So, I'm no kayaking pro, more like a total rookie in the water scene. Being a total newbie, I began…read moreresearching places to rent kayaks. Most places operated on a first-come, first-serve basis, raising concerns about equipment availability on nice days. However, one of the best aspects of renting through REI is the option to reserve equipment for a specific timeslot, providing confidence that it'll be available upon arrival. Enatai's parking situation is generally sufficient, although it can be a bit scarce under the bridge during busier hours. However, with a bit of patience, a parking spot usually opens up. This is something to consider when planning your reservation timing. The staff at Enatai are incredibly sweet and ensure you have everything you need: a dry bag for your belongings, an oar, and a life vest. They assist in bringing the kayak to the water, give you a good push off, and then you're ready to embark on your kayaking adventure. But here's the real scoop on why THIS spot is the ultimate kayaking spot (at least among the REI choices--Meyenbauer is the other one). After cruising around the bay a few times, one of the staff spilled the beans. If you take a left and paddle under the highway bridge, there's this magical little river/creek thing. Lily pads, turtles, dragonflies, ducks, geese--you name it, we saw it. Total hidden gem! If you're thinking about trying out kayaking as a newb like me, you must try this spot!!!!! You will be hooked!

Okay location, great customer service & rental options! Water calm, & lots of fun- Definitely a…read moregreat option for Bellevue Rentals on water:) Paddleboarding, kayaking, & so much more.. Not a ton of Bellevue Opts., but this is my #2 choice for nearby availability:) Try them out, & post what "you" think?

It's a five star ice cream situation. Order through the QR code or walk up to the counter. It's…read morealso the location to pick up your rentals. SUPs, etc. the service was truly friendly and I'm happy I got my ice cream fix. Peace out lovely yelpers. SYOY!

Jane was great! She patiently answered all our questions which was very helpful for a few first…read moretimers in our group. She helped us launch and was there to help receive us when we returned. We had a great and Fun experience with the kayak. The water was very calm and peaceful. We were lucky that it was a great and sunny day.

The BEST thing my teenage son has ever done. SRA is an outstanding rowing club that produces top…read moreathletes who are highly recruited by some of the best colleges in the country. The rowers, coaches, directors, and parents of SRA are an outstanding class of people, and it is an honor to be affiliated with them. I highly recommend SRA to everyone!

I took the "Learn to Row" month long class a few summers ago as an out of shape adult. Turns out I…read morelove to row! The instructor was precise and encouraging, careful to show us good form from the very start. My fellow rowers were enthusiastic, but also a little out of shape middle aged adults. We all had a great time, and often went into Redmond for drinks and munchies after classes. Everyone finished the twice a week class, which is really saying something in a busy summer. Note that you are expected to come a little early and leave later after putting the boats away. Traffic along Lake Sammamish Blvd can be pretty busy heading south in the evenings. The facilities are adequate with a lovely spot along the river that feeds into Lake Sammamish on the north end. They are fund-raising for a beautiful new facility. Until then, the parking lot is a little dark and the walk to the boathouse is a little scary to make alone. I just waited until another class member showed up and walked with them. Make sure you ALWAYS pay for parking, or buy a pass from the city of Redmond. I'm looking forward to taking "Learn to Row II" so I can join the Assoc and take out a skull by myself. Also looking forward to enrolling my kid - she has the perfect body type, and it would be nice to have some sort of hope of a sports scholarship for college. She's not very sporty otherwise.

I took 2 days basic sailing class and it didn't disappoint. We spent most of the time on the water,…read morehad a blast and learnt a lot (you pretty much can go sailing by yourself after taking this class and certification exam).

I took a 2 days sailing - there were not much wind but it I was bit disappointed with the class as…read moreit was cut short by a lot. Next getting the additional two more classes to get certification were really really challenging because of communication challenges. You have to pay all the money upfront and that makes it hard to move onto another club.

Great rental experience today! Waivers were very quick to sign and they were able to get us in the…read morewater within 15-20 minutes of arrival. We went canoeing but tandem kayaks, single seater kayaks, and paddle boards are also available. Would come again for paddle boarding!

Lovely day raking for clams and gathering/shucking oysters at Duckabush River. In partnership with…read morethe Pantry, a community meal including oysters and clams was cooked by expert chefs! I appreciated very much the opportunity to slow down and become aware of the intimate connection with the earth and its creatures. Bruce did a fabulous job of remaining grounded despite all the "plugged in" vibe happening as the sun broke through the clouds. Highly recommend!

Awaken the Hunter with Bruce McGlenn was an incredible experience. Doing it alongside one of my…read moreclosest friends--who I hadn't seen in over five years--made it even more special. Being immersed in the Washington wilderness, learning hands-on skills, and reconnecting to nature and where food truly comes from was powerful. Field dressing and butchering the goat was a real highlight. Eating that same meat throughout the week made the process tangible and meaningful. For me personally, there was an emotional journey in witnessing the taking of a life and honoring it by turning it into food. We were also well fed with amazing meals throughout each day, all prepared by Jim, the chef during the whole experience. I successfully hunted my first squirrel, got in some rifle practice, and was introduced to the basics of tracking. I also connected with others who were on their own journey to learn more about hunting, which added to the sense of shared purpose and depth. Bruce is a deep, present, and grounded teacher. It was a gift to learn from him and to meet his lovely wife and daughter. If you're looking for a real, holistic introduction to hunting, this course delivers.

