Category: Kayaking

Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. It’s cobalt blue waters atop the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range top many kayaking enthusiasts bucket lists. The famed lake’s clear, glassy waters make for a quiet and peaceful paddle with stunning views, brilliant blue waters and hidden coves to explore. 

Best Places to Kayak in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe has 72 miles of shoreline and 20 public launch sites. With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are a few launch points that provide some of the best, most picturesque views of Lake Tahoe, some of which are only accessible by kayak.

Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park

Incline Village, NV

Sand Harbor is one of the most popular and spectacular parks in the Lake Tahoe area. Kayakers enjoy the crystal-clear water and stunning rock formations. It offers a quiet retreat with secluded, gently sloping beaches and shaded picnic areas.

D.L. Bliss State Park

South Lake Tahoe, CA

Breathtakingly beautiful, D.L. Bliss State Park is on the western shore of Lake Tahoe in California’s Sierra Nevada. It offers an excellent paddle for intermediate kayakers looking to spy the often-photographed brilliant blue-, green- and turquoise-colored waters of Meeks Bay and Rubicon Bay. Explore Rubicon Point Light, the highest-elevation lighthouse in the US, Balancing Rock or the gorgeous beaches and calm lapping waters of the many inlets.

Emerald Bay State Park

South Lake Tahoe, CA

Emerald Bay is a Lake Tahoe jewel. Located on the lake’s western shore, it offers spectacular views of the blue-green water, brilliant panoramic views of the mountain-building process and glacier carved granite. Follow the southern route for stunning undeveloped shorelines, but the water can get a little choppy so it’s best suited for more experienced kayakers.

Kings Beach State Recreation Area

Kings Beach, CA

Kings Beach is an iconic beach town lined with old-timey hotels, trendy shops and an excellent array of restaurants and eateries. It’s an ideal paddle for anyone looking to experience at little bit of authentic, small-town California and a laid-back paddle. The white sand beach is nearly 1,700 ft long and is one of the warmest areas of the lake.

Lake Tahoe Water Trail

For those looking to experience Lake Tahoe in its full and complete glory, there is the endless 72-mile Lake Tahoe Water Trail. The trail will take you around the entire expanse of Lake Tahoe. The trail is divided into 7 day trip segments for out-and-back or point-to-point paddles. Mountain conditions and strong winds can make this a challenging paddle.

Lake Tahoe Kayak Storage Racks

Lake Tahoe is the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada. It straddles California and Nevada at 6,223 feet and makes for a purely delightful paradise of a paddle. Make sure your kayak is ready for your next big adventure with an exquisitely crafted, 100% cedar log kayak storage rack from Log Kayak Rack. As beautiful as they are practical, our kayak racks safely store and neatly organized shorelines, backyards, parks and rental facilities, holding up to eight kayaks on their durable, naturally weather-resistant frames. Shop our kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution to meet your Lake Tahoe kayak storage needs.

From snow-capped mountains to crystal clear waters, Colorado is home to some of the country’s most beautiful natural scenery. Raging rapids and calm waters give paddlers of all abilities the opportunity to explore the scenic state. Read on for a top five list of must paddle kayaking destinations near Denver, Colorado.

5 Top Colorado Kayaking Destinations

Lakes, rivers, streams and an epic mountain range set the scene for some of the country’s best kayaking. Here are our top five favorite places for Colorado kayaking.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Northern Colorado

The Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado spans the Continental Divide and encompasses a spectacular range of environments from glistening alpine lakes to towering mountain peaks. The shallows of the Colorado River offer an exciting rapid paddle for more experience kayakers. Where the calm water of Lake Estes provides lovely pools for beginners to paddle. No matter where you paddle, you’ll enjoy a beautifully serene experience.

Cache La Poudre River

Fort Collins, CO

The Cache la Poudre River canyon is truly a hidden treasure. It’s majestic cliffs and intriguing rock formations are framed by ponderosa and lodgepole pines, sage brush, mountain mahogany and aspen. The river itself offers the invigorating, adrenaline-filled paddle that you’d expect from a Colorado kayaking adventure. A river-runner’s paradise, you’ll find everything from Class I to Class V rapids along with convenient access, clear water, and beautiful scenery.  

Gore Canyon

Kremmling, CO

Gore Canyon is a 3-mile isolated canyon along the upper Colorado River, southwest of Kremmling. The walls the canyon are nearly 1000 feet high on both sides, making for a truly awe-inspiring experience. With Class V whitewater rapids, it’s said to be some of the wildest river terrain in the US. Kayaking Gore Canyon is extremely challenging and best suited for experienced kayakers only.

