lake Washington, covered with old-growth forest. It’s like paddling next to a pristine wilderness area – except you’re still within Seattle city limits!
The Peninsula Loop: Paddle around the entire Seward Park peninsula – about 2.5 miles of spectacular paddling. The east side can get waves from boat traffic, but the west side is usually protected.
Wildlife Hotspot: Eagles nest in the old-growth trees. You’ll regularly see bald eagles, osprey, herons, cormorants, and harbor seals hunting near the park.
Best Views: The south end of the peninsula offers stunning across-the-lake views to Bellevue, Mercer Island, and Mount Rainier.
Local Knowledge: The park has a 2.4-mile perimeter trail. Consider bringing your board for a SUP session then hiking the trail after – makes for an incredible outdoor day!
Epic Lake Washington Paddle Routes
The Juanita Bay Exploration (Beginner – 2 miles)
Launch from Juanita Beach Park and paddle a clockwise loop around Juanita Bay. The protected waters make this perfect for building confidence. You’ll pass waterfront homes, natural shorelines, and shallow areas great for spotting fish and waterfowl.
Time: 45-60 minutes
Highlights: Calm water guaranteed, wildlife viewing, safe for solo beginners
Kirkland Waterfront Tour (Intermediate – 4-5 miles)
Start at Marina Park, paddle north to Juanita Beach, then return south past Marina Park down to Carillon Point. You’ll experience downtown Kirkland’s full waterfront – marinas, beaches, waterfront dining, and spectacular homes.
Time: 90-120 minutes
Highlights: Urban waterfront paddling, dining options along the route, mansion viewing
Madison Park to Seward Park Shoreline (Advanced – 8 miles round trip)
This is a serious paddle covering Seattle’s entire mid-lake shoreline. Launch from Madison Park, head south past Leschi Park, Mount Baker Beach, and all the way to Seward Park. The distance and open-water sections make this for experienced paddlers only.
Time: 2.5-3.5 hours
Highlights: Challenge yourself, incredible views, serious calorie burn!
Cross-Lake Adventure (Advanced – 3+ miles)
Paddling across Lake Washington is a bucket-list experience for strong SUPers. The shortest crossing is Leschi to Meydenbauer Bay (about 1.5 miles across). This is open water paddling – waves, boat traffic, and distance from shore require strong skills.
Safety Critical: Only in calm conditions, wear proper PFD, bring phone in waterproof case, tell someone your plans, know your limits!
What You’ll See on Lake Washington
Mount Rainier Views: On clear days (roughly 100 days per year), Mount Rainier dominates the southern horizon. It’s breathtaking from water level!
Luxury Waterfront Homes: Lake Washington shoreline includes some of the most expensive real estate in America. Paddle past estates worth $10-50+ million, especially around Medina and Laurelhurst.
Floating Bridges: The I-90 and SR-520 floating bridges are engineering marvels you can paddle near (but not under – stay clear of bridge zones).
Wildlife: Great blue herons, bald eagles, osprey, cormorants, various ducks, Canada geese, and harbor seals. The lake ecosystem is surprisingly rich despite the urban surroundings.
Boats, Boats, Boats: Lake Washington is a major boating lake. Summer weekends see hundreds of pleasure boats. Stay alert for wakes and traffic!
Best Times to Paddle Lake Washington
Early Morning (6-9 AM): Glassy calm water before wind picks up, minimal boat traffic, best wildlife viewing, easier parking. This is absolutely prime time!
Late Evening (7-9 PM in summer): Winds usually die down, boat traffic decreases, gorgeous golden hour lighting. Sunset paddles are magical.
Weekdays: Significantly less crowded than weekends. If you have flexibility, weekday afternoon paddles offer great conditions without the weekend chaos.
Avoid: Midday summer weekends (11 AM – 5 PM) when boat traffic is heaviest and afternoon winds create chop. Not dangerous, just less enjoyable.
