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December 15, 2000

Kayak Snohomish's quiet waterways

  • News you can use after 5 p.m.

    • SNOHOMISH COUNTY -- There are more than 45 miles of shoreline in Snohomish County, and many are protected waterways perfect for kayaking. When you're paddling along at two to three miles an hour, you're often treated to marine life sightings that you'd normally miss.

    Winter kayaking is sometimes preferable to summer paddling because of the lack of power boats on the water and the abundance of wildlife. Here are a few of some of Snohomish County's best places to kayak:

    • Langus Riverfront Park in Everett has several options: kayak around Spencer Island (3 1/2 miles); paddle up Snohomish River and explore Ebey Slough; circle Ebey Island (about 12 miles); paddle to Jetty Island, about two miles from Langus. Keep in mind changing tides - it's advisable to catch the incoming tide on your way upriver then ride the river current on the return.

    • Edmonds Marina Beach, just south of the ferry terminal. Paddle north to Meadowdale Park (about 4 miles up the coast) or to Picnic Point, another mile further. If you continue four to five miles you'll be in Mukilteo.

    • Rotary Park just south of Lowell River Park in Everett has a boat launch. Paddle upriver six miles to Cady Park or downriver to Langus Park and Puget Sound.

    • Kayak Point near Marysville. Paddle about three miles across Port Susan to Camano Island and Cavalero County Park, a sandy beach with easy access and great picnic spots.

    • Silver Lake, between Lynnwood and Everett. Waterview restaurants along this route provide perfect places to drop in for a hot toddy. Launch near Silver Beach Pub.

    • Mukilteo State Park at Harbor Point in Mukilteo. Pass the historic Mukilteo Lighthouse and the ferry terminal as you follow the coast north to Everett, about six miles, or to Jetty Island.

    • Lake Stevens is the county's largest lake. Launch at Wyatt County Park on the southwest side of the lake. There is a $3 parking fee.

    • Wenberg State Park north of Marysville on Lake Goodwin in the county's second largest lake. There is a $4 boat launch fee, but you can park and portage your boat to the water and avoid the fee.

    Kayaks and gear can be rented from the following: Hertz AAA Rentals on Silver Lake (425-337-4949, $12 for two hours, $20 for full day, limited number of kayaks in stock, call first) and Northwest Outdoor Center (2100 Westlake Ave. N. in Seattle, 206-281-9694, $10 per hour for a single kayak, $15 per hour for a double, closed Tuesdays through February).




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