Where should I go canoeing or kayaking?
Wenatchee River
The Wenatchee River has several places where you can experience exciting rapids, calm canoeing sections, and everything in between.
- Put-ins: Tumwater Campground and Fisherman’s Wenatchee River Access are both great places for rapids. For calmer canoeing put in where Lake Wenatchee and Wenatchee River meet and ride down to Tumwater Campground.
- Seasons: Wenatchee River is at its highest in late May and early June and more mellow in July and August.
- Rapids: Some of the best rapids such as Triple Shot and Tinley Falls can be found in the Tumwater Canyon section of the river.
Lake Wenatchee
This serene lake is a great place to enjoy Leavenworth kayak trips and Leavenworth canoeing with its beautiful location situated in the Wenatchee State Park.
- Location: About 24 miles north of Leavenworth in Wenatchee State Park
- Seasons: The park itself is open year round, although camping is closed during the winter.
- Boat Launch: There is one main boat launch and one dock where you can put in.
- Camping: Most of the camping is done in the south park and can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs.
Icicle River
The Icicle River is a great alternative to kayaking the sometimes crowded Wenatchee River. You can still catch fun rapids and can enjoy its easy access from Leavenworth.
- Put-ins: Leavenworth Fish Hatchery, Snow Creek Trailhead
- Seasons: April to July is best time for paddling
- Rapids: Watch out for the dammed off areas of the river as they can become quite dangerous.
