Upcoming Events
November River clean up!
Join us on November 1st for a river clean up! We will meet at HeApus Village Park 4750 W Marginal Way for this months clean up event. We will paddle in tandem kayaks to a beach only accessible by boat, clean up and bag up garbage and paddle back to the warehouse.
December River clean up!
Join us on November 1st for a river clean up! We will meet at HeApus Village Park 4750 W Marginal Way for this months clean up event. We will paddle in tandem kayaks to a beach only accessible by boat, clean up and bag up garbage and paddle back to the warehouse.
Martin Luther King Day of Service
Join RAPP as we clean up the banks of the Duwamish River! This will be a day of community building, learning, and connecting the the river and water stewardship. More details coming soon.
Duwamish Alive!
Duwamish Alive! is an annual community cleanup event at Herring House Park/He’apus Village Park in West Seattle.
We’re partnering with Puget Soundkeeper Alliance to offer two kayak cleanup shifts, each with 20 spots available. Sign up for a kayak spot to paddle on the Duwamish River, participate in the cleanup, and learn about the river’s history, marine habitat, and ecological and cultural importance.
Two kayak shifts will be offered with 20 spots each:
All supplies and snacks will be provided. More information as to what to expect will be sent a 2-3 days in advance of the event! Note, kayakers will also need to sign the RAPP Waiver on the day of the event, or prior through this link.
Spots are limited, so if you’re no longer able to attend, please email Tanya (tanyab@pugetsoundkeeper.org), our Stewardship and Education Manager, in advance so we can give your spot to someone on the waitlist.
Seattles "Lost" Potters Field Paddle
Learn Duwamish River spooky history with Invisible Histories!
Join a guided kayak tour and learn the challenges and mysteries surrounding the burial space for 3,260 people on the banks of the Duwamish River from 1876-1912.
Paddle from South Park to Georgetown and back, learning about local tales of murder, misplaced cremains, misfortunes along the river, and more! RSVP Here
More info about Seattle’s “lost” Potters Field here: www.invisible-histories.com
All About Salmon!
Come out on the Duwamish River and learn all about the salmon in our area! We will have a guest speaker and then paddle for 60-90 minutes. All levels welcome. RSVP here
Pollution Reporting Educational Paddle
Come out and learn about how to spot and report pollution and dumping along the Duwamish River. We will have a guest speaker from Puget Sound keepers along to help teach and talk about the process of pollution reporting. RSVP HERE
First Timers Paddle
This is a special event for folks who are curious about kayaking and/or being on the Duwamish river. We will do a safety talk and help guide you through an easy and fun first trip. RSVP Here
BIPOC Paddle
This event is for folks who identify as BIPOC and allies to come and spend time on the water together. RSVP Here
Pride Paddle
Join us for pride paddle! Come and join the LGBTQIA2s community to learn, clean, and care for the waterways. This event is open to all individuals with a focus on water access for the LGBTQIA2s community.RSVP here!
Orcas Educational Paddle
Come and learn about the orca whales and the waterways with RAPP. We will have a guest speaker and about 90 minutes on the water. RSVP Here
Multi-generational Educational Paddle
Join us for an educational paddle event focused on bringing out families of all shapes and structures to share the experience of kayaking together. With accessibility for all as a focus we want you to bring your family (chosen, bio, and otherwise) out to learn with us. All ages and skill levels welcome! RSVP Here!
May River clean up!
The River Access Paddle Program (RAPP!) is working towards a long-term community goal to promote the Duwamish River as a safe and accessible place to get exercise, build community connections, and share information about the history and environment of Seattle’s only river. We are working with Duwamish River communities to create more access and awareness opportunities on The Duwamish River and the Salish Sea. Through a 2025 Duwamish River Opportunity Fund grant we are able to offer free programs to the public, encouraging health and education around the Duwamish River.
We'll be kayaking to areas only accessible from the water to remove garbage from the shoreline. We'll be visiting the areas around the He?apus Village site, Kellogg Island, and ecological restoration sites in the area. To date we have removed hundred of pounds of trash from the river with the help of our amazing volunteers like you. We’ll provide the kayaks, personal flotation devices and cleaning supplies free for who RSVP. This event is completely free to attend. If you have your own kayak and PFD you may join us on the river. Please still sign the waiver. All are welcomed. Time on the water will be about 90 minutes-2.5 hours.
Please use this form to RSVP. Participants must be at least 12 years old and be accompanied by an adult. You will be contacted 72 hours before the event with directions of where to meet, park and what to bring.
No experience necessary.
First come first serve. We only have kayaks for 40 people (2 per kayak). Once an event fills up, you may be added to the waitlist.
This project is funded in part by the Duwamish River Opportunity Fund (DROF) award from the City of Seattle.
Duwamish Alive!
