5 Kayak Destination Goals

At the beginning of every year I like to make a list of places I’d like to kayak next.

This is a great time to create some new goals, plan new adventures and get organized for a great year ahead.

I find myself thinking constantly about which paddling adventures I want to do this year. It feels like I need a new challenge or a new expedition to look forward to.

I have been researching and googling different options. It seems that everyone has an opinion on the best kayaking spots and my list of options got long so I have broken it down to Canadian destinations, US destinations and overseas destinations.

I have done a ton of paddling in Canada of course as that is where I live and I’m not sure where I’ll be able to get to overseas this year.

So for the sake of this article I will focus on the US kayaking spots that have piqued my interest.

I have narrowed it down to 5 possible destinations. Feel free to chime in at the comments section at the end of the article. I would love to hear where your favourite kayaking spots are!

San Juan Islands, Washington

Photo: allsanjuanislands.com

The San Juan Islands are the closest to me and the easiest to get to so this one tops my list right now.

I have done a fair amount of kayaking around the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island on the Canadian side but have always wanted to paddle through the neighbouring San Juan Islands in Washington as well.

I imagine the scenery is all very similar to what I am used to but none the less I know it will be beautiful and there’s always the possibility of seeing some Orca’s (Killer whales).

Unless you want to take a float plane the next easiest and also the cheapest way to get there is on the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes.

The ferry ride itself should be stunning as you make your way through the archipelago.

Kayaking at any of these islands would be awesome but I will likely go straight to the main San Juan Island and kayak from there.

With my inflatable kayak that will most definitely be with me, my options are open.

New York, New York

I know that New York is not necessarily a major kayaking destination but I have never been and the time feels right.

So if I am to make my way over to New York I will definitely be paddling while I am there, assuming the weather is decent that is.

I always thought that kayaking in the Harbour or down the Hudson River with the New York landscape in the background would be pretty awesome. Better yet maybe a sunset paddle will be in order.

I found this great article that lists some of the best areas to launch your kayak from around New York.

Colorado River, Arizona

Photo: bobbuskirk.com

This one has been on my list for awhile and I would love to make it happen this year. Paddling through the canyons looks absolutely stunning.

The waters from Lake Powell flow out of Glen Canyon Dam to become the Colorado River. 15 miles downriver you will find Lee’s Ferry.

This is the only part of the Grand Canyon that is accessible by automobile.

From what I understand there are a couple of ways to do this trip.

1. The easiest way is to hire a large pontoon boat from Glen Canyon Dam to pick you up at Lee’s Ferry. The pontoon boat will take you the 15 miles up river to the dam. The trip takes about an hour.

From there you will be dropped off to kayak/ride the 6mph river back down to Lee’s Ferry.

2. The second option is to pack up your camping gear and a lot of water and kayak upriver from Lee’s Ferry to the camping area.

This can take at least half a day to complete. You will spend the night in the canyon and then kayak back the next morning.

If you want to add al little more adventure you can continue upriver for a bit before heading back.

I like the sound of this trip over the first option but it does have the drawback of going against the 6mph current on the way upriver, which will make for some tough paddling.

The best tip I have read is to keep your kayak pointing left and stay in the inside of the river bends in order to successfully fight the current.

The currents are supposedly manageable, no whitewater. So it should be very doable.

Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River Florida

Photo: citrusfloridahome.com

Although visually stunning with crystal blue waters I have to admit the only reason I want to kayak here is because it is a famous manatee hot spot.

It is a designated sanctuary and receives extra protection so you have to book a tour in order to kayak (or swim!) with the manatees.

I would love to do this and should I find my way to Florida this will be one of many paddling adventures I will be doing.

Caddo Lake, Karnack Texas

Photo: bayoucityoutdoors.com

This one is kind of random. I saw a picture of some kayakers on Caddo Lake a while back and it always stuck with me.

This is the only natural lake in Texas. The unique Bald Cypress trees (only found in the Southeastern region of America) around the lake caught my eye, I’m always a sucker for interesting trees.

The distance around the lake is 7.6 miles and takes roughly 3-4 hours to kayak.

You don’t have to kayak the full lake to see the Bald Cypress trees though.

You can paddle for about an hour on Saw Mill Pond for a spectacular view of the trees.  You’ll be sure to get some great photos!

Here’s To A Great Year Of Paddling!

With so many beautiful kayaking destinations to choose from it can be hard to narrow down where to go.

These are my kayak destination goals for this year.  It’s not likely I’ll be able to hit all of them but if I get in two or three I’ll be very happy.

Happy Paddling Everyone!