The Best Kayaking Lake In Washington Is One You May Never Have Heard Of
By Jessica Wick|Published August 10, 2021
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Jessica Wick
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Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
Ask 50 outdoor enthusiasts where the best lake for kayaking in Washington is, and you just might get 50 different answers. The Pacific Northwest is a nature lover’s paradise, and the Evergreen State has some amazing spots for kayaking. But while most seasoned kayakers head to Lake Crescent, Lake Wenatchee, or Lake Washington on a warm summer day, the lesser-known Ozette Lake sits nice and quiet, just waiting to be discovered.
Note that some parts of the Olympic Peninsula have been closed to the public for awhile to help stop the spread of Covid. Make sure Ozette Lake, or any destination of choice, is open before you make the journey.
If you've never heard of Ozette Lake (or Lake Ozette, depending on who you ask), that may be because it isn't exactly easy to reach.
Located within the northern boundary of the Olympic National Park's coastal strip, it's quite a drive for most Washingtonians.
The lake is named after the abandoned whaling village of Ozette (B.C. 440 to A.D. 1750), and to the Makah people it's known as Kahouk, or "Large Lake."
