Category: Kayaking

Sacramento is one of the most historic cities in California. It boasts an impressive array of landmarks and parks, but it’s also surrounded by stunning lakes and rivers making the capital city a top destination for kayakers.

Best Places to Kayak Near Sacramento

You’ll find every kind of kayaking from heart-thumping white-water rapids to secluded flatwater near Sacramento. Escape the city and hit the water with these best kayaking destinations near Sacramento, California.

The American River, CA

For the best white-water kayaking near Sacramento, head to the foothills of the Sierras and The American River. This river flows right through the heart of Sacramento and offers a little bit of everything from Class II and III up to Class V. The south fork offers a nice beginner Class II run from Coloma to Lotus, as well as the more advanced Class III Chili Bar Rapids and below that the Gorge Run with its Class II and III. Expert kayakers looking for a bigger thrill will head for the legendary North Fork with some of the best Class IV and V rapids in the country.

The Sacramento River, CA

The Sacramento River flows an impressive, yet leisurely 375 miles from Mount Shasta to the San Francisco Bay. It winds its way through the Central Valley at a slow and mellow pace and is an excellent choice for a scenic paddle. The 33-mile stretch from Redding to Balls Ferry offers the best spot for kayak fishing, with lots of trout and salmon. It’s also a great destination for deer, beaver, otter, bird, fox, bobcat, and coyote sightings.

Slab Creek Reservoir, CA

The best hidden gem in the Sacramento area for kayaking is the Slab Creek Reservoir. On the South Fork of the American River, you’ll find this quiet and remote reservoir. No motorized vessels are allowed, and a large dam blocks the roiling whitewater from the reservoir to create a scenic and secluded flatwater kayaking destination. Enjoy the peace and quiet, lush pine trees, towering canyon wall and a few sparking waterfalls.

Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, CA

The best kayaking destination for wildlife viewing is Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. This is an urban refuge for birds and wildlife traveling through the Central Valley. It’s 10 miles from downtown Sacramento and home to more than 200 species of birds and numerous other fish and wildlife species. The refuge hosts free three-hour guided wildlife viewing tours. No reservations needed, just show up at one of the scheduled tour times with your own vessel to participate.

Sacramento Kayak Racks & Storage Options

For the best kayak storage, consider Log Kayak Rack and our 100% cedar log kayak storage racks. Beautiful and practical, our kayak racks safely store and display kayaks, neatly organizing shorelines, backyards, parks and rental facilities. Shop our kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution to meet your Sacramento kayak storage needs.

Las Vegas is often thought of as a city of glitz and glamour thanks to its casinos, nightlife and shows. But despite being a desert, Sin City shines with some of the most spectacular, awe-inspiring kayaking and canoeing destinations.

Where to Kayak in Las Vegas

Beyond the Strip and the neon lights, Las Vegas offers an abundance of beauty. Fasten your lifejacket and get ready to explore some of the best places to paddle in Las Vegas.

Hoover Dam

Boulder City, NV

Only minutes from the Strip, the Hoover Dam is one of the best places in Las Vegas to kayak.  Since its construction in the 1930s, it’s been a popular tourist destination and more recently a popular kayaking destination. From the base of the dam, you’ll have a fish-eye view of its massive expanse. Journey down the Colorado River and through the Black Canyon for even more legendary views and extraordinary sights, including waterfalls, hot spring pools, canyon walls and coyotes, falcons, bald eagles, waterfowl, and desert bighorn sheep.

The Black Canyon Water Trail

Las Vegas, NV

About 45 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, The Black Canyon Water Trail is a paddler’s paradise. Beginning directly below the Hoover Dam, the trail stretches on for 30 miles through dramatic desert landscapes, narrow canyons and hot springs until it reaches Eldorado Canyon in Colorado. A popular paddle is the 12 miles from Hoover Dam to Willow Beach. This is typically a flat and calm paddle. Further down the trail water can be fast moving with hidden rocks.

Emerald Cave

Willow Beach, NV

Emerald Cave is found within the walls of the Black Canyon on the Arizona side of the Colorado River. It’s just 10 miles downstream from the Hoover Dam and two miles up from Willow Beach. With its volcanic boulders, towering canyon walls and a glowing emerald grotto, Emerald Cave is a must paddle. The simmering emerald spectacle for which the cave is named is caused by the sun’s rays peaking over canyon walls at the grotto’s entrance and bouncing off the river’s bed of verdant algae. In addition to the awe-inspiring emerald show, you may spot desert bighorn sheep, osprey, falcons, bald eagles, and great blue herons.

