BAINBRIDGE ISLAND KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Blakely Rocks Picnic Paddle: Paddle Out to a Rocky Island Lunch with Mt. Rainier and Seattle on the Horizon
A guided, four-hour kayak outing from Bainbridge Island to Blakely Rocks that combines Puget Sound panoramas, tide-pool exploration and an included picnic—this guide outlines the route, wildlife to watch for, and booking essentials.
Blakely Rocks Picnic Paddle: Paddle Out to a Rocky Island Lunch with Mt. Rainier and Seattle on the Horizon.
This short Bay-area paddle delivers some of Puget Sound’s most compact drama: distant volcanoes and a city skyline framed over exposed rock and tidal pools. From a remote rocky island you can take in Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker and the Seattle skyline, scan for eagles, osprey and porpoise, and linger for a light picnic before a leisurely return to shore.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Volcanoes and the City from a Rocky Outcrop
From Blakely Rocks you get direct sightlines to Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker with the Seattle skyline visible on the horizon—compact, cinematic vistas that reward a short paddle.
Frequent Marine and Avian Guests
Keep an eye out for seals, bald eagles and osprey; harbor porpoise are also known to cruise the area, making wildlife sightings a regular part of the outing.
A Picnic and Tide-Pool Stroll
The trip centers on a light picnic on Blakely Rocks with time afterward to explore tide pools on the exposed rock before heading back to the harbor.
What the day feels like
What the Paddle Feels Like
Launch from a Bainbridge Island harbor, paddle across calm arms of Puget Sound toward a compact, rocky island, pull ashore for a light picnic and tide-pool exploration, then remount for a relaxed return to the harbor—the whole outing is designed for accessibility and scenic payoff.
THE VIEW
Volcanoes and the City from a Rocky Outcrop
From Blakely Rocks you get direct sightlines to Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker with the Seattle skyline visible on the horizon—compact, cinematic vistas that reward a short paddle.
THE WILDLIFE
Frequent Marine and Avian Guests
Keep an eye out for seals, bald eagles and osprey; harbor porpoise are also known to cruise the area, making wildlife sightings a regular part of the outing.
THE SHORE
A Picnic and Tide-Pool Stroll
The trip centers on a light picnic on Blakely Rocks with time afterward to explore tide pools on the exposed rock before heading back to the harbor.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this paddle suits—and where you should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing runs about 4 hours dock-to-dock, including safety briefings; total times may vary with paddling skill and conditions.
A light picnic is provided as part of the trip (lunch included), so participants do not need to pack a full lunch unless they prefer extras.
Online booking is suggested and advance booking is required; for groups needing more than six boats call (206) 842-1980 to arrange additional capacity.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Blakely Rocks Picnic Paddle?
The trip is roughly 4 hours dock-to-dock, including safety briefings; actual times may vary with paddling skills.
Where do trips launch from?
Trips depart from either Eagle Harbor or Blakely Harbor on Bainbridge Island.
Do I need prior kayaking experience?
No—no prior kayaking experience is necessary to join this guided outing.
Is food provided on the trip?
Yes—lunch is included as part of the outing.
How do I book for a larger group?
Advance booking is required; please call (206) 842-1980 if you need more than six boats so the operator can accommodate your group.
What are the rates for single and tandem kayaks?
Single kayaks are listed at $129.99 per person; tandem kayaks are $259.98.