4 Things to Know About Boating at Green Lake
Today marks the first official day of summer, so there’s no better time to celebrate the season and venture off the Green Lake trail and into the water. Green Lake offers boat rentals, classes, camps and fun events through out the summer season, and if you’ve never gone boating at Green Lake before, here are four things to know:
What type of boats can you rent?
Green Lake Boat Rentals offers paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, sailboats, pedal and row boats. For those who are not nautically-inclined, here are some helpful definitions:
- Paddle Board – a long, narrow, buoyant board; surface water sport in which participants are propelled by a swimming motion using their arms while lying or kneeling on a paddle board.
- Kayak – a type of canoe made of a light frame with a watertight covering, having a small opening in the top to sit in.
- Canoe – a narrow, keelless boat with pointed ends, propelled by a paddle or paddles.
- Sailboat – a sailboat is propelled partly or entirely by sails.
- Pedal Boat – a small, pleasure boat driven by pedals that in turn drive a paddle wheel. Can often times fit up to four adults.
- Row Boat – a small boat propelled by one or more pairs of oars.
When are they available and how much does it cost?
Prices vary by the hour. Paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, pedal and row boats cost $18 an hour. Sailboats cost $25. Green Lake Boat Rentals are open through Labor Day, with boat rentals available 7 days a week, from 9am to 6pm. The boathouse also features a coffee shop, which is open, during the summer months, 7 days a week, 8am-8pm. A fun, added bonus? You can see the available boats in real-time, via a webcam on the Green Lake Boathouse website.
Can I bring my own boat?
Green Lake prohibits motorized boats, but you’re welcome to bring your own paddle board, kayak, pedal, row or any kind of un-motorized boat at your own discretion. There are several designated boat launch areas around the lake.
What about boating classes?
Green Lake Small Craft Center, located at the southwest corner of the lake, offers children, youth and adult programs on rowing, canoeing, kayaking and sailing. Summer registration is open now, learn more information at the Seattle Parks & Recreation website or by calling (206) 684-4074.