Lake Mead

Las Vegas, NV

Lake Mead is America’s largest reservoir. It was created by the Hoover Dam and offers kayakers more than 750 miles of shoreline. Paddlers can explore the massive lake and it’s peaceful coves, take on the challenging open waters or relax at the beach while enjoying the natural beauty of the Las Vegas area.

Lake Las Vegas

Henderson, NV

Lake Las Vegas is a desert oasis in the Las Vegas Valley. The 320-acre reservoir is surrounded by palm trees, luxury homes and stunning resorts. The gentle waters ensure a leisurely paddle, perfect for beginner kayakers, but everyone will enjoy the lake’s glittering waters and the clear blue dessert sky. Other activities include floating inflatables, paddle boating, dining and golf.

Las Vegas Kayak Racks & Storage

Make sure your kayak ready for your next Las Vegas, Nevada adventure with Log Kayak Rack and our 100% cedar log kayak storage racks. Beautiful and practical, our kayak racks safely store kayaks high and dry, neatly organizing shorelines, backyards, parks and rental facilities. Shop our kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution to meet your Las Vegas, NV kayak storage needs.

Dallas, Texas is a big city that’s full of small-town charm. Here southern hospitality takes on a Texas twist. You’ll find diverse culture, a rich history and amazing culinary experiences as well as lakes, rivers and creeks that are perfect for paddling.

Best Places to Paddle near Dallas, Texas

There is an abundance of terrific kayaking destinations near Dallas. If you are looking to get out and enjoy some time on the water, here are a few top-rated spots you won’t have to drive far to get to.

Trinity River

Dallas, TX

For a challenging urban paddle, intermediate and experienced kayakers should head for Trinity River. The Trinity River runs through both Fort Worth and Dallas, offering 130 miles of city and country views. You can enjoy the Dallas skyline as you paddle your way through the city. Keep going past Loop 12 Bridge and you’ll enter the breathtaking Great Trinity River Forest channels. Here the urban landscape will be replaced by natural scenery, and you have a chance to glimpse the wildlife.

Village Creek & Lake Arlington

Arlington, TX 

Village Creek flows directly into Lake Arlington, which is located between Fort Worth and Dallas. Even though it’s in the middle of this metropolis, it offers a quiet and remote paddle with its calm waters and thick vegetation. A short, enjoyable paddle starts at the Everman Kennedale Road launch and goes for about three miles before heading into Lake Arlington. Lake Arlington itself is calm and great place for beginner paddlers.

Lake Ray Hubbard

Dallas, TX

Lake Ray Hubbard is one of the largest lakes in north Texas. spanning 22,000 acres. It’s one of the area’s more popular lakes for recreational water activities, but because of its size it never seems overcrowded. There is a six-mile paddle trail that starts at Paddle Point Park. There’s also the Harbor at Rockwall, where you’ll find a beautiful lighthouse, boutiques, restaurants, and live music.

White Rock Lake

Dallas, TX

White Rock Lake is a small lake that’s just five miles from Dallas. It offers a calm, quiet paddle with a 10hp limit on motorized watercraft. It has lots of launch sites and public picnic sites making it great for beginners as well as anyone looking to spend the whole day on the water.

Joe Pool Lake

Dallas, TX

Joe Pool Lake is a 7,500-acre lake near Dallas and Fort Worth.  Part of the lake is within Cedar Hill State Park. The other side is within Lloyd Park. Each side offers a bit of a different kayaking experience with a lot of coves and creeks as well as vast waters to explore. You’ll find soft clay banks, white sandy beaches, an abundance of fish and other wildlife, picnic areas and more within this serene kayaking destination.

Dallas Kayak Racks & Storage

Make sure your kayak ready for your next Dallas, Texas adventure with Log Kayak Rack and our 100% cedar log kayak storage racks. As beautiful as they are practical, our kayak racks safely store kayaks high and dry, neatly organizing shorelines, backyards, parks and rental facilities while protecting your kayak. Shop our kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution to meet your Dallas, TX kayak storage needs.

