Canoeing & Kayaking at Lake Roosevelt NRA

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 (800) 824-4916 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.