I live just 9 miles away from the lake and it is an easy 10 min drive to get there. On the weekdays in winter, there is no parking fee, but a $6 boat fee is still required to paddle on Castaic Lake. I bought the $100 annual boat pass last weekend and intend to make use of it every week. For now, it will be Thursday mornings...please let me know if you are interested in joining me as long as you are responsibile for your own safety.

This morning, I got to the lake around 7am and put in at the lower lake. The air temperature was in the high 40s, but the water was much warmer. There was a little wind, but the lake was glassy for the most part. There were less than 10 people on the lake - one sole motorboat with two fisherman and the rest were people fishing from the dock or the shore. The sun was just coming out and the light was gorgeous. There were quite a few birds on the lake - I didn't know most of the species, but I did identify some ducks, geese and egrets. They made a big racket and flew away whenever my kayak got into their vicinity. The shoreline is supposed to be 3 miles on the lower lake, but it seemed closer to 2 miles. I did a couple loops around the lower lake in the 1 hour I could spend there this morning. The sun was playing hide-n-seek with the clouds and the light kept changing - it was very beautiful. It was quite invigorating and a great way to start the day.

kiran.

Map & Directions (note: meet at the Jet Ski area NOT where the red star is)
View map of the lake
Info on Castaic Lake