Nashville is known as Music City, but anyone familiar with the area knows the city has so much more to offer. Surrounded by state parks, lakes and rivers, Nashville is a great place to enjoy the great outdoors, especially if you love kayaking or canoeing.

Where to Kayak Near Nashville

From raging rapids to easy paddles, from cityscapes to secluded lakes, kayakers of all levels love what Nashville has to offer. Here are just a few of the must-paddle kayaking destinations in the Nashville, Tennessee area.

Cumberland River

Nashville, TN

With incredible views of downtown, Riverfront Park and Shelby Bottoms, kayaking the Cumberland River is number one when it comes to Nashville kayaking. The river is vast with many launch sites to choose from. Enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife in addition to the city views. However, as the river is so popular, you’ll need to watch out for other kayakers as well as larger crafts.

Piney River

Bon Aqua, TN

Piney River is a 23.7-mile-long river that runs through the middle of Tennessee to the west of Nashville. The river offers a bit of everything. Challenging class IV and V rapids as well as exceptionally shallow areas make a memorable paddle for experienced kayakers. Less experienced kayakers looking to enjoy the beautiful river should stay between the Piney River campground and Piney River Road.

The Harpeth River State Park

Kingston Springs, TN

The Harpeth River State Park is a linear park about half an hour from Nashville that manages nine river access sites along 40 river miles. The park is popular for kayaking, canoeing, fishing and hiking with several natural, archaeological and historic areas. The Harpeth River is a class I river and has many close together launch points, making an excellent choice for beginner paddlers. It has shallow points for wading and great swimming holes to cool off in. You’ll also find excellent hiking trails, majestic bluffs and abundant wildlife.

Montgomery Bell State Park

Burns, TN

Montgomery Bell State Park is a natural oasis only 40 minutes from downtown Nashville in Burns, TN. The 3,850-acre park has three lakes with ample space for paddlers and beachgoers. Lake Acorn and Lake Woodhaven are great for kayaking. The size of these lakes makes them well suited for intermediate kayakers as the centers can become unpredictable. The park also offers seven hiking trails, a golf course, restaurant and cabin rental.

Long Hunter State Park

Hermitage, TN

For a quiet, tranquil paddle that’s a nature filled paradise, Long Hunter State Park is highly recommended. Here you still have access to Tennessee’s popular Percy Priest Lake, a 14,000-acre reservoir in the middle of Tennessee that’s a favorite among anglers, water-skiers, boaters and paddlers, but from a quieter location that offers more opportunities for spotting wildlife. If you really feel like being alone on the water, you can also visit the park’s much smaller but tranquil 110-acre Couchville Lake.

Nashville Kayak Storage Racks

Nashville offers the perfect kayaking destination for every kind of kayaker, and Log Kayak Rack offers the perfect storage for every kind of kayak. Log Kayak Rack’s hand-crafted kayak and canoe racks are made from norther white cedar logs. As beautiful as they are practical, our kayak racks will keep your shoreline neat and orderly and your kayaks at the ready. The durable frames are naturally weather resistant and can safely store up to eight kayaks, canoes and standup paddleboards. Shop our kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution that will meet your Nashville kayak storage needs.

With over 300 miles of nearby navigable waterways, Fort Lauderdale is called the “Venice of America.”  The Atlantic coastal city is built around canals and rivers, making it perfect for kayaking. You can peruse canals, get lost in mangrove tunnels, explore the Intracoastal Waterway or even venture out into the Atlantic.

Top Rated Kayaking Destinations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

You’ll find kayaking routes throughout the entire city of Fort Lauderdale that can take you deep into mangrove forests, out into the Atlantic Ocean, past mega-yachts and mansions or through downtown. Here are five top rated places to get your paddle on in Fort Lauderdale.

Whiskey Creek / Dr. Von D. Mizell — Eula Johnson State Park

Dania Beach, FL

The hidden gem of Fort Lauderdale, Whiskey Creek is a mangrove lined waterway and one of the most scenic places for a paddle in Fort Lauderdale. It winds through the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park and you can paddle the entire creek. Multiple paths will take you to the sandy Dania Beach. Or you can head past the beach through the mangroves to the Intercoastal Waterway. There’s also a variety of tours available.