Duwamish Alive! is an annual in-person and on-water kayak community cleanup event. We will host two kayak cleanups between 10-2pm, visiting the areas around the He?apus Village site, Kellogg Island, and ecological restoration sites in the area. Time on the water will be about 60 minutes-1.5 hours overall.
This event is in partnership with the Legacy Debris Cleanup and Duwamish Alive Coalition.
April River clean up!
The River Access Paddle Program (RAPP!) is working towards a long-term community goal to promote the Duwamish River as a safe and accessible place to get exercise, build community connections, and share information about the history and environment of Seattle’s only river. We are working with Duwamish River communities to create more access and awareness opportunities on The Duwamish River and the Salish Sea. Through a 2025 Duwamish River Opportunity Fund grant we are able to offer free programs to the public, encouraging health and education around the Duwamish River.
We'll be kayaking to areas only accessible from the water to remove garbage from the shoreline. We'll be visiting the areas around the He?apus Village site, Kellogg Island, and ecological restoration sites in the area. To date we have removed hundred of pounds of trash from the river with the help of our amazing volunteers like you. We’ll provide the kayaks, personal flotation devices and cleaning supplies free for who RSVP. This event is completely free to attend. If you have your own kayak and PFD you may join us on the river. Please still sign the waiver. All are welcomed. Time on the water will be about 90 minutes-2.5 hours.
Please use this form to RSVP. Participants must be at least 12 years old and be accompanied by an adult. You will be contacted 72 hours before the event with directions of where to meet, park and what to bring.
No experience necessary.
First come first serve. We only have kayaks for 40 people (2 per kayak). Once an event fills up, you may be added to the waitlist.
This project is funded in part by the Duwamish River Opportunity Fund (DROF) award from the City of Seattle.
Kayak Guide Training (Day 2)
River Access Paddle Program (RAPP!) seeks to form a licensed and insured water-based tour guiding program or business that’s cooperatively run for and by people who live, work and visit the Duwamish Valley. You will help to provide affordable, safe and accessible water-based paddling tours of the Duwamish River. Our goal is to promote the Duwamish River as a safe and accessible place to get exercise, build community connections, and learn about the history and environment of Seattle’s only river.
In 2025, we are able to recruit and train 10 adult guides (with a focus on BIPOC participants) to complete a 2-day professional kayak river guide training. You will learn about cold water safety, paddle sport guide leadership, historically accurate information, and current impacts on the Salish Sea and Duwamish Waterway. Trainees will receive a $200 stipend after completing the training.
People who successfully complete the guide safety training this year will also receive paid opportunities to host your own community events, garbage pickup events and guided tours happening throughout 2025. We ask that you commit to at least 3 guided tours in 2025. Additional paid guiding work for school and community groups will be available. We look forward to seeing you on the river!
We ask that you commit to at least 3 guided tours in 2025. Increase of pay available as you guide more!
Please use this form to apply for the professional river guide training.
Due to space limitations we can't guarantee that all applicants will be selected for this first round of guide training in March.
We will contact applicants for a short phone interview, and may ask to contact references.
Selected trainees will be contacted by February 10, 2025.
This project is funded in part by the Duwamish River Opportunity Fund (DROF) award from the City of Seattle.
Kayak Guide Training (Day 1 of 2)
River Access Paddle Program (RAPP!) seeks to form a licensed and insured water-based tour guiding program or business that’s cooperatively run for and by people who live, work and visit the Duwamish Valley. You will help to provide affordable, safe and accessible water-based paddling tours of the Duwamish River. Our goal is to promote the Duwamish River as a safe and accessible place to get exercise, build community connections, and learn about the history and environment of Seattle’s only river.
In 2025, we are able to recruit and train 10 adult guides (with a focus on BIPOC participants) to complete a 2-day professional kayak river guide training. You will learn about cold water safety, paddle sport guide leadership, historically accurate information, and current impacts on the Salish Sea and Duwamish Waterway. Trainees will receive a $200 stipend after completing the training.
People who successfully complete the guide safety training this year will also receive paid opportunities to host your own community events, garbage pickup events and guided tours happening throughout 2025. We ask that you commit to at least 3 guided tours in 2025. Additional paid guiding work for school and community groups will be available. We look forward to seeing you on the river!
We ask that you commit to at least 3 guided tours in 2025. Increase of pay available as you guide more!
Please use this form to apply for the professional river guide training.
Due to space limitations we can't guarantee that all applicants will be selected for this first round of guide training in March.
We will contact applicants for a short phone interview, and may ask to contact references.
Selected trainees will be contacted by February 10, 2025.
This project is funded in part by the Duwamish River Opportunity Fund (DROF) award from the City of Seattle.
March River clean up!
