Kayak the Washington Arboretum Loop

Situated just southeast from the shores of the University of Washington, the Washington Arboretum Loop is a short yet gorgeous paddling excursion. What it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in its peaceful escape from the city and its beautiful path carved out through fields of lily pads. The loop, which goes around Foster Island at the north end of the Washington Park Arboretum, sits between Lake Union and Lake Washington.

If you are renting a kayak, the Aqua Verde Paddle Club is your closest proximity to the loop but it can be easily accessed from either of the two rental companies on Lake Union as well (you can also rent a canoe from the nearby Waterfront activities Center on the UW campus). Distance-wise, it’s a 3 mile, (1hr) round trip paddle from Aqua Verde and a 6 mile (2 hr) round trip paddle from the middle of Lake Union.

To get to the loop, you’ll cross in between Marsh and Foster Island. You’ll first go under a small pedestrian bridge between the two islands and than Hwy 520 until you get to the fields of lily pads. This is your destination. It’s a slow, peaceful ride so enjoy your surroundings, follow the lily pad lanes and take it all in.