New River / Cooley’s Landing Park

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Find the best urban kayaking across from the Broward Center for Performing Arts at Cooley’s Landing. Travel down the New River past bustling shops and trendy restaurants of Las Olas Boulevard, and out into Las Olas Isles. You’ll catch magnificent views of the Fort Lauderdale skyline and the bridges over the river. Keep in mind, the paddle back will be upriver and the New River’s current can be a little fast. Or you can head south past all the mega-yachts and into the mangrove-lined urban wilderness. Manatees cluster here in the winter and if you keep going you can find the picturesque Pond Apple Swamp.

Deerfield Island Park 

Deerfield Beach, FL

Deerfield Island Park is a preserve featuring mangrove swamps and nature trails. Completely surrounded by water, it’s accessible only by boat. The natural refuge is smack in the middle of the Intracoastal Waterway, near the Hillsboro Boulevard Bridge in Deerfield Beach. Circling the island makes for an excellent paddle.

Loggerhead Park

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Paddle the turquoise waters of the Atlantic from Loggerhead Park in Fort Lauderdale. Named after the threatened loggerhead turtles that frequent the waters and lay their eggs on the beach, Loggerhead Park is a great launch point for kayaking in the Atlantic Ocean. It has all the amenities you’d want for a day of paddling including ample parking, picnic areas and restrooms. You’ll also have amazing views of the Vista Park Reef. Which is why, Loggerhead Park is also one of the best beaches for scuba diving and snorkeling in the area.

West Lake Park

Hollywood, FL

West Lake Park offers a slice of natural Florida within the cities of Hollywood and Dania Beach. It’s a three-mile strip of mangrove estuary and uplands just west of the Intracoastal Waterway. There are several separate kayaking trails that will take you under mangroves, past birds and into the expansive lake. One of the routes will take you through the Anne Kolb Nature Center. 

Kayak Storage Racks Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, Florida is surrounded by stunning waters and amazing kayaking adventures. Make sure you’re ready with an exquisitely crafted kayak storage rack from Log Kayak Rack. Our kayak, canoe and SUP storage racks are made from durable, naturally weather-resistant 100% norther cedar logs. The beautiful racks will keep your shoreline neat and orderly, and your kayaks at the ready. Shop our kayak racks online now and enjoy free shipping to Fort Lauderdale, Florida or contact us for a custom design to meet your unique storage needs.

The small town of Boardman, Oregon is located on the beautiful Columbia River in eastern Oregon. It’s an appealing destination for nature enthusiasts and kayakers. There are tons of outdoor activities and waterways to explore, and the locals are friendly and welcoming.

Stunning Kayaking Destinations in Eastern Oregon

Explore these stunning kayaking destinations in eastern Oregon near the charming town of Boardman.

Hat Rock State Park

Hermiston, OR

A desert oasis surrounded by rolling sagebrush hills and outcroppings of basalt, Hat Rock State Park lies on the south shore of Lake Wallula. It was the first distinctive landmark passed by Lewis and Clark on their famous expedition down the Columbia River. Escape the summer heat under the shelter of cottonwood and black locust as you paddle the lake or explore the river. There’s plenty of fish and waterfowl to spot as well.

McNary National Wildlife Refuge

Burbank, WA

A welcomed respite for migratory birds, native plants and nature lovers, The McNary National Wildlife Refuge extends along the east bank of the Columbia River in southeastern Washington. It’s 15,000 acres includes the confluence of the Snake River, the Walla Walla River and many sloughs, ponds streams and islands, providing kayakers with many options for exploration. A wetland and riparian habitat, you’ll enjoy the many waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, raptors, reptiles and amphibians who call the refuge home.

Cottonwood Canyon State Park

Wasco, OR

Cottonwood Canyon State Park is the second largest state park in Oregon. It encompasses 8,000 acres along the iconic lower John Day River.  The John Day River is a long, remote, natural river system, that flows freely for 252 miles. It carved rugged vertical cliffs leaving deep-sided canyons and arid, rocky grasslands that extend for miles in all directions of the park. Launch your kayak across the river at J.S. Burres for a truly stunning paddle. You may spot Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, white-tailed jackrabbit, big horn sheep, migratory and resident birds as well as various lizards and snakes. The months of April and May put on quite a wildflower show.

