Lake Crescent - Rating: Easy
This spectacular crescent shaped mountain lake is found just inside the borders of Olympic National Park. Lake Crescent is a deep water lake and is always a deep blue color. There are waterfalls to explore, trails to walk and restaurants with views of the lake. The lake is known for crystal clear water with visibility up to 100 ft. There are very few powerboats that use the lake and jet skis are not permitted. The wind can come up, especially from the west, in the afternoon and the area around the Log Cabin Resort is often the least affected. The area offers some wonderful flat water lake kayaking and there are several points to launch from and over 30 miles of shoreline to explore. Possible locations for your kayak launch:
- Barnes Point, found at the Storm King Ranger Station 
- East Beach - from along Highway 101 take East Beach Road, then before you reach Lake
  Crescent look for signs to the beach.
- Fairholm, found at the west end of Lake Crescent along Highway 101.
- Log Cabin Resort has a public boat launch and is the best location for kayaking to Devil's
  Punch Bowl. Take East Beach Road, then take Piedmont Road.
Also view:  Lake Crescent, Olympic National Park
Directions:  Follow Highway 101 West of Port Angeles for a beautiful 17 miles, look for signs to either Piedmont Road, or continue on 101 till you reach the shores of the lake.

Lake Mills - Rating: Easy
Lake Mills is formed by the Glines Cayon dam, and is found inside of Olympic National Park. (A park entrance fee is collected.) This lake is 1 mile long and is a deep green color from glacier slit. Great lake to kayak on and see the Olympic Mountains with great views of snowcapped Mt. Fitz Henry. Caution: The wind can come up in the afternoon, making for a difficult return trip.
Directions:  Follow Highway 101 West of Port Angeles, follow signs to the entrance of Olympic National Park and the Elwha Valley. After entering the park, follow the road until you reach the lake. Boat launch can be found on right of lake. This is a great lake to kayak when you kayak Lake Aldwell since they are only 10 miles apart.

Lake Ozette
This lake is the largest lake on the Olympic Peninsula and the third largest in Washington State. Camping, fishing and hiking possibilities are found here. A deep natural lake with many beaches, one designated camp location, and two islands for exploring and camping possibilities. Hiking is also possible to Sand Point for Erickison's Bay.
Also view:  Marine Camping on Lake Ozette
Directions:  Follow Highway 101 West of Port Angeles. Then follow Highway 112 to Clallam Bay, pass through Clallam Bay and follow highway 112 until you see signs for Ozette Wilderness. Take a left on Hoko-Ozette Road follow to end. There are two possible launching locations. Swan Bay, which can be found on Swan Bay Road, this is best if you plan to go to Garden Island (2 miles before end of road). If you follow Hoko-Ozette Road to the end you will see the Olympic National Park boat launch at the top end of the lake.

Lake Pleasant
This mile long natural lake is a great kayak on a sunny day. There are many homes found along the shore of this lake, and a logging yard. Easy access for launching and play area for kids and picnic tables.
Also view:  Lake Pleasant, Clallam County Park
Directions:  Follow Highway 101 West past Lake Crescent, look for signs for Lake Pleasant near the community of Beaver.

Hollywood Beach - Rating: Easy
Found in downtown Port Angeles at the Port Angeles City Pier. Launch you kayak here in the protected water of the Port Angeles Harbor and explore the Port Angeles water front and harbor.
Also view:  Waterfront Trail, Port Angeles Tides
Directions: Follow either Lincoln, Front or First Streets to the Port Angeles water front.