Lake Washington Safety Considerations
Size Matters: This is a BIG lake. Crossing the main lake puts you 1-2 miles from shore. Only attempt this with strong skills and good conditions.
Afternoon Winds: Lake Washington is notorious for afternoon winds (especially spring/early summer) that can create 1-3 foot chop. Plan morning paddles or stay close to shore in afternoons.
Boat Traffic: Pleasure boats create significant wakes. Always look over your shoulder before crossing areas of heavy boat traffic.
Cold Water: Even when air temps hit 80°F, the lake water might only be 65°F in summer (cooler in spring/fall). Dress appropriately and know how to self-rescue if you fall off.
Required Gear: Washington law requires a Coast Guard-approved PFD for each paddleboarder. Wear it or carry it.
Weather & Seasonal Considerations
Summer (June-September): Prime season! Water warms to 65-70°F, generally sunny weather, long daylight hours. Crowds peak July-August.
Spring (April-May): Water still cold (55-60°F), but conditions can be excellent on sunny days. Fewer crowds, spring green everywhere, baby ducklings!
Fall (September-October): Often has the best conditions! Water still warm from summer, crowds gone, stable weather patterns, fall colors on shoreline trees.
Winter (November-March): Cold water (48-55°F) and air temps require wetsuits or drysuits. But if you dress right, winter paddling is peaceful and beautiful. Advanced paddlers only.
Post-Paddle Eats & Activities
Kirkland:
- Anthony’s HomePort – Waterfront seafood dining
- Beach Café – Casual breakfast/lunch right on Marina Park
- Cactus – Great Mexican with waterfront patio
- Explore downtown Kirkland galleries and boutiques
Madison Park:
- Nishino – Upscale Japanese
- Cactus Madison Park – Another excellent location
- Voilà! Bistrot – French cuisine
- Madison Park Conservatory – Café with garden setting
Near Magnuson/Matthews Beach:
- Kidd Valley (Matthews Beach) – Classic Seattle burger joint
- Magnuson Park has food trucks on summer weekends
- Nearby Lake City and Wedgwood neighborhoods have diverse dining
Parking Strategies
Kirkland Parks: Juanita Beach lot fills by 11 AM on summer weekends. Marina Park requires paid parking but usually has space. O.O. Denny is small but rarely full.
Seattle Parks: Madison Park is notorious for difficult parking – street parking only with neighborhood competition. Matthews Beach and Magnuson have larger lots with better availability. Seward Park has ample parking along the loop road.
Pro Tip: Arrive before 9 AM or after 6 PM on summer weekends to avoid parking stress. Or bike to the beach – all parks have bike racks!
Why Lake Washington is Seattle’s Premier SUP Destination
Lake Washington offers something rare: big water adventure within an urban setting. You get the excitement of open water paddling, spectacular mountain views, and diverse routes – all accessible via city parks with parking and facilities.
The variety is unmatched in the region. Want a calm 30-minute beginner paddle? Juanita Bay has you covered. Ready for a 3-hour cross-lake expedition? The open water awaits. Looking for a social paddle followed by waterfront dining? Kirkland delivers.
From watching Mount Rainier emerge on a clear day to paddling past multi-million dollar estates to spotting eagles hunting near Seward Park, every Lake Washington paddle offers something special.
So grab your board, pick your beach, and discover why Lake Washington is the crown jewel of Seattle paddleboarding!
Quick Reference Guide:
- Best for Beginners: Juanita Beach Park
- Best for Social Paddling: Marina Park Kirkland
- Best for Nature/Wildlife: Seward Park or Magnuson Park wetlands
- Best Views: Madison Park to Seward Park route
- Easiest Parking: Magnuson Park or Matthews Beach
- Water Temp: 50-55°F spring, 65-70°F summer, 55-60°F fall
- Lake Size: 22 miles long, 2.5 miles wide at widest
- Average Depth: 108 feet (max 214 feet)
