Lake Shannon Sea Kayaking

Lake Shannon provides an excellent alternative to the much busier Baker Lake to the north.

Located directly downriver of Baker Lake, Lake Shannon was created in 1925 with the construction of the Lower Baker Dam. The nearby town earned its name from the many lime deposits found around the mouth of the Baker River that were used to process cement in the town's cement plant. Today, the Lower Baker Dam produces 79 megawatts of power for the Puget Sound Energy company, which in turn allows free access to Lake Shannon.

Directly west of the boat launch is backcountry campsite at the base of a ravine. Continuing northbound, the lake narrows to a small channel. The Bear Creek inlet sits to the northwest of the channel. Further up the lake a series of maze-like reeds can provide a unique exploratory detour, or they can be avoided altogether by following the eastern shore. The current from the outflow of the Upper Baker Dam begins to be noticeable and can become quite swift near Rocky Creek, requiring furious paddling just to maintain position.