Snohomish River

launch & Landing points

• Jetty Landing & Boat Launch (10th Street Boat Ramp)
• Langus Riverfront Park
• Spencer Island Park
• Cady Landing (Park)
• Rotary Park

On the Water

Spencer & Otter Islands

9 nm, Difficulty: Sea Kayak I/II

Launch from Langus Riverfront Park several hours before high tide. Paddle upstream with current assist to the north end of Spencer island. Paddle north around Spencer on either Union Slough on the west or Steamboat Slough on the east. There are several marshes to the west filling with water that may be explored.

Paddle around Otter Island. At the north east corner, on the main land, there are two options for landing. To the right is a grassy ramp that is the best landing but is on private land. To the left is an exposed dirt cove that is a difficult landing but part of the county owned Snohomish River Estuary. Alternately, find some solid ground on the mainland, where the slough makes a large bend around the southern peninsula of Otter Island.

It is possible and well worth planning to paddle across Spencer island at high tide. A tide of 9 feet may be sufficient, and a tide of 11 feet is known to provide ample depth and many route options. Time your trip to enter Spencer Island while water is still flowing onto the island and high tide is a half hour in the future. There is a "secret" entrance at 48.00647, -122.15443 and a large entrance at 48.00109, -122.15284. Once in the island, there are two bridges that must be negotiated—the satellite image below in the "Resources" tab is the best navigation aid for this crossing. 

Snohomish River: Cady Park to 10th Street Boat Ramp

14 nm one-way, Difficulty: Sea Kayak II

Paddle from Cady Park with stops along the way at Rotary Park and Langus Park. End at the 10th Street Boat Ramp in Everett. Plan for a receding tide to assist.

Notes

• Visit Snohomish County's Snohomish River Estuary web page for more info.
• Be cautious about paddling into the interior of Spencer Island if water is already flowing off the island, you may become stranded. It is best to time your trip to enter Spencer Island while water is still flowing onto the island and high tide is a half hour in the future.
  

• Suitable Activities: Sea Kayaking
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Sea Kayak I/II
• Length: 13.0 nm

• Land Manager: Land Manager Varies
• Parking Permit Required: see Land Manager
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12