A selection of paddling routes around the Kitsap Peninsula to provide some guidance and inspiration for you to start enjoying the Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails. Whether you try these routes, or make your own, with hundreds of miles of shoreline that encompass the KPNWT you can experiment and explore what the Kitsap Peninsula’s waterways have to offer.
Allyn North Bay
Explore North Bay stopping at Coulter Creek for a picnic.
Beginner / 1-2 hrs / 3-4 miles
Annapolis
Take a nice paddle along the Port Orchard waterfront.
Beginner / 1-2 Hours / 3 Miles
Appletree Cove
Enjoy a nice paddle around Kingston and Appletree Cove.
Beginner / 1 hr / 2 miles
Blake Island State Park
Native American-themed Tillicum events, trails, and views of Seattle and Rainier.
Intermediate / 2-3 hrs / 7 miles
Blakely Rock
Visit the interesting geologic formation Blakely Rock.
Intermediate / 2-3 hrs / 6 miles
Burley Lagoon
Paddle around the popular Purdy Spit and Burley Lagoon.
Beginner / 1-2 hrs / 3-4 miles
Chico Creek
Paddle to the mouth of Chico Creek to see spawning salmon jumping in the fall.
Intermediate / 2-3 hrs / 6 miles
Cutts Island
A short paddle to a nice picnic spot.
Beginner / 1 hr / 1-2 miles
Dog Fish Creek
Relaxed paddle to Dog Fish Creek on Liberty Bay.
Beginner / 1 hr / 2 miles
Eagle Harbor
Leisurely explore picturesque Eagle Harbor.
Beginner / 1-2 hrs / 2-4 miles
Fair Harbor to Allyn
Make the journey from Fair Harbor to the Allyn waterfront.
Intermediate / 2-3 hrs / 7 miles
Fox Island
Paddle out to the Fox Island Sand spit for a picnic.
Intermediate / 2-3 hrs / 7 miles
Gig Harbor Loop
A nice, sheltered paddle around lovely Gig Harbor.
Beginner / 1 hr / 2 miles
Gorst Creek
Paddle to Gorst Creek where the salmon spawn in the fall.
Intermediate / 2-3 hrs / 6 miles
Hood Head
Paddle the Dragon. Make the pilgrimage to Hood Head and its driftwood sculpture.
Advanced / 2-4 hrs / 5-7 miles
Hope Island State Park
Journey to Hope Island, only reachable by watercraft.
Beginner / 1-2 hrs / 3 miles
J.A. & Anna F. Smith Park
Family friendly paddle to J.A. & Anna F. Smith Park.
Beginner / 1-2 hrs / 3 miles
Lynch Cove & Union River
See spawning salmon in the mud flats of Lynch Cove.
Beginner / 1-2 hrs / 3-4 miles
Maple Hollow Park
Enjoy a lovely view of Carr Inlet and Mt. Rainier.
Intermediate / 2-3 hrs / 6 miles
Ostrich Bay
Make your way from Tracyton to Ostrich Bay and N.A.D. Marine Park.
Intermediate / 2-3 hrs / 6 miles
Oyster Plant Park
Explore marinas and wildlife paddling to Oyster Plant Park.
Beginner / 1 hr / 2 miles
Penrose Point & Mayo Cove
Explore the nice sheltered Mayo Cove.
Beginner / 1 hr / 2 miles
Port Gamble Bay Loop
Make a loop of Port Gamble bay with shy seals and a variety of bird life.
Intermediate / 2-3 hrs / 6 miles
Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park
A charming historic mill town and heritage park.
Beginner / 1-2 hrs / 3 miles
Poulsbo to Keyport
Paddle from Poulsbo to Keyport on Liberty Bay.
Intermediate / 2-3 hrs / 5 miles
Raft Island
Paddle from Kopachuck State Park around Raft Island.
Intermediate / 2 hrs / 5 miles
Seabeck Bay
Scenic views of Hood Canal and the Olympic Mountains.
Beginner / 1-2 hrs / 4 miles
Skokomish River Delta
Explore southern Hood Canal and the Skokomish River Delta.
Intermediate / 2-3 hrs / 7 miles
Sunrise Beach Park
Paddle to Sunrise Beach Park for a lovely picnic with a view.
Intermediate / 2-3 hrs / 6 miles
Walker Park
Paddle from Shelton to a nice picnic at Walker Park.
Beginner / 1-2 hrs / 3 miles