Paddle through pristine wilderness from sea caves to glacial lakes.

These parks offer the most spectacular paddling in the US — from ocean caves to backcountry lakes.

California

Moderate to Expert (ocean)

Sea cave kayaking at Santa Cruz Island is among the best ocean paddling in North America.

Top Spots

Painted CavePrisoner's HarborScorpion AnchorageAnacapa Circumnavigation

📅 Best season: June–October

Minnesota

Easy to Moderate (lakes)

A water-based park with 218,000 acres of interconnected lakes. No roads — everything by boat or canoe.

Top Spots

Rainy LakeKabetogama LakeNamakan LakeSand Point Lake

📅 Best season: May–September

Washington

Easy to Strenuous

Lake Crescent is one of the deepest and clearest lakes in North America.

Top Spots

Lake CrescentOzette LakeHoh River (flatwater)Rialto Beach coastal

📅 Best season: May–September

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