Hiking is fun, but the serene magic of gliding across the water’s surface is hard to match. It’s a uniquely rewarding experience that combines serenity and splendor. Kayaking also opens more adventure opportunities, allowing you to access remote places you wouldn’t get to on foot. You don’t have to settle for conventional national park trips – the US national park system is brimming with scenic playgrounds for kayak enthusiasts, including some of the least visited sites. Here are the US national parks you can explore by kayaking.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Hiking through Grand Teton’s breathtaking landscapes is a popular way to enjoy the scenery. However, the many lakes in the park make kayaking one of the best ways to admire its beauty. String Lake, Leigh Lake, and Jenny Lake are some of the top waterways you can kayak on in Grand Teton.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
There is no better way to enjoy an intimate experience and the ultimate thrill in Kenai Fjords than kayaking. You’ll paddle through dynamic glaciers, see incredible wildlife, and experience Alaska’s raw, wild beauty. But the park’s kayaking opportunities aren’t suitable for beginners, as you’ll have to deal with unpredictable weather patterns, strong currents, glacial hazards, and more.
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Although one of America’s most underrated national parks, Isle Royale is an ideal destination for an avid adventurer. It offers the perfect balance between relaxation and thrilling activities. It boasts over 150 miles of rugged coastline, fjord-like bays, lakes, and islands, best experienced in a sea kayak. Kayak camping in the park lets you enjoy some of Michigan’s wildest scenery.
Channel Islands National Park, California
Dubbed the “Galapagos of North America,” Channel Islands National Park comprises five remarkable islands with diverse offerings. The numerous sea caves, which are too narrow to access by larger boats, make kayaking a must-have experience. You’ll see features like the tide pools, unique marine life, and the majestic cliffs up close.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park is known for its diverse natural features, from the Chihuahuan Desert to the mighty Rio Grande and the majestic Chisos Mountains. With over 150 miles of trails, it’s a hiker’s haven, but kayaking the Rio Grande, which allows an intimate experience of the dramatic canyons, is over the top. Thanks to the river’s ease of access and navigation, it caters to various skill levels.
Everglades National Park, Florida
While the high-speed thrills that come with airboats as you skim across the Everglades’ waterways are exciting, kayaking is a better option for its quieter, more relaxing, and intimate experience of the park’s vast landscape. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious adventurers.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Spanning over 218,000 acres, Voyageurs National Park’s numerous water resources make it an exciting playground for kayakers. The scenery is incredibly spectacular, with opportunities to spot beautiful creatures, like bald eagles, wolves, and moose. You can paddle the larger lakes like Rainy and Sand Point or settle for smaller, more remote options, where tranquility abounds.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana
Yellowstone attracts millions of tourists annually, and the best way to escape the crowded trails is to kayak its waterways. You will enjoy a unique perspective of its wildlife and thermal features while enjoying a more intimate and quiet experience. You can kayak all the lakes in the park, except Twin Lakes, Sylvan Lake, Beach Springs Lagoon, and Sylvan Lake.
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Dry Tortugas National Park uniquely blends natural beauty and historic charm. It’s most recognized for its 19th-century Fort Jefferson, shipwrecks, and abundant, colorful sea life. One of the best ways to admire the beauty of this Florida gem is kayaking. You can always see through to the diverse marine life thanks to the clear waters. You’ll also enjoy access to more unique locations, like Loggerhead Key and some of the best diving sites.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
North Cascades National Park offers everything you’d expect to get out of a memorable outdoor escape, thanks to its diverse natural attractions, from old-growth forests to gorgeous lakes and rugged peaks. It’s one of the best US national parks for kayaking, with popular lakes like Diablo, known for its sparkling azure waters, offering both day and multi-day kayak trips. For a more adventurous experience, opt for the Skagit or Stehekin Rivers.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Montana’s crown jewel is another US national park system kayaking paradise. There are many waterways to explore, starting with the park’s largest lake, Lake McDonald. Paddling the lake allows you to enjoy a mix of beauty and serenity. The reflection of the surrounding mountains on the emerald waters adds to the appeal. Thanks to its calmness and smaller size, Swiftcurrent Lake offers the best kayaking experience for beginners.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Admiring the dramatic scenery of the Grand Canyon from the Colorado River is downright enchanting. You can choose from the two routes: the North Rim Route, which begins at Lees Ferry and ends at Phantom Ranch, is longer (276 miles) and more challenging than the shorter, beginner-friendly South Rim Route, which stretches 180 miles from the Visitor Center to Diamond Creek.
Biscayne Bay National Park, Florida
95% of Biscayne Bay National Park is water, making kayaking an ideal way to explore its mangrove-flanked shoreline, pristine waters, and the surroundings. The park’s kayaking trails wind you through mangrove creeks, seagrass meadows, and the rich wildlife. Only 41.2 miles from Miami, it offers a peaceful respite, away from the bustling nature of the city.
Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Home to Southeastern America’s largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest, Congaree’s numerous rivers and lakes make it a kayaking paradise worth your time. The Cadar Creek, which meanders through the old-growth forest, caters to experienced and beginner kayakers. You’ll not only enjoy an up-close view of the towering trees, but also see various wildlife, including deer and river otters.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Constantly ranked among the most beautiful national parks in the US, Olympic is known for its diverse landscapes, from a rugged coastline to dense forests. It’s also home to numerous tranquil lakes, like Lake Crescent, which offers some of the best kayaking adventures in the country. Paddling allows you to discover secret gems, including hidden coves, kelp forests, and secluded sandy stretches of the park.