The River Access Paddle Program (RAPP!) is working towards a long-term community goal to promote the Duwamish River as a safe and accessible place to get exercise, build community connections, and share information about the history and environment of Seattle’s only river. We are working with Duwamish River communities to create more access and awareness opportunities on The Duwamish River and the Salish Sea. Through a 2025 Duwamish River Opportunity Fund grant we are able to offer free programs to the public, encouraging health and education around the Duwamish River.
We'll be kayaking to areas only accessible from the water to remove garbage from the shoreline. We'll be visiting the areas around the He?apus Village site, Kellogg Island, and ecological restoration sites in the area. To date we have removed hundred of pounds of trash from the river with the help of our amazing volunteers like you. We’ll provide the kayaks, personal flotation devices and cleaning supplies free for who RSVP. This event is completely free to attend. If you have your own kayak and PFD you may join us on the river. Please still sign the waiver. All are welcomed. Time on the water will be about 90 minutes-2.5 hours.
Please use this form to RSVP. Participants must be at least 12 years old and be accompanied by an adult. You will be contacted 72 hours before the event with directions of where to meet, park and what to bring.
No experience necessary.
First come first serve. We only have kayaks for 40 people (2 per kayak). Once an event fills up, you may be added to the waitlist.
This project is funded in part by the Duwamish River Opportunity Fund (DROF) award from the City of Seattle.
February River clean up!
The River Access Paddle Program (RAPP!) is working towards a long-term community goal to promote the Duwamish River as a safe and accessible place to get exercise, build community connections, and share information about the history and environment of Seattle’s only river. We are working with Duwamish River communities to create more access and awareness opportunities on The Duwamish River and the Salish Sea. Through a 2025 Duwamish River Opportunity Fund grant we are able to offer free programs to the public, encouraging health and education around the Duwamish River.
We'll be kayaking to areas only accessible from the water to remove garbage from the shoreline. We'll be visiting the areas around the He?apus Village site, Kellogg Island, and ecological restoration sites in the area. To date we have removed hundred of pounds of trash from the river with the help of our amazing volunteers like you. We’ll provide the kayaks, personal flotation devices and cleaning supplies free for who RSVP. This event is completely free to attend. If you have your own kayak and PFD you may join us on the river. Please still sign the waiver. All are welcomed. Time on the water will be about 90 minutes-2.5 hours.
Please use this form to RSVP. Participants must be at least 12 years old and be accompanied by an adult. You will be contacted 72 hours before the event with directions of where to meet, park and what to bring.
No experience necessary.
First come first serve. We only have kayaks for 40 people (2 per kayak). Once an event fills up, you may be added to the waitlist.
This project is funded in part by the Duwamish River Opportunity Fund (DROF) award from the City of Seattle.
Duwamish Alive
Duwamish Alive! is an annual community cleanup event at Herring House Park/He'apus Village Park in West Seattle. RAPP is partnering with Puget Soundkeeper to offer two kayak cleanup shifts, each with 16 spots available. Sign up for a kayak spot to paddle on the Duwamish River, participate in the cleanup, and learn about the river's history, marine habitat, and ecological and cultural importance.
Our two kayak shifts run from 10:30am–12:00pm and 12:30–2:00pm, respectively. Time on the water will be about 60 minutes (total of 1.5 hours).
Public Tour
Join us on the Duwamish River to learn about the history, marine habitat and environmental impact of Seattle’s only fresh waster river. Kayak to areas only accessible from the water on this tour and visiting Kellogg Island, and other ecological restoration sites within the area. This tour is completely free of charge for all community members.
No experience necessary. All equipment including PFD's and tandem Kayaks will be provided. Time on the water will be about 1.5 hours. You are also welcome to bring your own Kayak, paddleboard ect. All participants must sign the waiver. Participants must be at least 12 years old and be accompanied by an adult.
Motor Boat Guide Training
River Access Paddle Program (RAPP!) seeks to form a licensed and insured water-based tour guiding program or business that’s cooperatively run for and by people who live, work and visit the Duwamish Valley. As a guide you will help to provide affordable, safe and accessible water-based paddling tours of the Duwamish River. Our goal is to promote the Duwamish River as a safe and accessible place to get exercise, build community connections, and learn about the history and environment of Seattle’s only river.
In 2024, we are able to recruit and train 20 adult guides (with a focus on BIPOC participants) to complete a 2-day professional river guide training or a 1-day motor boat guide training. You will learn about cold water safety, paddle sport guide leadership, historically accurate information, and current impacts on the Salish Sea and Duwamish Waterway. You will also learn how to operate a powerboat on the Duwamish River and prepare for your WA State Captain’s License if you choose to attend the motor boat training. Trainees will receive a $200 stipend after completing the training.
People who successfully complete the guide safety training this year will also receive paid opportunities to host your own community events, garbage pickup events and guided tours happening throughout 2024. Additional paid guiding work for school and community groups will be available.
