Commencement Bay is a large, sheltered bay on Puget Sound adjacent to Tacoma, Washington, offering protected saltwater paddling with views of Mount Rainier, the Cascade Foothills, and the Olympic Mountains. It is a major commercial port and shipping channel, making awareness of other watercraft the paramount safety consideration. Paddlers must watch for large ships, tugboats, and general boat traffic, especially when crossing the northwest end of the bay where a 2-nautical-mile open crossing is part of a common loop route. For that crossing, contacting Vessel Traffic Control via VHF radio before proceeding is recommended. The bay's character blends heavy industrial activity, including cargo terminals and a chemical plant, with restored natural shoreline and scenic urban waterfronts.

Numerous public access points provide launch and take-out options, including Browns Point Lighthouse Park, Dash Point State Park, Dick Gilmur Memorial Shoreline, Jack Hyde Park, Judge Jack Tanner Park, Thea's Park, Foss Waterway Park, and Owen Beach in Point Defiance Park. The Thea Foss Waterway, a 1.5 to 3.5-mile long inlet, offers particularly calm, glassy water for beginners with direct access to the bay. Paddling is a year-round activity, though conditions can require intermediate to advanced skills; a typical full bay loop is approximately 7 to 12 nautical miles and involves open water. Tidal currents are a factor, with flood currents noted in the northern part of the bay, and paddlers should plan their timing accordingly. Water temperatures are cold year-round, necessitating appropriate immersion gear such as dry suits or wetsuits.

Wildlife sightings can include harbor seals, bald eagles, and occasionally orcas or humpback whales. Facilities vary by launch site, with some offering parking, ADA-accessible paths, and specific kayak launch structures. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are seasonally available from vendors at Owen Beach, along Ruston Way, and at Foss Harbor Marina on the Thea Foss Waterway.