Arkansas River

Leadville, CO

At 1,469 miles, the Arkansas River is the sixth-longest river in the US. A major tributary of the Mississippi River, its source is located near the Victorian-era mining town of Leadville, in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. It was recently named the best place for whitewater rafting and kayaking in the U.S. The river offers a variety of routes with everything from calm waters to Class V rapids. The river also flows right alongside the cities of Buena Vista, Salida and Cañon City, for kayakers interested in stopping at restaurants or shops.

South Platte River

Denver, CO

The South Platte River is hands down the best place for urban kayaking in the state. It runs right through the center of Denver and is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the bustling city. The entire river takes about 4 hours to paddle. You’ll find areas of slow calm waters and others with strong rapids and mini waterfalls. It’s incredibly accessible with lots of launch sites throughout the river, including a put-in at the Prince Street Bridge if you are looking to also experience an amazing restaurant.

Colorado Kayak Storage Racks

The majestic mountains, serene lakes and raging rivers of Colorado make for some of the most beautiful and adrenaline filled kayaking in the country. Make sure your kayak is ready for your next Colorado adventure with an exquisitely crafted, 100% cedar log kayak storage rack from Log Kayak Rack. As beautiful as they are practical, our kayak racks will safely store and neatly organized your shoreline, backyard, park or rental business, holding up to eight kayaks on their durable, naturally weather-resistant frames. Shop our kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution to meet your Denver, Colorado kayak storage needs.

Chatham, Massachusetts is a lovely seaside town on the southeastern most tip of Cape Cod. A popular summer resort town, Chatham is known for its beaches, lighthouses, and stunning sights, some of which are best viewed from the water.

Chatham Kayaking Destinations

Surrounded by water, Chatham, MA offers endless opportunities for kayakers. We’ve put together a few of the top kayaking destinations on the southeastern tip of Cape Cod that offer some of the best views of Chatham’s most stunning natural and man-made sights.

Oyster Pond

Chatham, US

Oyster Pond is a saltwater tidal pond in the heart of Chatham. It’s located just off Main Street surrounded by some of the best shopping and dining Chatham has to offer. Beginning at Stage Harbor Road, you can enjoy a 3.5-mile paddle through the warm and calm waters of Oyster Pond River and Mitchel River to Mill Pond. The serene setting is perfect for a sunset paddle.

North Beach Island

Chatham, MA

Accessible only by boat, paddleboard, or kayak, North Beach Island is an incredibly beautiful and serene barrier island beach. It is located just a half-mile off the coast of Chatham and was created when it broke off from the mainland at Nauset Beach in 2007. Simply stunning, it offers crystal clear waters and an unspoiled and uncrowded beach compared to the rest of Cape Cod. It is also home to a lot of fantastic wildlife, including some curious seals.

Nickerson State Park

Brewster, MA 

There’s nothing else quite like Nickerson State Park on Cape Cod. Gone are the familiar sights of sand dunes and salt marshes and instead the 1,900-acre park is filled with wooded trails and eight crystal-clear freshwater ponds. Surrounded by sandy soil and scrub pines, the kettle ponds make for some excellent kayaking. They were created as glaciers retreated from the Cape over 10,000 years ago. With no rivers or streams feeding the ponds, they are completely dependent on groundwater and precipitation.

Barnstable Harbor

Barnstable, MA

Referred to as the “Million Dollar View” Barnstable Harbor is bordered to the north by Sandy Neck Barrier Beach and its famed lighthouse and to the west by the Great Marsh. The harbor is filled with wildlife including striped bass, bluefish, Atlantic mackerel, longfin squid, quahogs, clams, sandworms, bay scallops, ribbed mussels, gulls, and more, thanks to the cold, well-oxygenated Cape Cod Bay water. The Great Marsh is a 3,800-acre coastal wetland frequented by coastal birds and juvenile fish.

Scorton Creek

Sandwich, MA

Scorton Creek is a meandering tidal river on Cape Cod in East Sandwich, MA. It offers a pleasant paddle through saltwater marshlands before emptying into Cape Cod Bay. Enjoy a relaxing paddle amongst blades of Spartina and Juncus grass while trying to spot sandpipers foraging the river’s banks and common terns diving for Atlantic silversides in the shallow back eddies of the river’s sandbars. 

