Recommended lake for some kayak newbies outside of seattle?

Looking to take a couple of new kayakers to introduce them to the sport - hoping for a lake bit outside of the city limits to provide a bit more picturesque scenery while hopefully also catching some fish.

I'm really only familiar with lakes inside of the city limits for the most part - any suggestions?

Much appreciated!

Rattlesnake Lake in North Bend is nice (my local lake) but it can get quite busy on weekends so getting there early is key.

Kevin

Looking to take a couple of new kayakers to introduce them to the sport - hoping for a lake bit outside of the city limits to provide a bit more picturesque scenery while hopefully also catching some fish.

I'm really only familiar with lakes inside of the city limits for the most part - any suggestions?

Much appreciated!

Lake Ballinger in Shoreline is pretty nice. I tested my Pescador Pilot there. Didn't catch any fish but it's seeded with trout just like all the other lakes around here. There's either a beach to launch from or a small boat ramp right next to the parking lot. Its shoreline is dotted with nice homes but there are some picturesque wilderness areas at both ends. There's an uninhabited island in the middle where there are probably some nice bass lurking in the ample lily pads. Never been there on a weekend but I'm sure it's pretty crowded at this time of year.

Rattlesnake sounds interesting, thanks.

Ballinger is far too in-city for my requirements on this trip but I've fished it a few times!

Rattlesnake can get a bit windy and rough so make sure to check the forecasts before going.  Also, there is a point at where the water gets too low to be able to launch easily as the park workers put big boulders at the end of the ramp to prevent people from backing trailers into the muddy area, you can still launch a kayak but is just takes some more work.

Decided we're going to hit Kapowsin for the multi-species grab bag potential. I'll hit rattlesnake by myself to get the lay of the land for future trips - thanks for the tips.

There is also Lake Saint Clair, down south near Yelm and the Nisqually tribal lands. Two boat launches, a lot of fish, a number of islands and channels and bays to explore. No mountain scenery, but it’s still an interesting place because the whole lake is a giant pothole left over from the last Ice Age when a glob of stagnant ice sat there while the rest of the surroundings were getting buried in sand and gravel outwash. Went there earlier this summer, saw deer, eagles, owls, and caught a bunch of panfish.

Lake St Clair Boat Ramp
Rehklau Rd SE
Olympia, WA 98513