LOVE: Kitsap Peninsula Lakes We LOVE to Paddle, Canoe and Kayak on!
when summer hits kitsap looks for a place to paddle. Here are locals favorite lakes to kayak, canoe & sup in kitsap!
Wildcat Lake, Seabeck
Central Kitsap’s swimming hole, Wildcat Lake is a paddler paradise.
Wildcat Lake County Park is a summer favorite, a warm lake that is perfect for SUPing and swimming alike that is smack dab in the middle of Central Kitsap - between Seabeck and Bremerton. SUP or kayak amongst epic Olympic Mountain views and evergreen forests.
Local Tip: Across the street from the park is a gas station stocked with lake snacks and accessories in case you forgot anything or just get a hankering for an ice cream sandwich.
Island Lake, Poulsbo
Island Lake is a local fave for a reason.
A popular place for summer camps and retreats, Island Lake County Park is also great place to dip the kayak in the water and enjoy the peaceful scenery and paddle around the lakes eponymous evergreen clad island!
Local Tip: Island Lake has a great big grassy area perfect for frisbee, catch, fetch or just spread out the picnic blanket.
Long Lake, Port Orchard
Live it up on Long Lake.
Down a quiet road in Port Orchard, Long Lake Park is a local go-to for some boating, wakeboarding, fishing, and lake lounging. The lily pads are plentiful and sometimes the lake is closed for swimming but folks still love to recreate on Port Orchard’s biggest body of fresh water.
Local Tip: The Long Lake County Park has a building that can be rented for small gatherings such as family reunions and weddings.
Horseshoe Lake, Port Orchard
Horseshoe Lake is chill AF.
A local’s favorite swimming hole since I grew up in the 80’s - Horseshoe Lake is small and quiet and perfect for an afternoon lake dip on your way home from work. There is a popular camp on the shores of the lake as well as a picnic area and golf course across the street.
Local Tip: There are no motorized / gas powered boats allowed on the lake so you’re assured to have a peaceful paddle.
Kitsap Lake, Bremerton
The biggest freshwater body of water on the Kitsap Peninsula, Kitsap Lake is a go-to for boating, skiing, wakeboarding, and of course canoeing and kayaking. Make friends with someone on the lake or put in at Kitsap Lake Park.
Local Tip: If you’re putting your SUP or kayak in the water at the Park, head left towards the lily pads for a more tanquil paddle.
Buck Lake, Hansville
Buck Lake is Hansville’s secret float spot.
Buck Lake is waaaaaaay up in the Northern tip of Kitsap and the beautiful drive itself through the Central Valley and Hansville Rd makes the journey worth it but you’ll swoon when you see sweet lil Buck Lake. A true local fave, make one visit and you’ll be planning your return trip in no time!
Local Tip: The little park has a great playground for the kids and the place is usually pretty darn empty.
Use the map!
Use this map to plan your lake adventures in Kitsap! (Click on a point to open up your default map app on mobile).
More of what we love about the Kitsap Peninsula
Stay in Kitsap
Scroll through to see some of our favorite options for your overnight stay in Kitsap.
We are advocates for spreading love all year long but some moments require an intentional gift or treat to show your person just how much they mean to you. An incredible floral arrangement or gourmet box of chocolates is always a good idea, no matter the time of year.