Search "Ocean Shores, WA" and find numerous sites describing the features and accomodations of this tourist/retirement town. If you look at a map, you will immediately see it is surrounded by salt water, but its big secret is Duck Lake, which is actually a series of lakes and many canals that total about twenty-three miles of beautiful, peaceful fresh water paddling. (There is an equal amount of flat roads for bicycling, if you cross-train.)
The city is actually a giant sand dune penninsula between the Pacific Ocean and the N. Bay of Grays Harbor. There are two boat launches and several other great spots to hand-launch. Power boats are no problem. They are mostly fishing or patio boats and surprisingly, rarely come out to play. And the vast majority of those 23 miles are no-wake zones!
Check out the events calendar and you will see that we have a "Paddle Fest" event at the end of each summer. Ever played Paddle Poker? There is a race, too. I've even won medals! (Don't be impressed. I was the only one in my class--women's pedal kayak.)
This is a great place for a family with diverse interests--you can all do your favorite thing. Oh, yeah, there's a casino, too!
_________________ Mary's five Mirages:
Mama's Bouy (first-run Classic)
W.O.W. (the Classic I had to buy for Hubby)
Big Red (my first Outback)
Nautawake (Outback I bought for Hubby)
Nautayachta (Sport for the grandkids)
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