Spokane is a wonderful place to get out on the water in a canoe or kayak. They are affordable, quiet, provide some exercise, and are a link to the paddling past. With dozens of lakes and rivers in the region, there are wonderful opportunities for a beautiful day in the great outdoors. Just remember to bring all the essential gear like a Personal Floatation Device – PFD – and whistle, a hat and sunscreen, a headlamp, a dry bag for personal items and spare clothes, and a first aid kit. Check the weather before heading out, don’t go alone to a remote location, and at the launch site lash down everything you don’t want to lose in a capsize.
Paddling Washington: Flatwater and Whitewater Routes in Washington State and the Inland Northwest by Rich Landers
Paddling the Columbia: A Guide to All 1200 Miles of Our Scenic & Historical River by John Roskelley
The Art of Kayaking : Everything You Need to Know About Paddling by Nigel Foster
The Only Kayak: A Journey into the Heart of Alaska by Kim Heacox
Sea Kayaking Illustrated: A Visual Guide to Better Paddling by John Robison
Building your Kevlar Canoe: A Foolproof Method and Three Foolproof Designs by James Moran
Adventure North by Sean Bloomfield
Kayak Routes of the Pacific Northwest Coast by Peter McGee
Kayak Fitness: The Fusion of Sport and Exercise
The Strip-Built Sea Kayak: Three Rugged, Beautiful Boats You Can Build by Nick Schade
Practical Kayaking
Local Clubs
Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club | Spokane, WA
Magazine Resources
Explore our eMagazines and read the complete electronic version of titles such as Paddle World Magazine, Kayak Session Magazine, Stand Up Paddle World, and Outside.
Stream Videos on Kanopy
Go to Kanopy and watch the series Outdoor Fundamentals: Everything You Need to Know to Stay Safe. 24 insightful videos that will give you the practical skills you need to set off for the water or the woods. Topics such as canoeing and kayaking skills, backpacking, navigation, and first aid are covered.