There are significant dangers associated with both Open Water and Moving Water canoe outings. Units undertaking a Scouting Adventure on either a large body of water or moving water need more than just the basic skills and knowledge required by the BSA to conduct such a trip safely.
Our Troop has several adults with extensive experience and professional training in watercraft use, sailing and whitewater. If you are planning a Canoe trip and do not have an experienced adult leader able to assess flow rates, wind and "read water", you should reconsider a water outing until you have the proper resources and people to make your trip safe.
We are happy to talk to you if you have questions.
Lake Challenge is an excellent place to teach scouts the basics of canoeing. Canoes, kayaks, other watercraft, PFDs, paddles and campsite are all available.
Hughes Lake is easy is great place to conduct canoe training.
Canoes, kayaks, other watercraft, PFDs, paddles and campsite are all available.
Watercraft can be rented at UW Waterfront Activities Center
canoe-boat-rentals
3710 Montlake Blvd NE
Seattle, WA 98195
March – October
UW Alumni: $11.50/hour
General Public: $12.00/hour
Easy waters covered in lily pads
Beaver Dens
Arboretum is surrounded by forested areas, doesn't appear you are in city
NOTE:
Montlake Cut is can be VERY CHOPPY - not recommended for canoes
Watch out for boat traffic when going from UW WAC to Arboretum
At base of Mount Baker
Easy access to multiple put ins
Car camping, canoe camping and backpacking options
Reserve early in year for car camping
Plan to arrive on a Thursday to reserve remote spots in the summer
Baker Lake
50 Miler option
Can enter Canada side or South side
South side requires portage - truck will pick you up and transports watercraft if desired
This little gem is a wonderful place to take scouts new to canoeing (after mandatory training of course). There are reservable campgrounds as well as a few canoe in, first come first served sites.
The mini island on the lake has enough room for 20 scouts.
The waterfall is a must see at No Name Creek. Camping is possible there, but it is difficult to set up tents and 12 is probably the max number there (assuming some will use hammocks or other alternative methods to camp).
There is a third group site just south of the cliff wall on the eastern bank just north of the launch site.
Other dispersed camping is possible, but not for large groups.
Afternoon winds will make southern travel challenging for new scouts. Plan for or avoid windy times.
French Cabin Creek Recreation Area allows for dispersed camping. This allows scouts units to camp out by a canoeable lake.
Big lake option for bigger adventures. There are many campsites along the western and eastern shores of the lake.
Put In/Take Out: Luhr Beach
Travel to upper portion of McAllister Creek
Highlights: harbor seals, birds, and maybe a whale
Factor in Tides and don't get stuck:
tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9446828&legacy=1
greater than 12 square miles - Largest Unaltered Natural Lake in Washington
Plenty to explore
Lots of backcountry campgrounds (some are NOT clearly marked)
Minimal boat traffic
Portage not required
Note:
Minimal resources nearby
Remote - Long drive to get there
Need backcountry permit to camp
Need park approved bear canister (except on Garden and Tivoli Island)