Ediz Hook - Rating: Easy
There are two parks found on the this natural sand spit, which give Port Angeles a protected harbor. Harborview and Sail and Paddle parks both offer picnic areas and have boat launches. Paddling around in the harbor is fascinating. The views are stunning of the town, with the towering Olympic Mountains behind it. But the up close and personal view of the log storage areas, ships at anchor, pilot boat activity, Coast Guard helicopters, and salmon fish pens will keep you entertained and busy looking. Also look for harbor seals, sea lions and bald eagles. A fun thing to do is paddle from the “hook” to Hollywood Beach by the City Pier. Here you can stop and rest and have a snack at a waterfront café or restaurant. You can proceed further east along the waterfront or head back to the “hook” whenever you have had enough.
Also view:  Port Angeles Tides
Directions:  Follow Front Street, which will turn into Marine Drive after you pass the Port Angeles Boat Haven. Follow Marine Drive through the Nippon Paper mill and on to Ediz Hook. The road ends at the Coast Guard Station. Along the way are several areas to park and launch your kayak. 

Tongue Point/Salt Creek - Rating: moderate to advanced
Great coves and tides pools can be found here. Check tide tables for best times. Can be made into a day trip by kayaking 9 miles to Freshwater Bay and back. These waters can be both calm and very rough, so check weather and tides before heading out.
Also view:  Salt Creek Recreation Area, Clallam County Parks
Tides:  Crescent Bay Tides
Directions:  Follow Highway 101 West of Port Angeles, then take Highway 112 and head west. Look for signs for the Salt Creek Recreation Area found on Camp Hayden Road. Stay left and go past the main entrance and you will find a parking area on right. You will need to carry your boat 100-200, yards depending on tides.

Freshwater Bay - Rating: moderate to advanced
A semi protected bay found 10 miles west of Port Angeles that offers an ideal area to start your paddle. This section of rugged coastline offers more wind and wave action than some of the other trips mentioned but vistas, wildlife and sea life make the little more work worth the effort. Be aware of your abilities and don’t over extend yourself. The tides and wave action can sometimes make it more difficult to get back. Can kayak to Tongue Point/Salt Creek to make a great day trip. Lots of great coves and beaches to explore and land at. These waters can be both calm and very rough, so check weather and tides before heading out.
Also view:  Freshwater Bay, Clallam County Park
Tides:  Crescent Bay Tides
Directions:  Proceed west on Highway 101 from Port Angeles to State Rt. 112. Take Rt. 112 to Freshwater Bay Road, turn right and you will end up at a Clallam County boat launch. 

Dungeness Bay - Rating: moderate
Launch here to explore Dungeness Bay, and possibly a trip to the Dungeness Lighthouse. The Dungeness Spit provides protection to this part of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Dungeness Bay but pay attention to the weather and winds. The Wildlife Refuge is a national bird sanctuary so watch for the hundreds of species that come to area along with the eagles, seals, sea lions and abundant sea life. Watch for Sea Otters, which will follow you in the bay. Can be very windy, so check weather report and tide tables. The Dungeness Spit is off-limits to water access except at the designated area by the Lighthouse with reservations (360-457-8451). You can paddle out to the Dungeness Lighthouse but remember to make reservations. From this vantage point you can see Mt. Baker, west to Port Angeles and south to the Olympic Mountains.
Also view:  Cline Spit County Park  Dungeness Recreation Area
Tides:  Dungeness Bay Tides
Directions:  From Port Angeles head 12 miles east on Highway 101 to the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. Left turn on Old Olympic Highway at O'Brien Road. Follow Old Olympic Highway, approx 6 miles. It will make a sharp turn left and changes into Cays road. Follow Cays road until it turns into Marine Drive which follows along the water. Look for the sign to Cline Spit. Hiking access to the Wildlife Refuge is through the Voice of America / Dungeness State Park. Take Highway 101 to the Left turn on Old Olympic Highway at O'Brien Road then turn left on Kitchen-Dick Road. Proceed to the end of Kitchen-Dick and it turns into Lotzgesell and the main entrance of the refuge. 

The headwaters of the Sol Duc River start high in the Olympic Mountains, and winter through early summer the rapidly flowing water offers some terrific kayak opportunities for the expert rider. Local riders have favorite spots where the river forms continually cresting waves giving the rider great opportunities for surfing. Again this form of kayaking is only for the advanced and helmets, and dry or wet suits are recommended.
Tides:  La Push, Quillayute River Tides

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