Is It Safe To Kayak In Puget Sound?

Puget Sound is a fantastic kayaking destination in the Pacific Northwest, offering a mix of city exploration and natural beauty. It is a mix of calm waters and can be paddled around Seattle’s skyline. Olympic National Park features quiet, remote waters, and intermediate to advanced kayakers. Elliott Bay, part of Puget Sound and one of the largest waterways in the city, is prone to heavy traffic but is still suitable for kayaking.

The south end of Puget Sound may have been the only saltwater in Washington suitable for kayaking. Although its shores may be lined with houses, the south sound never fails to provide a serene experience. As we leave the bustling waters of Lake Union behind, we venture out into the vast expanse of Puget Sound. The calm and serene waters of Puget Sound are worth the effort.

However, safety should always come first when operating a small craft on the Salish Sea. Paddlers must know their equipment, know their limits, obtain a current weather forecast, and respect the ever-changing environment of Puget Sound. The Puget Sound can be as mild as an inland lake, but there are rip tides, high winds, rough seas, and cold water kayaking. Gronseth suggests wearing at least a sleeveless wetsuit, preferably a full-body drysuit, with neoprene bootees. Additional safety gear, like a PFD, is essential for self-rescue in Puget Sound.

If you capsize, you will need all that warmth to avoid hypothermia unless the water is unseasonably warm. A wetsuit, either a full suit or farmer’s jacket, will be just as safe as any dry suit, but neoprene may not be as comfortable to wear. If paddleboarding or kayaking, dress appropriately for cold water and wear brightly colored clothing. Wear a personal locating device and be aware of the occasional summer weeks when water temperatures increase to 55°-60°.

While not having the same wildlife sighting opportunities as the Puget Sound, kayaking on Lake Union is easy, safe, and convenient.