Deschutes River State Recreation Area

Wasco, OR

If you are looking for an exhilarating whitewater paddle, head to the Deschutes River. The Deschutes River State Recreation Area is a tree-shaded oasis where the swift Deschutes converges with the Columbia in Wasco, Oregon. The Deschutes is both a national and state scenic waterway. In its final 100 miles, before converging with the Columbia, it drops about a quarter of a mile as it twists through canyons 700 to 2,200 feet deep, creating a fun and challenging experience for whitewater rafting and kayaking. Heritage Landing is a popular launch that will provide you with access to both the Deschutes and Columbia Rivers.

Ginkgo Petrified Forest / Wanapum Recreational Area

Vantage, WA

A registered National Natural Landmark, Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park provides a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The park is 7,124 acres with 27,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Wanapum Reservoir along the Columbia River. It is considered one of the most diverse fossil forests in North America and is most famous for the rare specimens of petrified Ginkgo tree. Kayaking the Wanapum Reservoir and Columbia River here offers fantastic views of big skies, petrified wood, carved gorge walls, golden eagles, sage thrashers and more.

Boardman, Oregon Kayak Storage Racks

Unfortunately, there always comes a time when you must store your kayak. Whether you own your own kayak, a kayak rental company or offer kayaking tours, the right kayak storage system can keep your shoreline and your kayaks looking great for years to come. Our 100% norther cedar log kayak racks can safely and beautifully store and display up to eight kayaks on one rack and are naturally weather-resistant. Shop our standard kayak racks online now or send us a message to learn more about a custom kayak storage solution.

Kayak the picturesque coastal city of Portland, Maine. Perched on the Gulf of Maine and the Atlantic Ocean and dotted with hundreds of gorgeous islands, beaches, lakes, streams, ponds and coast to explore, it’s a kayaker’s paradise.

Where to Kayak in Portland, Maine

From beautiful marshes and big lakes to secluded ponds and winding rivers to charming streams and a scenic coast, Portland, Maine offers a lot of options for kayakers looking for a great paddle.

Casco Bay

Portland, ME

Enjoy panoramic views of the coast, watch ospreys dive, seals splash around and tour the islands on the Maine Island Trail. Casco Bay offers numerous inlets, beaches, islands, and coves to explore. You’ll find quiet water channels along the inner Portland-facing side of the bay, rough ocean-like waves on the outer ocean-facing side, and spectacular sights all around.

Peaks Island

Portland, ME

Head into open waters to Peaks Island at the southern entrance of Casco Bay for some excellent sea kayaking. The island is about 5 miles all the way around. You’ll see gorgeous sandy beaches, quaint houses, pine trees, iconic lighthouses, sea roses, towering cliffs, harbor seals, and seabirds.

Presumpscot River

Portland, ME

The Presumpscot River offers a calm river paddle with excellent views along its shores. It runs for 25-miles from Sebago Lake to Casco Bay, providing lots of routes to explore, wonderful vistas, woodlands and a quiet flow. A popular launch site is Westbrook. North offers an easy and particularly scenic paddle with lots of opportunities to spot wildlife. South or downstream from Westbrook turns wild and turbulent as you approach the Saccarappa Falls.

Scarboro Marsh

Scarborough, ME

Covering more than 3,000 acres, Scarborough Marsh is the largest contiguous salt marsh system in Maine. The estuary is home to a variety of freshwater and tidal marshes, salt streams and uplands. It is particularly important for wildlife as a resting, breeding, and feeding ground. You can spot waterfowl, egrets, herons, glossy ibis and many species of shorebirds, as well as muskrat, mink, otter, and deer. The waters are normally calm, but can be effected by tides and supply, making paddling in a particular direction challenging at times.

Jewell Island

Portland, ME

On the boundary between Casco Bay and the ocean, Jewell Island is a true gem. The paddle there takes less than a full day but offers excellent island-hopping. You’ll be exposed to the open sea, passing lobster boats and diving seabirds, so it is a challenging paddle. The island itself features a stunning, rocky coastline with breathtaking vistas, meandering trails and World War II submarine towers.

Kayak Storage Racks for Portland, ME

An amazing kayaking adventure awaits you in Portland, Maine. Make sure your kayak is ready with an exquisitely crafted rack from Log Kayak Rack. Our kayak, canoe and SUP storage racks are made from durable, naturally weather-resistant 100% norther cedar logs. As beautiful as they are practical, they’ll keep your shoreline, resort, rental facility, recreational park or home neat and orderly and your kayaks at the ready. Shop our kayak racks online now and enjoy free shipping to Portland, ME, or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution.