Kayaking Colvos Passage: A Perfect Fourth of July Paddle

Pictures courtesy of our daughter, Megan

There’s something magical about stepping out your front door, dipping your paddle into saltwater, and setting off on an adventure — all without ever loading a car. That’s exactly what we did this Fourth of July with our Sea Eagle RazorLite 473rl inflatable kayak, launching right from our beach in Gig Harbor for our first real test in Puget Sound waters.

We’ve paddled lakes before, but this was our maiden voyage in the Sound, and wow — what a perfect day for it.

Looking toward Commencement Bay at Mount Rainier (picture taken on another day)

Calm Waters, Big Views

Colvos Passage greeted us with rare glassy waters and hardly a whisper of wind. It was early afternoon, with the sun warming the shoreline and not a single whitecap in sight. Vashon Island stood to our northeast, Point Defiance to the south, and across the water, Tacoma’s skyline shimmered in the summer haze.

There’s something grounding about floating in such a wide, open place — the quiet lapping of the water, the occasional sea bird, the distant hum of a ferry or fishing boat. It felt like summer at its best.

Rounding our neighbor's "hover shark" - Mount Rainier is to the east, hiding behind the clouds

From Backyard to Bay

Paddling from home along the beach made the experience even more special. We’re used to packing up and driving to a lake, but this time, zipped up our life jackets, grabbed the kayak, and walked it to the shore, with the help of Marcus, our daughter's partner.

Despite being new to open water kayaking, the Sea Eagle handled beautifully, cutting through the water with ease. We hugged the shoreline at first, getting a feel for the currents and boat wakes (which were thankfully few and far between), and before we knew it, we were fully immersed in the rhythm of the Sound.

A Daytrip Worth Repeating

This Fourth of July paddle reminded us why we started Daytrip Northwest — it’s about discovering something beautiful right in our own backyard. Kayaking in Colvos Passage gave us new perspective on a place we already love. It’s peaceful, wild, and surprisingly accessible — even for beginners like us.

Next time, we might paddle farther north toward Olalla or hug the coastline down past Sunrise Beach. But for now, we’re grateful for this first salty splash into Puget Sound life.

Planning Your Own Paddle?

• Location: Colvos Passage, Gig Harbor

• Conditions: Calm, early afternoon, little wind — always check tides and weather

• Gear: Sea Eagle inflatable kayak, life jackets, water shoes, dry bags

• Pro Tip: Start small, stick close to shore, and know your limits in open water

  
  

Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just getting your feet wet, we highly recommend adding Colvos Passage to your summer kayaking list. It's another unforgettable Daytrip Northwest experience, and one we’ll be reliving again soon.