Upper Duwamish Kayak Cleanup Day 2
This is the 2nd day of Soundkeeper's 2nd Salmon & Legacy Debris Project event of 2024. Learn more about Salmon & Legacy Debris, here.
Soundkeeper is partnering with the River Access Paddle Program to offer kayaks for the cleanup, with 25 spots available. Sign up for a kayak spot to help remove a legacy of large debris that has accumulated in the upper Duwamish River.
This event is day two of our cleanup at Codiga Park. We'll meet at 10:00am at Codiga Park to finish the removal of any remaining surface debris during the float downstream 1.6 miles to our take-out at Duwamish Gardens Park.
Upper Duwamish Kayak Cleanup Day 1
This is the first day of Soundkeeper's second Salmon & Legacy Debris Project event of 2024. Learn more about Salmon & Legacy Debris, here.
Soundkeeper is partnering with River Access Paddle Program to offer kayaks for the cleanup, with 25 spots available. Sign up for a kayak spot to help remove a legacy of large debris that has accumulated in the upper Duwamish River below. This will be the first day of a two-day cleanup.
This kayak and boat-supported cleanup will work to clean up legacy debris in the river at a section of river near 50th Place South in Tukwila.
We'll meet on at 9:00 AM on Day 1 and kayak approximately .25 miles downriver to the cleanup site, where we will remove surface debris during low tide (prepare to get muddy and messy!). Take-out and debris removal location will be Duwamish Gardens Park.
Public Sunset Tour
We'll be kayaking to areas only accessible from the water on this sunset tour. We'll be visiting the areas around He?apus Village, Kellogg Island, and other ecological restoration sites within the area.
No experience necessary. All equipment including PFD's and tandem Kayaks will be provided. Time on the water will be about 1.5 hours - 2.5 hours. You are also welcome to bring your own Kayak, paddleboard ect. All participants must sign the waiver. Participants must be at least 12 years old and be accompanied by an adult.
Salmon & Legacy Debris Day Camp
Join Puget Soundkeeper for a free, one-day-only intergenerational summer camp! Come explore the connections between salmon, stormwater, and tires with Puget Soundkeeper and Heron's Nest.
Some things to look forward to: exploring examples of green stormwater infrastructure; experimenting with DIY stormwater filters; learning about the natural and industrial history of the Duwamish River; and learning to navigate by scent, just like a migrating salmon! Rumor has it we may be making edible Grattix boxes as an afternoon snack!
If this sounds like your idea of fun, please fill out the interest form below. Puget Soundkeeper staff will be in touch shortly to confirm your registration.
Public Tour
We'll be kayaking to areas only accessible from the water. We'll be visiting the areas around He?apus Village, Kellogg Island, and other ecological restoration sites within the area.
No experience necessary. All equipment including PFD's and tandem Kayaks will be provided. Time on the water will be about 1.5 hours - 2.5 hours. All participants must sign the waiver. Participants must be at least 12 years old and be accompanied by an adult.
Pride Month - Duwamish River Cleanup
The River Access Paddle Program (RAPP!) works towards promoting the Duwamish River as a safe and accessible place to get exercise for all. RAPP also work with several Duwamish River organizations to create more accessibility, education and awareness of the Duwamish River and the Salish Sea. Thankfully, with the 2024 Duwamish River Opportunity Fund grant RAPP is able to offer these free programs to the public to encouraging health and education around Seattle’s only river. To date RAAP has removed thousands of pounds of trash from the river with the help of amazing volunteers like you.
Celebrate Pride Month on the Duwamish River! We'll be kayaking to areas only accessible from the water to remove garbage from the shoreline. We'll be visiting the areas around the He?apus Village site, Kellogg Island, and ecological restoration sites within the area. Time on the water will be about 90 minutes-2.5 hours.
This event is completely free to attend. All participants will be provided with a sit on top tandem kayak, a personal flotation devices and cleaning supplies. You are also welcome to bring your own Kayak, paddleboard ect, please still sign the waiver.
Guide Training
River Access Paddle Program (RAPP!) seeks to form a licensed and insured water-based tour guiding program or business that’s cooperatively run for and by people who live, work and visit the Duwamish Valley. You will help to provide affordable, safe and accessible water-based paddling tours of the Duwamish River. Our goal is to promote the Duwamish River as a safe and accessible place to get exercise, build community connections, and learn about the history and environment of Seattle’s only river.
In 2024, we are able to recruit and train 20 adult guides (with a focus on BIPOC participants) to complete a 2-day professional river guide training or a 1-day motor boat guide training. You will learn about cold water safety, paddle sport guide leadership, historically accurate information, and current impacts on the Salish Sea and Duwamish Waterway. Trainees will receive a $200 stipend after completing the training.
People who successfully complete the guide safety training this year will also receive paid opportunities to host your own community events, garbage pickup events and guided tours happening throughout 2024. Additional paid guiding work for school and community groups will be available.