Best Places in Reno to Kayak
Home to crystal clear waters, peaceful mountain lakes and rushing whitewater, Reno is a favorite destination for kayakers. From the Truckee River and Lake Tahoe to secluded dessert oases, northern Nevada is not short on water. Enjoy world-class outdoor experiences only Reno can offer.
Where to Kayak in Reno
Test your strength, patience and sense of adventure with these thrilling kayaking destinations in and around Reno.
Truckee River Whitewater Park
Reno, NV
For adrenaline pumping excitement, look no farther than downtown Reno and The Truckee River Whitewater Park. It backs a punch with 11 drop pools and dynamic features for kayakers to surf, cartwheel, spoof, splat, spin and slalom. The park covers one-half miles with 7,000 tons of smooth flat-top rocks and boulders and is a class 2 to 3 course.
Lake Tahoe
California & Nevada
Lake Tahoe is a large and popular freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It straddles the border between California and Nevada and is as well known for its beaches and coves as its many ski resorts. It has 72 miles of shoreline for kayakers to explore and 20 public launch sites. Favorite kayaking destinations on the lake include Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, Zephyr Cove, Kings Beach and D.L. Bliss State Park. More advanced kayakers who really want to explore the lake should consider the 72-mile Lake Tahoe Water Trail.
Tamarack Bay on Pyramid Lake
Reno, NV
If you are looking to escape the sometimes-crowded beaches of Lake Tahoe, consider Tamarack Bay on Pyramid Lake. This beach is an isolated and awe-inspiring oasis in the middle of the Basis and Range desert. It is the last remnant of a vast inland lake that once stretched across Oregon, Idaho, California, and Nevada. Today it still covers 125,000 acres and is surrounded by unusual rock formations leading to it being called North America’s most beautiful desert lake.
Washoe Lake
Carson City, NV
Just south of Reno, in a scenic valley is Washoe Lake State Park. This hidden gem offers breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada, Carson and Virginia mountain ranges and a large, shallow lake to explore. While cruising the waters and enjoying the stunning views of the big sand dunes and the backside of Slide Mountain, keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife that includes Nevada’s iconic wild horses, countless songbirds, hawks and more.
Prosser Boca Reservoir
Truckee, NV
Prosser Reservoir is a beautiful lake in the Tahoe National Forest. It is located about ten minutes north of Truckee and 45 minutes from Reno. Its sprawling shoreline makes it a popular destination for kayaking and canoeing, as well as the fact that motorized boats are restricted to 10mph. It also offers ample wildlife spotting and excellent fishing.
Shop Kayak Racks Online with Shipping to Nevada
Keep your kayak high and dry with Log Kayak Rack and our beautiful, practical kayak storage racks. Made from cedar logs, they’ll keep your kayaks, canoes, SUP and surfboards neat and orderly, providing stunning storage for shorelines, cabins, beachfronts, backyards, cities, parks, campgrounds and more. Shop any of our kayak and canoe racks online now and enjoy free shipping to Reno or contact us for a custom design.