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HOW TO FIND THE BEST KAYAKING SPOTS IN DOOR COUNTY

Check out the top 6 of the best places to have your own kayak adventure along the peninsula

by Kayak Guide Justin

Door County, Wisconsin is a playground for kayakers. The area is full of beautiful waterways and stunning views that can easily be explored by kayak. From Sturgeon Bay to Washington Island, here are the best places to go kayaking in Door County according to a professional guide, naturalist and Door County local.​

  • DIRECTIONS

  • PARKING: $5 launch fee, free parking, park trailers on wood chips, NO parking on launch but loading in/out is ok, many folks use it, kayaks only

  • LAUNCH: beat up, rocky launch, tough in waves, slippery rocks, algae

  • CONDITIONS: Beginner to advanced. Lake Michigan is no joke and wind can shift rapidly at this northeastern Door County location, watch for things to pick up with wind and current after heading out of Garret bay, watch out for northerly wind gusts, if they get over 18mph strong waves will hit quickly, I've had to recue people here before.

  • ROUTE: Choose bluff route, easy to see or head east to Northport. From Garret Bay launch start the tour by checking out a shipwreck called the Fleetwing.  To find, paddle out to the flagpole at the first house on east side of launch about 30 feet from shoreline in about 6 feet of water.  Charge those batteries and bring a camera, it's a beautiful tour. 

  • FOOD: pack or bring food + water with you.  Stop at Pioneer Store in Ellison Bay before paddling and get your coffee fix at Brew Cafe.

  • BONUS: Still got some pep leftover after tour?  Take a beautiful stroll to the top of Door Bluff to look at the water you just traversed from 200ft above for a grand perspective and on a clear day you can see all the coastline of upper peninsula Michigan in the distance.

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