Kayaking

[hrewer]

I'm dreaming of camping near a sweet lake for kayaking. Does anyone have a favorite they could tell me about?

[JeffreyG]

Sure, We love Lake Superior along the eastern coast, Lake Superior Provincial Park.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jngirb...57700636990145

[hrewer]

That looks fabulous!

[gbaglo]

I prefer a smaller lake. And a canoe.

[dunnet]

Arrow Lakes, BC

[HABBERDABBER]

Originally Posted by JeffreyG

Sure, We love Lake Superior along the eastern coast, Lake Superior Provincial Park.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jngirb...57700636990145

I'm familiar with the put-in spot. Warm memories of that spot, and tales to tell, someday.


Edit:

Of course it is, as I've looked closer at your link and map.

[rmitch]

Try Saddlebag Lake off Tioga pass road. Just outside Yosemite National Park. At over 10,000 feet a summertime visit. For year round Morro Bay would be a great option. Both within a days drive.

[Rossue]

Here is Morro Bay's back bay, accessible from several places. Bird Santuary too.

Also- Convict Lake near Mammoth Lakes, CA is awesome and easily accessible.

[JeffreyG]

Originally Posted by HABBERDABBER

I'm familiar with the put-in spot. Warm memories of that spot, and tales to tell, someday.


Edit:

Of course it is, as I've looked closer at your link and map.

2018 was the first time we tried that coast in boats, so we made a short trip, just 5 nights and all easy paddles. The reason I suggested the area as a favorite is because the majority of backcountry paddlers in LSPP are on the inland waterways. You can easily go 5-6 days on the Superior coast without seeing another human. Unless you see the 42 meter C.G. patrol.

This summer we'll be back to Isle Royale for 12 nights. Going to round the eastern tip if the weather allows, then explore 5 fingers.

And if the border opens we are thinking to try a 7 night trip along French River and into Lake Huron. Never been there.

[Centex]

Originally Posted by JeffreyG

Sure, We love Lake Superior along the eastern coast, Lake Superior Provincial Park.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jngirb...57700636990145

Thanks for sharing that link .... even if not into kayaking it's great to see a bunch of folks (and canine companions ) obviously having some great times enjoying the outdoors in great scenery.

[h2owmn]

Nevada Beach Campground, southeastern shore of Lake Tahoe

Lake Solano County Park (currently closed, likely opening later Spring) near Winters, Ca. Lots of overwintering birds.

[UncleTim]

You know there are sooooo many!

Really my first question is; what do you like.

I'll answer for me.
1. Boundary Waters, MN
2. Priest Lake, ID
3. Payette Lake, McCall ID
4. Jenny Lake, G.T.N.P.
5. The Florida Keys. FL
6. Anything in WI along the Michigan border.
7. The entire state of Michigan.
8. James Lake, Ludington, MI
7. The Pine River (not a lake), MI
8. The Green River at Flaming Gorge (bring your A game, again, not a river).
9. James Lake, Pokegon IN
10 Lake Mcconaughy NE (Yes Nebraska).
11. Pinedale Reservoir, Loveland CO
12. The Salmon River system, ID. (WATCH OUT)!!!
13. Freemont Lake, Pinedale WY
14. Brooks Lake, WY (Bonus). Don't tell anyone I told you about this one.
15. The Payette River, ID. Continuous Class V and VI rapids, with the killer hydraulics, every quarter mile. Don't even think about it! Class VI = mandatory portage.

This is just a glimmer of the places around. These are all good and there are LOTS more, like Grand Lake (R.M.N.P.), Shadow Mtn. Reservoir or Lake San Cristobal (San Juan Mtns.) in Colorado.

What kind of kayak? Solid or inflatable?

Skill level is important?!?!!!
Thermal protection - mandatory.
Cranial protection - mandatory.
Ability to flip upright on demand, Oh Yeah!
First aid, experience, lunch, bla, bla, bla.

[hrewer]

These all look great. I better get busy!

[brroberts]

Small, but clear, lots of islands and wildlife: Boya Lake Provincial Park.

[Mike G]

Originally Posted by UncleTim

6. Anything in WI along the Michigan border.
7. The entire state of Michigan.
8. James Lake, Ludington, MI
7. The Pine River (not a lake), MI
.

I have to ask, which Pine River? Michigan has several! If by chance you refer to the Pine River in the vicinity of Alma, I had a great time canoeing it with a bunch of Royal Rangers scouts (I was a leader in the group back in the late '80s). Also canoed the Rifle River near AuGres. Michigan does have an abundance of rivers and lakes worth exploring by kayak. I was thinking I'd do the south branch of the AuSable last year, starting around Roscommon, but then we didn't go anywhere.


Pictured Rocks east of Munising is a kayaker's dream. But Lake Superior water is really, really cold so proper precautions (neoprene perhaps?) are necessary IMO.

[JeffreyG]

Originally Posted by Mike G

I have to ask, which Pine River? Michigan has several! If by chance you refer to the Pine River in the vicinity of Alma, I had a great time canoeing it with a bunch of Royal Rangers scouts (I was a leader in the group back in the late '80s). Also canoed the Rifle River near AuGres. Michigan does have an abundance of rivers and lakes worth exploring by kayak. I was thinking I'd do the south branch of the AuSable last year, starting around Roscommon, but then we didn't go anywhere.

We had plans to spend 2 weeks on Isle Royale last summer, but it was all cancelled by the Pandemic. So we used the same two weeks to run the Montreal, Black, Presque Isle and Ontonagon rivers in the UP, and then we ran the Pine and White rivers in the Manisitee SF. Those UP rivers are all rock and class 2-3 rapids and you will batter your hulls, but worth it.

Another great MI river is the Pigeon which is east of I-75 about 30 miles south of Mackinaw. The area is devoid of people and there are no liveries on the river. You can travel 2-3 days without almost anyone. You do need skills for humping over logjams through, we went over something like 35 last time I ran the Pigeon.

Pictured Rocks east of Munising is a kayaker's dream. But Lake Superior water is really, really cold so proper precautions (neoprene perhaps?) are necessary IMO.

We almost always wear neoprene gear when on the water on Lake Superior. The only times we will skip it is on a hot summer day when there is a (safe) high pressure system camped right over the lake.

[UncleTim]

The Pine River I am referring to is the one that confluences with the Manistee River at Tippy Dam Pond, which is another area high on my list.

I also agree the Pigeon River is a wonderful alternative. Michigan is mostly sand and gravel. If you want to fish for VERY BIG FISH, do not miss Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the U.P.. Watch out for the waterfalls.

One more (already mentioned) if you are careful. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior. You need thermal protection and a calm day, but worth it.

[Vermilye]

Lake Ontario, but pick a calm day!

[HABBERDABBER]

Originally Posted by UncleTim

"One more (already mentioned) if you are careful. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior. You need thermal protection and a calm day, but worth it.

In making passage sea kayaking between islands on Lake Superior, I've overheated wearing a black neoprene wet suit on an 80F sunny day.....overheated so I wouldn't freeze to death. Crazy, but prudent to wear. Pictured Rocks/Grand Island was one of those instances, and air temperature was near 100F at the time. A choice between the devil or the deep blue sea.


Problem now is even Lake Superior is warming up, with little winter ice and summer algae blooms that never used to occur.

[TahoeJoe]

Lake Tahoe!