Lake Samish

Lake Samish offers public boat access via a Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) maintained boat launch located off E Lake Samish Drive in Bellingham. This is an excellent option for kayakers and canoeists looking to explore the lake's waters. A **Washington State Discover Pass is required for parking**, and all boaters must complete mandatory boat inspections and permits before launching.

The launch provides straightforward access for paddlers of all skill levels, with the lake being suitable for kayaking, canoeing, and other paddle sports. While Samish Park itself is currently closed, the WDFW public boat launch remains fully operational, ensuring reliable water access year-round. The site also serves as a convenient jumping-off point for exploring nearby Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, which features extensive seagrass meadows, tidal flats, sloughs, and salt marshes for more adventurous paddlers.

For more information and to verify current conditions, visit the WDFW water access page at https://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/water_access/30609/