University of Washington Waterfront Activities Center (WAC)

This is one of my favorite places to kayak in Seattle. Once you get on the water, you can go into and along the Union Bay Natural Area where a variety of birds and turtles hang out. Further along, you can gaze into the backyards of Seattle’s wealthy residents. It’s very chill, especially compared to kayaking on Lake Union. It’s easily accessible from the UW link station. The kayak rentals are relatively affordable and locker rentals very cheap. Staff are friendly, fast, and effective. Avoid potential lines (and sunburn) by arriving early in the morning.

Fantastic place to rent kayaks and canoes and see wildlife. A wonderful day for under $20 Paid parking next to stadium. Lockers available for $2.

Great access for students to the great outdoors in our backyard! Rentals are pretty affordable or free, the staff is really knowledgeable about everything, the gear itself is in good condition, and it’s not a bad walk from campus. Plus, the views of Lake Washington from here are epic.

This stretch of seashore exceeded all my expectations. You can walk on a metal broadwalk for a while along the water where people boat and fish next to a marsh. So so cute!

This was almost perfect. The staff is super nice, the cost was reasonable. One concern was that no one asked if we knew how, and while I did know how, there was an issue specific to the kind of kayak that I would like to have been aware of. Lots of birds and some turtles, and you can see that the environment is being maintained so that the native plants thrive.