Chatham Kayak Storage Racks

The beautiful and serene seaside town of Chatham is best explored by kayak. Make sure your kayak is is ready for your next Cape Cod adventure with proper kayak storage from Log Kayak Rack. Our exquisitely crafted, 100% cedar log kayak racks are as beautiful as they are practical. They will safely store and neatly organized your shoreline, holding up to eight kayaks on their durable, naturally weather-resistant frames. Shop our kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution to meet your Massachusetts kayak storage needs.

Between the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, it’s no surprise that Chicago, Illinois is an extremely popular kayaking destination. There’s over a dozen places where you can rent a kayak and endless possibilities for exploring. From skyscraper studded urban paddles to the secluded wilderness, find your next kayaking adventure in Chicago.

Where to Kayak in Chicago, Illinois

Explore the great outdoors of Chicago with these must paddle kayaking destinations in and around the Windy City.

Chicago River Water Trail

Chicago, IL

Running right through the heart of Chicago, The Chicago River is one of the city’s greatest natural assets. It has served as a means of transportation, commerce and recreation for generations. Recently, it’s become an extremely popular kayaking destination. Paddlers can choose their own adventure, exploring the various branches of the river. The Main Branch through The Loop is probably the most popular spot for kayaking in Chicago. It’s in the epicenter of the city and offers amazing skyline views. The North Branch offers rustic riverbanks and an opportunity to explore a variety of plant and animal habits. The South Branch will give you a look at the industrial operations along the river with its marinas and barges.

The Lake Michigan Water Trail

Calumet Park, Chicago, IL

The Lake Michigan Water Trail offers a diverse paddling experience that travels 75 miles along metropolitan shores and secluded beaches from Chicago, Illinois to New Buffalo, Michigan. Enjoy unique views of the skyline, coastal bluffs, towering dunes, bustling ports and swale habitats. The western most access point is at Calumet Park in Chicago. The park is beautiful and large at 181 acres. You find a sandy kayak launch at the south end of the beach next to the pier.

 Monroe Harbor

Chicago, IL

Just south of Navy Pier, Monroe Harbor is in the heart of downtown Chicago and is a central focal point of the lakefront. It is one of Chicago’s largest harbors as well as the city’s main recreational harbor. Monroe Harbor borders Millennium Park, Grant Park and the Museum Campus. With the backdrop of the Chicago skyline, it is one of the most iconic and picturesque places to go kayaking in the city.

Skokie Lagoons

Glencoe, IL

Thirty minutes outside of Chicago, the Skokie Lagoons offer a gorgeous nature filled paddle. This series of connected hand-dug lagoons offer nearly seven miles of wetlands to explore. Enjoy a lazy paddle filled with beautiful greenery, secluded alcoves and wildlife just outside the city. 

Starved Rock State Park

This National Historic Landmark is an outdoor gem. It was voted the number one attraction in the state of Illinois. Two hours from Chicago, it’s a prime kayaking destination for those looking to get lost in nature. Enjoy the canyon-like rock formations, seasonal waterfalls, stunning forests and wildlife as you paddle along the Illinois River.

Chicago, Illinois Kayak Storage

With so much great nature to explore in and around Chicago, make sure your kayak or canoe is always ready for adventure. Our hand-crafted cedar log kayak racks are as beautiful as they are practical. Naturally weather resistant, they will store and display your kayaks while keeping them safe and protected for years of enjoyment. Shop kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution to meet your Chicago, IL kayak storage needs.

Virginia is for lovers and kayakers. And one of the best places for kayak lovers is Tuckahoe. This Richmond, VA suburb is located along the James River, providing excellent access to some of Virginia’s best kayaking.

Tuckahoe, Virginia Kayaking Destinations

Virginia is full of great kayaking, from rushing white-water rapids and twisty creeks to tranquil lakes. Here are some of the best Virginia kayaking destinations near Tuckahoe.

Tuckahoe State Park & Tuckahoe Creek

Queen Anne, MD to Tuckahoe, VA

Tuckahoe State Park offers paddlers a 60-acre lake, 15 miles of trails, camping, cabins and picnic areas. You’ll spot plenty for diverse plant and wildlife as you paddle around and under bridges. You can also paddle down the attached Tuckahoe Creek. Enjoy the twists and turns and the occasional rapid (up to class II) as you wind south through hardwood forests and open tidal marsh lands towards Tuckahoe, Virginia. It’s a relatively easy paddle with changing scenery and much to explore.

