1

Are you interested in water sports? Do you enjoy the American outdoors but have little interest in hiking up a mountain path? Why not consider a kayak trip? Here to help you plan your trip, are the best kayak and canoe trips in the USA.

The 20 Best Kayak And Canoe Trips In The US 

1. Bear Glacier Lagoon, Alaska

Kayaking in Kenai Fjords National Park’s Bear Glacier Lagoon is like being in another world. Here you’ll discover some of the state’s largest glaciers. You may also see local wildlife such as otters and seals.

You can reach Bear Glacier Lagoon via water taxi or helicopter. The latter provides a birds-eye view of the turquoise water and massive icebergs. Once you arrive, an outfitter will provide you with a dry bag, a drysuit, a kayak, and everything else you’ll need for a two to four-hour trek. Depending on your choice of transport, your cost will be between $325.00 and $650.00 per person. Trips are available for all ability levels.

2Backhaul Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Image courtesy of kayakhorseshoebend.com

See famous Horseshoe Bend from a refreshing perspective. Kayak the Colorado River which runs through it. The adventure begins at well-known Lee’s Ferry in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Before the trip purchase a day pass or National Park Pass. You also need a backhauling service to take you north to the specific starting point. Tell the captain you want to start beyond Horseshoe Bend at mile marker 10.

Your day of incredible kayaking starts at Horseshoe Bend, where you could be paddling for four hours due to slow-moving river currents. There are no real rapids which is why even beginners are welcome here. Stop and do some hiking in the secreted slot canyons. Have a picnic lunch on the shore and check out the ancient petroglyphs. Keep your eyes open for one of the wild horses that drink there too.

3 Kayaking On Russian River, California

Head to Sonoma County for some of the best kayaking in the state. This river is quite popular for kayaking and canoeing because it flows through wine country, towering redwoods, and some great, quaint small towns.

Take a canoe float for half the day or sign on for a one-day, multi-activity adventure that includes kayaking, biking, and wine tasting! You can also take a kayak tour in the city of Jenner where the Russian River connects with the Pacific Ocean. Launch a kayak right by the popular Cafe Aquatica.

4Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin

The striking natural sea caves in Lake Superior are popular with kayakers. Go with a friend or go with a guided tour but either way plan on setting aside a few hours to enjoy the stunning scenery. Several local tours are available.

If you go solo, be sure you have all the required equipment. Lake Superior is reputed to be quite unpredictable, so go with a sea kayak. You will not need a permit. However, if you park at nearby Meyer’s Beach, it will cost you at least $5.00.

5Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area Canoe Trip, Minnesota

This area in northern Minnesota is a great place for a canoe trip. The area has an undeveloped feel for a number of different reasons. Motorized vehicles are prohibited.

Every year, only a limited number of permits are available, and the campsites are a minimum of one-quarter of a mile away from each other. There are nearly one million acres here and more than 2,000 lakes. Plan on a multi-day trip.

Here you will paddle across the water and carry your canoe and gear across the land multiple times as you venture into the wilderness. You can establish a base camp and stick to exploring the nearby lakes or pack up daily and explore the area more deeply. Beginners are welcome but it’s recommended that you have at least one experienced canoeist-camper with you.

6Watson Lake, Arizona

Kayaking at seventy-acre Watson Lake in Prescott, Arizona, is a great idea any time of year except winter. The huge granite boulders that surround the calm lake make it a noteworthy place for bouldering, hiking, picnicking, paddleboarding, and kayaking. You don’t need a permit to go kayaking, but parking there will cost you $3.00.

You can rent a kayak if you don’t own one. Solo kayaks will cost you at least $15.00 for the first hour and at least $10.00 for each hour thereafter. Tandem kayaks are at least $20.00 for the first hour and a minimum of $15.00 for each hour beyond that. If you spend three hours there, you should budget at least $35.00 per person.