There’s nothing like rowing your kayak when the weather’s great on the open water. Kayaking has become a popular pastime in recent years, and for good reason. It’s a great way to get some fresh air, explore the wilderness, and go on an adventure unlike any other! With it being one of the more affordable water sports to get into, there’s no time like the present to get your kayaking on!
A great kayaking state in the Midwest is the state of Wyoming. The state boasts gorgeous nature, plenty of lakes, and Yellowstone National Park. If you’re in or around Wyoming and looking for a place to kayak, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a list of the top kayaking locations in the area to help get you started. Read on to find the perfect setting for your next kayaking trip!
String Lake
Kicking off the list of places to go for the best kayaking in the state is String Lake. Located in the Grand Teton National Park, northwest of the state, this Lake is perfect for avid kayakers. If you’re looking for where to go kayaking, look no further than this scenic shoreline. String Lake is a watersports and outdoor hotspot where you can kayak, swim, hike, and picnic all while taking in the gorgeous views. One thing to keep in mind before heading off to String Lake is that there’s no kayak rental in the area, so make sure to bring your own gear!
Leigh Lake
While you’re in the area around String Lake, head up north a couple of miles, and you’ll hit the next kayaking spot on this list: Leigh Lake. This stunning lake is also part of the Grand Teton National Park and is a simple hike away if you’re planning a camping trip. Leigh Lake has everything you could want from a kayaking trip. From gorgeous sandy white beaches and several less populated islands to explore if you’re up for the adventure. The water’s relatively warm, and you can fish if you like while you kayak! Keep in mind that this part of the state is in fact bear country, so tread carefully!
Jackson Lake
Continuing the streak of Teton National Park lakes, further up north is the magnificent Jackson Lake and your next ticket to kayaking heaven! Nestled in the center of the national park, this lake doubles as a kayaking and camping dream destination. The Signal Mountain campground is one of the local favorites with plenty of things to offer its campers and visitors. From breathtaking views and cool waters to showers, a general store, restaurants, and a bar. The area is more welcoming and inviting, but it will be more populated, so keep that in mind. Catch some awesome sunsets with the mountains in the background at Jackson Lake!
Yellowstone Lake
You can’t enter the state of Wyoming as a kayaker and skip Yellowstone Lake! As one of the main attractions of Yellowstone National Park, this gorgeous lake makes a great location for any kayaker. With kayak tours and guides, this lake is perfect for beginners and intermediates. Take in the incredible wilderness, beauty, and history of the area. Make use of these educational and insightful attractions to make the most of your trip. The area is rich with things to explore, and what better way to do that than on a kayak! Grab some friends, plan out your route, book a tour, and make a weekend of it!
Snake River
If you’re looking for something more challenging out of your kayaking trip, then head on over to Snake River, south of Yellowstone Lake. This long and windy river offers many different kayaking trails from intermediate to experienced for you to enjoy. The fan-favorite route for most is from Deadman’s Bar to Moose Landing, with Flagg Ranch to Lizard Creek being a close second. The area is rich with wildlife, so make sure to take it all in and take plenty of photographs! Snake River has a lot of curves and obstacles, making it perfect for those who know what they’re doing!
Bighorn River
If you’re looking to beat the more crowded areas of Wyoming on your next kayaking trip, head to the Bighorn River up North. Near the border with Montana, Bighorn River offers a ton of great kayaking spots and options. Set off from Thermopolis and use any of the available State Park resources and tools at your disposal. Explore the gorgeous views and maybe even try your hand at fishing! Bighorn River is popular with fishers, and you can catch a large variety of fish from the comfort of your kayak. Keep in mind that the Bighorn River has rapids that can get up to class IV, so plan out your route carefully.
Green River
Last but not least on this list of the best kayaking locations in the state is the Green River. South of the state near the border with Utah, this river is home to some of the best-hidden gems in the world of Wyoming kayaking. From calm and peaceful fishing spots to wild rapids and turns, this river has it all. A large part of the river is made up of speedy rapids, so if you’re looking for something less intense, head over to Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge. This area is packed with wildlife, so much so that you can even catch glimpses of animals drinking straight from the river!
So there you have it! Now that you’re all caught up on the best kayaking spots in the state, you’re ready to plan your perfect route! If you’re looking to kayak in the state of Wyoming, head west to String Lake. While in the area, extend your trip to the gorgeous Leigh Lake, but keep an eye out for bears! Jackson Lake is a camping and kayaking haven, so be sure to check it off your list while in the area. If you’re looking to get some gorgeous views and history while you kayak, head on over to Yellowstone Lake.
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and explore the wilderness, take a chance on Snake River and snake your way down! Head up north to the Bighorn River to catch some fish while you kayak, and end your trip down south on the exciting rapids of Green River. Good luck and happy kayaking!