Washington D.C. Kayaking

Washington D.C. Kayaking Itinerary:

• Optional night before: Arrival and Check-In

  Arrive at the Comfort Inn no earlier than 2 p.m. and in time to get a good night’s rest before our paddling adventure begins in the morning. If you opt to stay in the hotel for an additional fee (see “Price”), your hotel is paid for tonight but dinner is on your own. There are many restaurants near your hotel. Remember to rest up, and the guides will meet you in the lobby tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. to begin your adventure.

• Day 1 - Washington D.C.

  Your trip begins today in Herndon, VA.  Your guide will meet you at the hotel to start the day today at 9 a.m.  After a brief welcome and orientation, we’ll set out to paddle through the heart of the nation’s capitol past the famous sites, monuments and bridges of Washington, D.C. We paddle first across the river to the tidal basin and then past the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials as well as the Lee mansion, Arlington Cemetery, Memorial Bridge, Key Bridge, the boat houses of the venerable Washington Canoe Club and the Three Sister Islands. Our stops will include Roosevelt Island, where we hike around this historical 88 acre site. After paddling today, guests are free to go to dinner (dinner tonight is on your own). Those guests staying at the hotel will return to the hotel this evening.  Kayaking: 8-10 nautical miles; Meals provided: Lunch.

• Day 2 - The Seneca Breaks & Great Falls

  Meeting again in the hotel lobby today, we’ll travel together and launch from the boat ramp at beautiful Algonkian Park 15 minutes from the hotel.  We cruise down river past a couple of small islands for 1.5 miles until we reach the Seneca Breaks. Depending on water levels we will choose a route, likely one with fun and easy Class I rapids and great scenery. This section of the river is all wilderness with birds and otters, raccoons, deer, and more. We’ll stop at an island for lunch and then work our way through the rock gardens and riffles to our take out at Riverbend Park.  After we reach the take out we’ll hike the Billy Goat Trail to the spectacular canyon and amazing views of Great Falls. Expect to have said our goodbyes and be ready to head to the airport by 5 p.m. It is recommended that you not schedule any flights to depart prior to 8 p.m. this evening. Guests staying in the hotel will not have reservations for this evening as part of the optional hotel cost, so plan to reserve any additional nights on your own. Dinner tonight is likewise on your own.  Kayaking: moving water paddling for 3-5 hours; Meals provided: Lunch.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.  The final paddling route is left up to the discretion of the guides, and is based upon trip member’s skill and weather conditions. This trip is operated rain or shine.

Professional instruction and guiding, meals as noted in the daily itinerary, single kayaks (doubles are available with advance notice) including all kayaking equipment.

Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; 2 nights hotel accommodation (optional); park entrance fees where required; insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature. Guests staying at the hotel can enjoy a free continental breakfast each morning. Guides will offer suggestions for dining within driving distance of the hotel, where there are a number of restaurants. The group may or may not travel to dinner together at the end of the day. Breakfast and dinner costs are not included in the trip cost.

This trip is rated Moderate (3) as we plan to kayak 4-6 hours per day in calm to moderately rough conditions on moving water.  To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least three months prior to your departure.  Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level.

Daytime temperatures usually range between 60 - 85 F, with evening temperatures dropping to 50s - 60s. You may encounter cool and rainy conditions, including fog and wind. Rain is a possibility so adequate raingear is important.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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