Lower James River

Richmond, VA Reedy Creek to 14th St

This 2.5-mile portion of the James River offers urban class III-IV rapids. A true whitewater gem, you’ll enjoy wildlife, beautiful scenery and heart-pounding thrills, all within the heart of Downtown Richmond.  Although it’s a short run, it offers numerous features for play and skill development, with lots of variability and a wide range of runnable levels. It’s excellent for intermediate and advanced kayakers, but being an urban run there are manmade hazards to be aware of as well, including low head dams, keeper holes, rebar, hidden debris and strainers.

Huguenot Flatwater

Richmond, VA

A quieter part of the James River Park System, Huguenot Flatwater Park is located west of Richmond, across the river from Tuckahoe. It’s above the James River rapids and directly underneath the Huguenot Bridge. It’s 37 acres are bordered to the east by Rattlesnake Creek and to the west by Old Southampton Road. This stretch of flatwater is perfect spot for a quiet paddle, birdwatching and fishing. You’ll find a wooden boat ramp for canoes and kayaks, a few walking paths and a set of stairs that will lead you to a viewpoint of the Old Westham Bridge remains.

Deep Bottom and Four Mile Creek Park

Richmond, VA

Twenty-five minutes outside downtown Richmond, Deep Bottom and Four Mile Creek Park sits on a quiet, peaceful stretch of the James. This part of the river is part of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake national Historic Trail, one of only two water trails designated as a “National Historic Trail.” Far from the sounds of the city, you’ll enjoy a peaceful, nature filled paddle. Deep Bottom Creek feeds into the James River creating a rich river bottom that is uncharacteristically deep. There are two boat ramps offering access to the James River and another one on the Four Mile Creek for kayaks and canoes. You’ll see blue grosbeaks, eagles, prothonotary warbler, frogs, fish and more among the sycamore, oak and pine lined shore.

Tuckahoe, VA Kayak Storage

Tuckahoe, Virginia is a lovely Richmond suburb on the James River. It’s close to rushing white-water rapids, twisty creeks and tranquil lakes, making it an excellent destination for all kinds of kayaking. With so much great nature to explore close to Tuckahoe, you’ll want to make sure your kayak or canoe is always at the ready. Our hand-crafted cedar log kayak racks can do just that. While beautifully storing and displaying your kayak, our rakes will also keep it safe and protected for years of enjoyment. Shop our kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution to meet your Tuckahoe, VA kayak storage needs.

Wilton is a small, rural town that sits at the foothills of Mt. Monadnock in southern New Hampshire where the Souhegan and Stony Brook rivers meet. The town is known for its old-growth forests, farmland, parks, swimming holes, hiking and biking trails and much more. If you happen to be an avid kayaker, you may also know the area for its white-water rapids.

Kayaking Near Wilton, NH

Whether you are looking for a leisurely paddle or a thrilling white-water experience, you can find just what you’re looking for near Wilton, New Hampshire. Here are a few of the top kayaking destinations located near this charming small town.  

Stony Brook River

Route 31 to Wilton

The Stony Brook River runs right through the heart of Wilton, NH before meeting up with the Souhegan River. There is a short, but challenging stretch from Route 31 to Wilton where highly skilled kayakers can take on some class III-IV white-water rapids. In a short amount of time, you’ll get quite the workout while getting to enjoy some of the best natural beauty New Hampshire has to offer.

Souhegan River

Blue Water Canoe Trail

The Souhegan begins in New Ipswich, NH, flowing north and east before meeting the Merrimack River in Merrimack, NH. The upper portion of this river offers a good intermediate white-water experience. Farther down the river, you’ll find a mix of smooth water and rapids. The 1.5 mile stretch from Monadnock Water to Wilton offers class 3 and 3+ rapids. Enjoy navigation rocks in the very swift current and a sharp class 3+ drop over The Horseshoe.

Silver Lake State Park

Hollis, NH

The 34-acre lake at Silver Lake State Park is popular for a quiet recreational paddle. It’s less than a 20 minute drive to the southwest of Wilton. The beautiful park spans 80 acres with a sandy 1,000-foot beach that curves along Silver Lake. Paddlers of all skill levels will appreciate the pristine waters. However, the beach is very popular and often fills up early on weekends and holidays and can get a bit crowded.  

Greenfield State Park

Greenfield, NH

Twenty minutes from Wilton, NH in the other direction, you’ll find Greenfield State Park.  This tranquil 400-acre park has ponds, bogs and a lush forest that extends all the way to shore of the undeveloped Otter Lake, offering many points of interest to explore by kayak in the park.

