Washington State is often called the “Switzerland of the U.S.,” and once you experience its waterways from a paddle board, it’s easy to see why. From urban lakes framed by skylines to remote island chains, desert rivers, and alpine waterways, Washington offers some of the most diverse stand up paddle boarding in the country.

While the Pacific Northwest is known for its rain, the prime SUP season runs from July through mid-October, when long days, mild temperatures, and calmer conditions create near-perfect paddling weather. Whether you’re a beginner looking for flatwater or an experienced paddler chasing current and scenery, Washington has a paddle boarding destination for you, so read on to learn about the Best Places to SUP in Washington State.

Located entirely within Seattle’s city limits, Lake Union is one of the most iconic urban paddle boarding destinations in the U.S. This freshwater lake sits at the heart of the Lake Washington Ship Canal and offers a front-row seat to the city’s skyline, floating houseboats, and seaplanes taking off and landing.

Paddling Lake Union gives you a uniquely Seattle experience. From your board, you’ll enjoy views of downtown, Queen Anne Hill, Gas Works Park, and the surrounding Cascade and Olympic Mountains on clear days. Wildlife sightings are common, including herons, seals, and fish visible beneath your board.

Lake Union is especially magical at sunset, when the city lights reflect off the water and the activity on the lake slows. Several launch points exist around the shoreline, but the dock near 9th Street is among the most accessible.

SUP rentals are available from Northwest Outdoor Center, which offers Glide paddle boards well-suited for flatwater touring.

The San Juan Islands are a bucket-list destination for paddle boarders. Accessible by ferry from the mainland, the islands reward paddlers with rugged shorelines, sheltered coves, and some of the best wildlife viewing in the Pacific Northwest.

San Juan Island is a popular starting point, with Friday Harbor serving as the main hub. From there, paddlers can explore quieter waters between San Juan and Lopez Islands, where boat traffic thins and the chances of spotting marine life increase.

From your paddle board, you may see seals, sea lions, porpoises, otters, starfish, sea urchins, and even octopus in the clear coastal waters. Orca sightings, while never guaranteed, do occur in this region and make for unforgettable moments.

If you’re traveling with an inflatable SUP, ferries make transporting your board easy. Local outfitters such as Sound Yoga and SUP, Blue Otter Outfitters, and Orcas Adventures offer rentals and guided tours.

The Sammamish River flows gently for roughly 14 miles from Lake Sammamish into Lake Washington, making it one of the best beginner-friendly paddle boarding routes in the state. The slow current and calm water create ideal conditions for families and first-time paddlers.

Most paddlers begin at Marymoor Park, where access is easy and the river’s flow is slightly faster but still manageable. As you paddle downstream, the river winds through wetlands, parks, golf courses, and quiet neighborhoods.

Wildlife is abundant along this stretch, with birds, turtles, and fish frequently visible below your board. The Sammamish River Trail runs alongside much of the route, adding to the relaxed, scenic feel.

SUP rentals are available from What’s SUP, located near popular launch points.

For sunshine and wide-open paddling, head east to Washington’s Tri-Cities region, where the Columbia River cuts through desert landscapes and enjoys more than 300 sunny days per year.

The cities of Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland all embrace the river, offering multiple access points for paddle boarders. This stretch of the Columbia is broad and powerful, but many sections are suitable for touring and fishing on stable SUPs.

Nearby lies the Hanford Reach National Monument, home to the last free-flowing, non-tidal stretch of the Columbia River in the U.S. Protected for decades, the area has become a wildlife haven. Paddlers may spot deer, coyotes, elk, bald eagles, pelicans, and more.

Anglers can target bass, steelhead, Chinook salmon, and even ancient white sturgeon. Rentals are available from Northwest Paddleboarding and Greenies.

Flowing past the Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth, the Wenatchee River offers a dynamic paddle boarding experience that blends moving water with alpine scenery.

In spring, higher flows create playful rapids that challenge experienced paddlers. As summer arrives and water levels drop, the river mellows into an approachable introduction to river SUP for beginners.

Planing-hull paddle boards perform best here, helping paddlers stay on top of riffles and current. The scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile, with forested banks, mountain backdrops, and crystal-clear water.

Leavenworth Outdoor Center offers SUP rentals and guided trips on both the Wenatchee and Icicle Rivers.

From urban lakes and island archipelagos to desert rivers and alpine waterways, Washington State delivers world-class stand up paddle boarding opportunities. The Evergreen State’s diversity ensures that every paddler—regardless of experience level—can find a destination that feels tailor-made.

• Washington offers unmatched SUP variety, from urban skyline paddling on Lake Union to wildlife-rich saltwater routes in the San Juan Islands.

• Flatwater, river, and downwind options make the state ideal for beginners, touring paddlers, anglers, and advanced SUP athletes alike.

• Summer through early fall delivers prime conditions, with calmer winds, warmer temperatures, and peak visibility for mountain and marine scenery.

If you’re planning a SUP road trip through the Pacific Northwest, Washington deserves a top spot on your list.