Water Ways Hundreds Of Miles Of Calm Water Beckon To Inland Nw Canoeists, Kayakers

Evergreen trees, their boughs dipping in a ceremonial curtsey, cast shadows across your watery path. Gentle, warm breezes caress your face like silk, as the trill of a songbird captures your attention.

At every bend of the waterway, a colorful variety of flora and fauna catches your eye. Fresh beaver cuttings on the shoreline resemble sharpened pencils. A white-tailed deer glances over its shoulder before waving its white flag and bounding into the dense underbrush.

The beauty and serenity melt your tensions away as you slip quietly across the water.

The Inland Northwest has hundreds of lakes and miles of calm water for relaxing canoe and kayak floats. Here are some of my favorite calm-water paddling locations:

Montana

The Clearwater Canoe Trail is near Seeley Lake. It combines easy canoeing with the natural beauty of the Seeley-Swan Valley and its abundant wildlife. The valley is well known for its excellent waterfowl habitat. The common loon’s unmistakable call is heard frequently.

Bitterns, kingfishers, great blue herons, Canada geese, several species of ducks, catbirds, western tanagers, thrushes and warblers are common species inhabiting the riparian habitat. There are grassy areas along the canoe route for picnicking, sunbathing and relaxing.

Canoe rentals are limited at Seeley Lake, but most resorts on the lake have canoes for rent or loan to their guests.

For information on the canoe trail and Forest Service campgrounds, call the Seeley Lake Ranger District at (406) 677- 2233.

For information on accommodations and other recreational opportunities in the Seeley-Swan Valley, call the Seeley Lake Chamber of Commerce, (406) 677-2880, or the Flathead Convention and Visitors Association, (800) 543-3105.

Sea kayaking on Flathead Lake is Montana’s newest family-fun adventure. First-time kayakers may worry about capsizing, but sea kayaks are much more stable than the short kayaks seen bobbing in whitewater rivers.

They possess excellent stability, sturdy design, ease of maneuvering and large cargo-carrying capacity. A spray skirt keeps you warm and dry. Only your hands are exposed to the cold water during paddling, so I recommend neoprene or wool gloves for those who hands are easily chilled.

Glacier Sea Kayaking (406-862-9010) provides all equipment necessary for a full-day family-fun cruise, including a gourmet lunch on an island. Rates are $90 per person. The company also offers custom trips for people celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, honeymoons, graduations and promotions. Dinner cruises and full moon adventures are available.

For information on accommodations and other recreational opportunities in the Flathead Lake region, call the Flathead Convention and Visitors Association, (800) 543-3105.

Oregon

Several canoe trails are available in wildlife refuges near Klamath Falls. The Upper Klamath Canoe Trail offers two routes through marshland, where abundant waterfowl and wildlife can be seen and photographed. The Tule Lake Canoe Trail is a two-mile paddle through quiet water channels and has excellent watchable wildlife opportunities. The trails are sometimes closed to reduce disturbance to wildlife, so call ahead for current conditions and regulations. (916) 667-2231.

For information on accommodations, events and points of interest in Klamath Falls, call the Klamath County Department of Tourism, (503) 884-0666 or (800) 445-6728.

Washington

Viewing the Seattle skyline and surrounding communities from a kayak opens up a whole new dimension in scenic splendor. Lake Union kayakers can paddle to lakeside parks for a picnic lunch or to several espresso bars and restaurants for a snack, brunch or dinner. Many lakeside restaurants have docks and welcome paddlers. Sunset and full-moon paddles are popular.

Northwest Outdoor Center (206-281-9694) rents kayaks and canoes by the hour, day or week for use on Lake Union or elsewhere. No previous kayaking experience is necessary for first-time paddlers on Lake Union. The sea kayaks are very stable and easy to maneuver. Kayaks rent from $8-$12 an per hour, depending on size. Four-hour, mid-week and weekend rental specials are available. The center offers a wide variety of guided saltwater and freshwater trips.

For information on accommodations, events and points of interest in the Seattle area, call the Seattle-King County Visitor’s Bureau, (206) 461-5840.

Canoeing and rafting are favorite pastimes on the Yakima River because the river is gentle enough in many stretches for relaxed, leisurely family float trips. Wildlife viewing is an added treat while floating the river. River otters, beavers, ospreys, Canada geese and deer are the most commonly seen animals.

River Raft Rentals (509-964-2145) provides rafting packages starting at $50 a day for a large raft. Smaller rafts and two-person inflatable kayaks are available. Directions to put-in and take-out locations are provided, and shuttles can be arranged.

For information on accommodations, points of interest and other recreational activities, call the Ellensburg Chamber of Commerce, (509) 925-3137.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: JUST FOR KIDS A 3 1/2-mile, slow-flowing channel connecting Skaha Lake and Okanagan Lake in British Columbia is pure floating pleasure for youngsters. The channel is bordered by a pathway on the west side and by Highway 3 on the east side, so parents could easily walk or bike along the channel and keep their children in sight. A variety of inflatable watercraft may be rented at Coyote Cruises (604-492-2115), so all that is needed is a swimsuit. Shuttle rides may be arranged back to Okanagan Lake. For information on accommodations, attractions and other recreational opportunities in the Penticton area, call Tourism Penticton, (604) 493-4055 or (800) 663-5052.