Is It Safe To Canoe Sammamish River?

The Sammamish River, a popular destination for canoeists and kayakers, connects Lake Washington to Lake Sammamish. It offers numerous ways to explore the waterway, including kayaking upstream from Lake Washington, exploring the Sammamish Slough, and paddling along the river between Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish. The river’s health is always a concern due to its small size, but the thriving river otter population is a great indicator.

The Sammamish River is a perfect spot for kayaking in Seattle this summer, with views of wildlife and houses along the shore. Issaquah Paddle Sports provides boat rentals and lessons for paddlers throughout the summer. Kayak Redmond, a platform created by Kayak Redmond, aims to make it easy for people to explore the river.

The third trail is the Sammamish River itself, offering opportunities for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. The trail passes through green spaces such as parks, sports fields, and agricultural land. The river is known for its trout and some invasive carp, but it is important not to play in the water.

The Sammamish River offers a peaceful paddle with a gentle moving current most of the year. There is a parallel trail, the Burke-Gilman, that teams with bicyclists, joggers, and the like. The scenic and diverse waterway offers paddlers a fun trip close to the city, with numerous types of ducks, geese, and other birds during winter months.

Adventure Notes: If you go west-ish from Lake Sammamish to Lake Washington (downstream), give yourself time to paddle. The Sammamish River from Lake Sammamish to Lake Washington in Kenmore offers flat waters with a modest current, making it a great option for canoe or kayaking. This river is good for both humans and leashed dogs, providing good shade and a good workout.