Canoeing
Spend a peaceful and relaxing day out on the water canoeing in the Tri-Cities.
There are plenty of spots to kayak, paddleboard, and even jet ski in the Tri-Cities, but for canoeing, you’ll want to seek out calm, slow-moving waters with easy launch points. Before you plan your afternoon canoeing adventure, check out this guide with the best spots and some tips to maximize your experience.
Top Spots for Canoeing in the Tri-Cities, WA
Wye Park / Bateman Island (Richland)
Launching from the boat ramp at Wye Park, paddlers can circle Bateman Island and explore the Yakima River delta, where calm water and birdlife make for an especially rewarding adventure. The gentle conditions make it a good option for beginners, but be mindful of shallow shorelines in parts of the area.
Yakima River Tapteal Water Trail (Richland)
The Tapteal Water Trail offers a peaceful escape outside of the city. Paddle along the Yakima River through calm channels, tall grasses, and scattered trees, with opportunities to spot local wildlife along the way. There are multiple launch sites, so you can choose the length of your route.
Chamna Natural Preserve (Richland)
Chamna Natural Preserve offers a quieter, more tucked-away canoeing experience along the Yakima River, with winding channels, dense vegetation, and lots of wildlife viewing opportunities. It's a great option if you’re looking to slow down and explore a more natural side of the Tri-Cities, and it’s a more optimal choice for a canoe, away from the wider, busier sections of the river.
Sacajawea State Park (Pasco)
Sacajawea State Park sits at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers, where the Lewis and Clark Expedition once camped. It offers sandy beaches and amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, making it a good place to launch and spend the whole afternoon out on the calm shore. A Discover Pass is required and can be purchased for $10/day.
Wade Park (Pasco)
Wade Park in Pasco offers direct access to the Columbia River via a nearby launch, and it’s a good spot to canoe and explore calm, open water.
Howard Amon Park (Richland)
The park’s stretch of the Columbia River is popular with paddlers looking for a smooth, straightforward paddle, with plenty of places to launch along the shoreline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I rent a canoe in Tri-Cities, Washington?
KayakBateman.com offers 8-hour rentals of 2- and 3-person canoes, as well as other paddlesport equipment, in the Tri-Cities area.
Do I need a license to canoe in Washington?
No, Washington does not require a license or permit to canoe.
Do I have to wear a life jacket while in a canoe?
Washington State law requires every single person on a Personal Watercraft (PWC), including a canoe, to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times while underway, with no exceptions for age or size. Additionally, all life jackets must be in good, serviceable condition and readily accessible. Canoes may feel stable to beginners, but it is important to take safety precautions, including wearing a lifejacket.
When is the best time of year for canoeing near Tri-Cities, WA?
Late spring through early fall is ideal. Summer mornings are ideal, as they offer warm weather, light winds (compared to afternoons), and steady river conditions well suited for canoeing.
Wye Park
Bateman Island
Yakima River Tapteal Water Trail
Chamna Natural Preserve
Sacajawea State Park
Wade Park
Howard Amon Park