Lake Piru in California

Trip Overview

Lake Piru is a "typical" man made lake in a relatively arid area. I enjoyed the moderately windy conditions and the chance to view beautiful cliffs and wildlife up close and personal from a kayak. The lake featured afternoon chop and some moderate whitecaps. These conditions added to the interest and were no problem for my Manteo kayak and wife's new Cape Horn 16 kayak. We did get a little bit wet. The lake is choppy here and there due to powerboaters. I found the area to feature interesting topography, which we enjoyed. The water is clean, although the launch site was mildly murky.

Accommodations:

Marina, snack bar, launch site, paved parking, picnic area, restrooms, campsites near launch area.

Fees:

$7.50 per vehicle and per kayak. A bit high in my opinion.

Directions:

From Los Angeles, take the I-5 to the Fillmore turnoff. This is just a bit past Magic Mountain/Valencia. Take the Fillmore turnoff (hwy. 126) to the small town of Lake Piru and drive the six miles to the lake.