Alki Beach

[edit] Alki beach

[edit] Driving Directions:

From I-5 take the Spokane street bridge toward West Seattle and exit onto Harbor avenue north. The boat launch is 1-3/4 miles north and there is plenty of free parking right on the water. Cartoppers don't have to pay the launch fee, only trailered boat folks do.

Aerial Photo

[edit] Where to Paddle:

One of the best places for a view of downtown Seattle in my opinion. Very scenic!

Head right (southeast) along the shoreline for a mile, you will have to curve eastward to enter the Duamish river channel which will take you thru a cool industrial area where huge container ships are unloaded. Keep an eye out for tugboats pulling barges etc since this is a working harbor. It can get busy but the edges of the channel are good. The Spokane street bridge is 2.6 miles from the launch and a cool loop trip can be done by circling Harbor Island.

Another option is to head west to Bainbridge Island which involves a 4 mile open water crossing with boat traffic.

Another option is to head west but hug the shoreline as it bends south to Alki point 2-1/2 miles one way, or on down to Lincoln park 5.7 miles one way.