Canoe and Kayak

NPS/Chelsea Brauner

Whether you are looking for an afternoon paddle or a multi-day excursion, Lake Roosevelt has miles of shoreline waiting to be explored. Options are endless, with multiple put-ins, take-outs, camping spots, and boat ramps nearby.

 

 

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.

 

NPS / Neal Herbert

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.

 

NPS Photo

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.

 

Know Before You Go

• 

  Boat-In Campgrounds & Shoreline Camping

  Sail, and then sleep under the stars.

• 

  Boating

  Find out about launch fees, important regulations, and minimum lake levels for launching.

• 

  Camping

  Where to picnic, paddleboard, park your RV, set up your tent, and make s’mores.