Bear Brook State Park

Allenstown, NH

About an hour north of Wilton in Allenstown, you’ll find New Hampshire’s largest state park, Bear Brook State Park. This enormous park sprawls across over 10,000 acres. It offers forty miles of heavily forested trails that lead to marshes, bogs, summits and several ponds connected by small brooks. Making this the perfect destination for an undisturbed, nature-filled kayaking trip. One of the most popular ponds is Beaver, where there is also a beach and campground.

New Hampshire Kayak Storage

With rapid-filled rivers and so many breathtaking state parks, New Hampshire is a kayaker’s paradise. Make sure your kayak is ready to go with a proper place to store it. Our exquisitely crafted kayak, canoe and SUP racks are the perfect solution to your kayak storage needs. Made from durable, naturally weather-resistant 100% norther cedar logs, they’ll keep your shoreline neat and orderly, and your kayaks protected and ready for your next New Hampshire adventure. Shop our kayak racks online now and enjoy free shipping or contact us to discuss a custom kayak storage solution designed to meet your exact storage needs.

With over 140 lakes in Wisconsin’s Waukesha County, it’s no surprise that the area is often referred to as Lake Country. There are big lakes, little lakes and even a bunch of rivers connecting many of the lakes, making the area a prime destination for kayaking and canoeing.

Best Kayaking Destinations in Lake Country Wisconsin

With no shortage of lakes, there’s much outdoor fun to be had in Lake Country. The only problem you’ll have is picking a lake or river to explore. Here we’ve outlined a few of the most popular kayaking destinations in the area. But this list is far from complete. You can find more information on the many lakes of Lake Country on the Lake Country Family Fun website.

Oconomowoc River

Oconomowoc, WI

The Oconomowoc River links more than a dozen lakes in Waukesha County. It begins on the western outskirts of Milwaukee and flows southwest before meeting up with the Rock River. The small river offers an unusually clear and scenic paddle with for a suburban river. The 5.9 miles from Monches to West Shore Drive is highly rated trail and offers sights including the Ice Age Trail bridge, boulder gardens, a march, remains of an old dam, a narrow twisty channel, rapids and undeveloped shores.

Bark River

Delafield, WI

The Bark River flows through Waukesha County, weaving its way through several of the kettle lakes before heading to Jefferson County where it too joins the Rock River. Bark River also offers exceptionally clear water and a surprising diverse array of landscapes with few houses for a suburban river thanks to many nearby parks and protected shorelines. Enjoy marshy cattail corridors, views of rocky substrate and a remote “up-north” feel. The river has a fair current with several light riffles to keep you moving.   

Pewaukee River

Pewaukee, WI

The Pewaukee River offers another wonderful paddle with a mix of town, marsh and woodland views, if you catch it when the water levels are right. The river tends to run shallow, so this could be a good destination for an early spring kayaking trip. You’ll pass stone bridges, thickly wooded sections with large looming trees, glacial erratics, small boulder gardens and urban landscaping near I-94 on this extremely scenic paddle. In highwater you can even find Class II rapids.

Fox River

Waukesha, WI

The Fox River is a 202 mile-long river flowing from Waukesha County to Illinois. It offers a scenic and peaceful paddle through the heart of Lake Country. The river can run narrow offering enjoyable twists and turns with a deeply forested area downstream of Waukesha that sometimes creates of full overhead canopy of trees.

Fowler Lake

Oconomowoc, WI

If you are looking for a leisurely paddle, Fowler Lake is the perfect Lake Country destination. At 0.4 miles, it is a nice, not too big lake to paddle around and it is well protected from the wind. The Oconomowoc lake is stunningly clear with attractive lake plants and fish you can easily spot in the sparkling waters. While the lakeshore is developed, the charming downtown buildings of Oconomowoc are tidy and peaceful.

Lake Country Kayak Storage

With so many rivers and lakes dotting Waukesha County, you’ll want to make sure your kayak is ready to go. Our exquisitely crafted kayak, canoe and SUP racks are the perfect solution to your kayak storage needs. Made from durable, naturally weather-resistant 100% norther cedar logs, they’ll keep your shoreline neat and orderly, and your kayaks protected and ready for your next Lake Country adventure. Shop our kayak racks online now and enjoy free shipping to Wisconsin’s Lake Country area or contact us online for a custom kayak storage solution to meet your specific needs.