Canoeing & Kayaking at Lake Roosevelt NRA

Two kayakers work together to paddle on Lake Roosevelt.

NPS / B. Worbes

Planning a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard trip?

We have boat in campgrounds as well as miles of shoreline waiting to be explored. Looking for more challenging routes? Want a multi-nite camping adventure? With 22 boat launches along the lake, one option is a launch-to-launch short trip with an overnight stop at a boat-in campground. If you're looking for a longer paddle, there are many possibilities for exploring the full length of the lake and its many side canyons. Lakeshore camping is allowed at any point that is a half-mile from a developed area on the NPS managed portions of the lake. Check the details section for more information on shoreline camping.

Please remember that Lake Roosevelt is a manmade reservoir. Seasonal fluctuations regularly affect lake levels and access to boat launch facilities.

Check the current lake levels or call the Bureau of Reclamation at [phone] before you visit. Check the Boat Launch section for minimum lake elevations for access points. Stay safe and make sure you know where you are on the water at all times.

Launching and Take-Out

If you are using a designated boat launch, a boat launch pass is required. These can be purchased in advance or the day of and stays in the dashboard of your vehicle. Visit Fees and Passes to learn more.

If you are launching from the shoreline and not using a boat launch, you do not need to purchase a boat launch permit.

Recomended Trips

Day Trips

There are many areas along the lake where you can float for a few hours or paddle a full day. Some popular spots include:

• Hawk Creek

• Kettle River

• Spring Canyon

• Fort Spokane

Overnight Trips

Check out our Boat Camping page for information on boat-in campgrounds and shoreline camping.

There are many different overnight boating options, depending on how many nights you plan on staying out on the lake, and how many miles you plan to paddle each day. Below are a few potential trip ideas to get you started.

North End of Lake Roosevelt

• 4-Night trip, roughly 50 miles: Bradbury Beach Day-Use Area/Boat Launch to Fort Spokane Campground/Boat Launch. Both starting and stopping points have parking lots and toilets. You must carry your own water to Bradbury.

• 1-Night trip roughly 15 miles: Bradbury Beach Boat Launch to Gifford Day Use Area/Boat Launch.

• 1-Night trip, 5 miles: Snag Cove to Evans Campground (camping at Summer Island).

Spokane Arm/Mid-Section of Lake Roosevelt

• 4-Night trip, less than 50 miles: Porcupine Bay Campground/Boat Launch to Spring Canyon. Both starting and stopping points have parking lots and toilets.

• 1-Night trip, roughly 10 miles: Porcupine Bay Boat Launch to Fort Spokane campground.

South End of Lake Roosevelt

• 4-Night trip, roughly 50 miles: Hunters Campground/Boat Launch to Keller Ferry Campground/Boat Launch. Both starting and ending points have parking lots and toilets. It is a harder route due to the higher volume of boat use in the southern part of the lake.

• 1-Night trip, roughly 15 miles: Hawk Creek Boat Launch to Jones Bay Boat Launch.

Overnight Parking

Vehicles may be left overnight at boat launches during overnight trips. Use caution when leaving valuable objects in unattended vehicles.

Float Plan

We recommend filing a float plan for longer trips. Include descriptions and location of your vehicles, a contact person, and your expected dates of departure and arrival. You can file a float plan by emailing the park.

Boating Safety and Regulations

Per the Washington State Regulations:

• All vessels, including canoes and kayaks, must have at least one U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket, Type I, II, or III, for each person on board.

• Children 12 years old and younger must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket at all times when underway in a vessel less than 19 feet in length.

• All boaters, including those using canoes, kayaks, and personal watercraft, must carry a sound signal, such as a horn, bell, or whistle.

Lake Roosevelt is an active reservoir, and lake levels change throughout the year. The lower the water, the faster the current. Make sure every member of your group is wearing a life vest at all times while paddling on the water. Hypothermia is one of the biggest dangers at Lake Roosevelt due to the cold, fast-moving water. Practice your water saving skills before you need to use them.

Details

Activity

Paddling

Age(s)

All ages welcome!

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Learn about bringing your pets to Lake Roosevelt.

Please do not leave your pet in a vehicle during the hot summer days. Temperatures can rise very quickly inside and this can lead to the death of your beloved pet. If you're unsure whether or not it is too hot, then it probably is.

Activity Fee

Yes

Boat Launch permits are required year-round at all Lake Roosevelt's National Park Service boat launches, regardless of boat type. Weekly permits can be purchased via QR code at any boat launch or in advance at pay.gov. Details can be found on our Fees and Passes webpage.

When accessing the lake from land adjacent to or on the reservation shoreline, please contact the tribes to determine where access is allowed and whether additional fees are required. The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation can be reached at [phone]. The Spokane Tribe of Indians can be reached at [phone]. 

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Accessibility Information

Accessibility varies regarding ground surface, distance to parking, shoreline facilities, and camping or picnic areas at each location. Boat launches and campgrounds have accessibility information with each listing under that section.

Please contact us with any additional questions regarding specifics: 509-754-7800 or Email the park.

An audio described park brochure can be found on our website.