Your Best Summer Experience in Washington Isn’t by Car, It’s on a Kayak

What elevates some experiences into quintessential summer memories? After months of gray skies and drizzle, we Washingtonians launch into summertime with a chutzpah that can make them pass in a blur. In our heroic effort to fill our schedules with all the social plans, hikes, and getaways we deferred over winter, it can be hard to stay present.

Before I found a way to make my summertime memories stick, I'd sometimes arrive at autumn feeling fresh off a rollercoaster ride. Sure, I'd had fun — but not in a way that had much specificity or would leave me with any stories to tell.

Now, don't get me wrong. I love Washingtonians' enthusiasm for good weather. Still, over the years, I've found that adding a bit of intention to my summer plans has left me more room to explore outside my comfort zone and embrace the moment.

One of the activities that has survived this itinerary declutter is kayaking. Western Washington boasts an incredible selection of lakes, rivers, coasts, and inlets — all best explored by boat. Sure, you could hike along their shores, but kayaking opens these places up in earnest. And while there's nothing wrong with a day on a speedboat, I find I'm able to see far more by paddle.

Not sure where to start? This tour of the waters off beautiful Bellingham is the perfect way to dip your toes in the kayaking hobby.

Hosted by veteran kayakers Corina and Steve, this guided paddle proves you don't need to venture far to enjoy Washington's stunning wilderness. In fact, with quirky Bellingham as your launch point, you could easily spot your first harbor seal with your morning latte still warm in your hands!

Backed by their years of experience as wilderness instructors, Corina and Steve have no problem tailoring the day's two-and-a-half-hour route to their guests' comfort. This thoughtful approach ensures that — while permitting experienced paddlers to take on more strenuous passages — beginners won't receive a lesser experience.

On the contrary, whether it's eagles, sea lions, porpoises, or even the Southern Resident J, K, and L orca pods, visitors of all stripes are almost guaranteed to spot one of the countless species that call this breathtaking stretch of the Salish Sea home. And even if it isn't something large, Bellingham Bay is full of smaller wonders. From silvery shoals of fish beneath the water's surface to the glitter of purple sea stars, nature has a way of revealing itself to the patient. Best of all, since kayaking is relatively quiet, it's far less disruptive than other forms of travel — allowing you to witness species and behaviors that remain elusive to other boaters.

Look, no one understands the urgency Pacific Northwesterners feel to make the most of each sunny day better than I do. That said, bouncing from one thing to the next leaves little room for our minds to weave lasting stories from our experiences. That takes slowing down. And what better way to do that than sitting in a kayak as the morning fog settles in, exploring our state's beautiful waterways from a whole new perspective?

If you're curious about this hobby or about seeing a new side of the Salish Sea, consider booking this Bellingham tour. Guided by experts, you'll be paddling in no time, unlocking new landscapes to explore and new memories to treasure.