Kayaking around Washington

“So lovely was the loneliness of a wild lake.” —Edgar Allan Poe

There are many ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Washington and the surrounding areas. For those who have a kayak, there’s an added benefit: the tranquility of paddling on a peaceful lake. Residents of Washington who kayak have favorite spots. Some are in town, and some nearby. Here are ones that are on top of the list.

October Mountain Lake – This lovely lake was created in recent times. Previously, a road existed on land that is now under water. It’s a quiet spot; no motorboats are permitted here. In fact, you’re more likely to see wildlife than people, particularly on a weekday.

You can get there by way of West Branch Road, off of Washington Mountain Road. Follow West Branch past Four Corners. Take your first left, and at the end of this road you’ll see a place to park. You’ll have to carry your kayak a short distance to the launching spot.

To the right of the launch parking, there’s a picnic area. You’ll find picnic tables, grills, and a spot along the shore that’s just right for a lawn chair and a good book. This is one part of the State Forest where large trees were cleared recently, so the picnic area still looks a bit bare. It’s not noticeable when you’re kayaking though, and it’s a great place to enjoy nature.

Schoolhouse Reservoir – This tucked away body of water in October Mountain State Forest was created in the 1980s from a shallow valley of forest and wetlands. It’s my favorite getaway place of nature. It’s quiet, lovely, and I’ve never seen another person anytime I’ve paddled there. I’ve spotted beavers and deer, and they seemed very surprised to see me. The alcoves at the far end of the lake are fun to explore, and in a year when we’ve had enough rain, you might be able to make your way into one of the creeks that feed the lake.

To get to Schoolhouse Reservoir, take County Road (past the Dreamaway Lodge), and when you get to a fork in the road, take a left. When you see a closed metal gate on your left, you’re there. You’ll have to carry your kayak about 100 yards to the lake, but it’s worth the trek.

Buckley Dunton Lake – This 150-acre lake is in Becket, and can be accessed by a dirt road off of Yokum Pond Road. The entrance is directly across from the intersection with Leonhardt Road”. There’s parking near a boat launch, so it’s easy to get in the water. From the launch site, head to the right and you’ll start your journey along the most pristine, undisturbed section of the lake. You’ll want to keep your eyes open for beavers. You’re likely to see ducks and geese, as there’s a nesting area on the lake. Near the end of the paddle, in a long narrow finger of the lake, there are a handful of summer homes. Following the shoreline, it’s about a 1 ½ hour leisurely kayak journey.

This is a favorite paddle of Washington resident David Ellis though he notes that it can get choppy when it’s windy. He likes fishing there, enjoys the trails along the shoreline, and appreciates that there are a few picnic tables where he can sit with friends. Michele Beemer notes that you can pick blueberries along the shoreline right from your kayak.

Center Pond –This lake is available for kayakers with a Becket Beach Pass. If you do, kayaking, swimming, and beach lounging are great ways spend a day. The lake is dotted with houses and summer camps. I like to play my favorite lake game on Center Pond. It’s called “Which house would I pick to live in?”I paddled the lake one early Fourth of July morning when the kids at the summer camps were just waking up. I saw a dozen or so flags raised and heard the national anthem played three times. There’s joyful activity on this lake, so it’s a great paddle if you prefer being around civilization more than remote spots.

Center Pond is accessible by taking Mecum Way in Becket; if you are headed south from Washington on Route 8, it’s the first right turn after Camp Greylock and it’s before you get to Wade Inn Road.

Upper Goose Pond – Even though it’s a bit farther from Washington, I have to write about Upper Goose Pond. It’s an enjoyable kayak ride, and it’s also a great place to swim. Upper Goose Pond is connected to Lower Goose Pond by a narrow passageway. You can’t park close to Upper Goose Pond; parking is all the way at the other end of Lower Goose Pond, so on this kayak adventure, you’ll see the populated lake shores of Lower Goose, and the natural, pristine Upper Goose. It’s a great place to spend a day.

Washington kayakers have stories to tell about good times they’ve had on this lake. There’ve been many eagle sightings. There’s a favorite large rock on the shores of Upper Goose that’s perfect for picnics. My husband, Kent, and I went with Washingtonian friends for a picnic one gorgeous morning. On our way back, just as we entered Lower Goose Pond, the day became stormy, the winds were strong, and the waters were choppy. It was a daunting, but invigorating experience. By the time we arrived at the landing area, the sun had come out and the water was quiet…. As if it had never happened. One time, Will and Michele Beemer were in their double kayak paddling through the narrow waters between the two ponds, and a squirrel leapt from one shore into their kayak, and then to the other side.

The lake is on the border of Lee and Tyringham. Take Route 20 from Becket towards Lee. Before you get to the outlets, make a left onto Forest Street. Make a left on Ridge Street, and you’ll be able to park and launch your kayak into Lower Goose Pond.

“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.” —Loren Eiseley