Imagine serenely floating down a slow-moving stream where tall grasses, trees and wildlife abound. The Black River Gate area is the perfect spot for kayaking, paddleboarding and canoeing near Olympia. This beginner-friendly river float works great for all ages who want a fun afternoon on the water in Thurston County.
Where to Float the Black River Near Olympia
The Gate Area of the Black River has two boat launch put-ins, making it easy to do a one-way float with self-shuttling. We started at the Black River Boat Ramp off School Land Rd SW in Rochester and ended at the Oakville #1 Black River Boat Launch.
Getting to this section of the Black River is easy. From either the north or south, take I-5 to exit 88. Head West towards Oakville on US-12. Turn right at Peterson Corner and then left onto School Land Road SW. Turn right into the Black River Boat Ramp.
To get to the Oakville #1 Black River Boat Launch, just continue west on US-12 past Peterson Corner about 2.7 miles. The Boat Launch will be on your left off US-12.
Both boat launches allow for easy put-ins of your kayak, SUP or canoe. However, it’s important to note that neither launch has bathrooms. You will need a Discover Pass to park at both spots.
River Floating Near Olympia: A Day on the Black River
The Gate Area section of the Black River is easy, with no obstructions or need for portaging. However, it can get very shallow in some places, especially later in summer. For this reason, we recommend plastic watercrafts instead of fiberglass. Those with SUPs on the Black River recommend taking off the fin, so it doesn’t scrape the bottom. There were some places where we got out and pulled our crafts through the water due to how shallow it was. Overall, it’s a super easy float down the Black River!
We took a leisurely four hours to complete the section, though if you choose to paddle more than float, you could do it quicker. A nice field owner allows you to stop and rest – it’s a great place to eat that lunch you packed! – just be sure to leave it as you found it and respect the owner’s property so they continue to allow people to break there.
The scenery is lovely, with native wildflowers in the spring, grasses, trees and not too many houses. It gives the float a remote and serene feel. We smelled growing mint at one point! Look for water birds like herons, bald eagles, falcons and more! Migratory birds may be spotted during certain seasons.
The Black River also allows for fishing if you have a fishing license. A couple people in our group caught fish on the way down.
The current is slow, so if you do not have a way to shuttle, you could paddle back upstream to the Black River Boat Ramp, or run the river in reverse if you choose.
Do watch for the large rock formations that span the width of the river – they look (and act!) like speed bumps! Our group wondered if they were natural, or possibly made by Indigenous Peoples who used this river to ferry trading goods. Whatever their purpose or design, they add to the interesting nature of this river float in Thurston County.
If you are looking for a guided trip down the Black River, check out Black River Canoe.
For a day filled with nature and serenity, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding or canoeing near Olympia on the Black River Gate area is a must-do activity in Thurston County. If you have time, stop by Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve before or after. Nearby, the reserve has three walking trails that showcase these mysterious mounds.
For more challenging kayaking in Olympia, check out this section of the Black River.
Learn more about things to do in Thurston County at the Experience Olympia website.
Find more fun activities near Olympia here.
Sponsored