A beautiful spot if you're looking for a place to sit and look out at the water. But only two,…read moreshort, small docks are available for that purpose. Many people walking dogs. Very few were wearing masks, if you're being Covid-cautious and would like to know this sort of thing. There is a bit of a field where you can enjoy a picnic, but runs along a busy road, with little break in car traffic & noise. The paved path along the outside of the field goes into a neighborhood of houses, and doesn't seem to loop around thr lake itself.

Ir is a beautiful walk. I like it better for summer or fall. In summer you can go for blueberry…read morepicking by the farm, park there, and then walk around the park after crossing the blueberry field. You will pass another lovely farm. I will visit them next time. I like their sunflowers. The view of the Lake is very nice and quiet. But if you keep walking, you'll start hearing cars on 156th. You can easily go a bit further to another neighbor park which is pretty lovely or walk your way back to the 148th where there is a small lake. These two are like a breath in the middle of the city.

Gold Creek Trout Farm in Woodinville, Washington, is a charming, family-owned U-fish trout farm…read morethat delivers an accessible, hands-on fishing experience especially well-suited for beginners, families, and kids. Located at 15844 148th Ave NE (essentially in the front yard of owners Pam and Cecil Thomas), it sits just minutes from Seattle and a short drive from Woodinville's wine country. Because it is private property, no fishing license is required--a major plus that removes a common barrier for casual visitors and families. The setup is straightforward and low-prep. Upon arrival during open hours (primarily weekends, typically 10 a.m.-2 p.m.--always check their calendar page for exact days, special events, or "bring your own gear" dates), the farm supplies simple cane poles, putty-like fish-food bait (not traditional worms or nightcrawlers), buckets, and nets. Staff (including the friendly and knowledgeable owners) offer pointers on baiting the hook and technique, but this is emphatically a do-it-yourself experience: they will not bait hooks for you or remove fish from the hook. You handle those steps yourself (or help your kids do so). This hands-on approach is part of the appeal for many visitors--it teaches basic angling skills in a controlled, success-oriented environment rather than a full guided lesson. There are two main shallow ponds. One is stocked with smaller rainbow trout (roughly 10-16 inches, priced at about $13 and under). The other holds a wider range of fish (10-36 inches), priced according to length with a chart available in the cleaning area. Fish are often cooperative, and many families report catching several in an hour or so, including kids landing their first fish. Larger specimens are visible and catchable with a bit of patience and help from an adult netting the fish properly. Important rule: there is no catch-and-release. What you catch, you keep. Pulling fish out by the line or mishandling them in ways that injure them is discouraged (and can lead to being asked to leave), so using the provided net is essential. The water quality is a standout feature. The ponds are continuously fed by protected spring water (estimated around 5,000 gallons per hour flowing through), so the water never sits stagnant. The farm is a state-certified food-fish supplier, and the trout are safe and tasty to eat--many visitors describe a notably fresh flavor. After fishing, you can have the fish cleaned and bagged for a modest fee (around $0.75 per fish; self-cleaning with your own knife is also an option when available). Bring a cooler with ice to transport your catch home. There is also a feeding area where, for a quarter, you can get fish food and toss it to the trout--a popular activity while waiting for the group or just for fun. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and low-key rather than a high-production commercial attraction. It sits under trees on a quiet hillside, with a covered picnic area available (reservable for parties or groups for a fee, often around $30 for a couple of hours). Picnic tables can be used briefly for snacks. Facilities are basic but functional: a restroom near the entrance gate, accessible parking, and wheelchair accessibility noted by some visitors. Strict rules help keep the place pleasant--no pets, no smoking, pack-it-in/pack-it-out for trash, and respect for the private property. Cash is preferred (cards incur a 3% fee; no Apple Pay or checks). Bags for fish are available for a small charge or bring your own. For families and first-timers, this place shines. Kids as young as toddlers can participate successfully with adult help, and many reviewers highlight the joy of watching children land their first trout and the educational farm-to-table aspect of taking dinner home. Owners Pam and Cecil are frequently praised as kind, helpful with tips, and willing to share a bit of history about the farm if you ask. Birthday parties and school/group bookings are available by appointment (with specific pricing and expectations that groups bring enough helpers for baiting and unhooking). Practical tips from the experience and reviews: Arrive early on open days, as hours are limited. Wear or bring sun protection and water on warmer days. Be prepared to get a little messy (bait and fish handling). Return unused bait and equipment so the farm can reuse it. Check the official calendar before going, as hours and "bring your own gear" days vary seasonally, and some holiday weekends have extended or special rules. If bringing your own gear on permitted days, poles must be checked, hooks must be #6 or smaller (no trebles), and you clean your own fish.

Outstanding experience and so convenient. Kids loved it and the owners were so kind & helpful with…read moretips, and giving my daughter extra support given how well her brother was doing. =) Very reasonable prices too.