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TPWD Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail & Markers in Google Maps

Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2020 6:39 pm
by Neumie
A fellow TKF'er reached out to me to see if a LHL paddling trail map existed in Google Maps. To my knowledge one did not so I whipped one out real quick.

Here's the link: TPWD Lighthouse Lakes Marker & Trail Map

Hope this helps some folks.

Re: TPWD Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail & Markers in Google Maps

Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2020 7:46 pm
by TexasJim
Josh, you NEVER cease to amaze me. But, I'm always impressed. Thanks for all your hard work to help us duffers.
TexasJim

Re: TPWD Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail & Markers in Google Maps

Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2020 5:31 am
by Tombo
Was a project of Slowride's son when his son was in the Boy Scouts.

Re: TPWD Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail & Markers in Google Maps

Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2020 7:27 am
by ben_beyer
Follow up question. Is there an indicator at the launch sites to know when it is deep enough to paddle so you're not hiking and dragging your kayak on the trail?

It's the next area I want to explore in the AP/PA area but after failing to get out of Saint Mary's Bayou this past winter just because I didn't realize how high the water needed to be, I would like to avoid situations like that.

For me I could look on the south side of 361 and make see how high the water is but it could be good information for others.

Re: TPWD Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail & Markers in Google Maps

Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2020 8:00 am
by Neumie
ben_beyer wrote:Follow up question. Is there an indicator at the launch sites to know when it is deep enough to paddle so you're not hiking and dragging your kayak on the trail?

It's the next area I want to explore in the AP/PA area but after failing to get out of Saint Mary's Bayou this past winter just because I didn't realize how high the water needed to be, I would like to avoid situations like that.

For me I could look on the south side of 361 and make see how high the water is but it could be good information for others.
There's no gauge or tide marker at any of the entrances, so you'll need to reference the Port Aransas Tide Gauge.

Above 1' MLLW you'll be OK throughout LHL. Between 0.75' - 1' MLLW most of the lakes should hold enough water to paddle but some may be too shallow. Between 0.5' - 0.75' MLLW stick to the deeper parts of the flats adjacent to entrances and don't venture too far into the lake system. Below 0.5' MLLW head to South Bay, B&R Flats, or anywhere else with deeper water.

Re: TPWD Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail & Markers in Google Maps

Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2020 9:39 pm
by Saltstalker
Yeah , I make my own maps also. Nice !

Re: TPWD Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail & Markers in Google Maps

Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2020 9:05 pm
by spiny norman
Absolutely check the tides before heading into the back of LHL. It's a long hike out when dragging a kayak.

Don't ask how I know. :roll: :lol:

Re: TPWD Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail & Markers in Google Maps

Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2020 4:39 am
by Tombo
Water levels are still pretty high from the hurricane. But, you never really know until you go.

Re: TPWD Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail & Markers in Google Maps

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2020 2:52 pm
by Asalgado
Are there any recommended areas to camp overnight near lighthouse trails?

Re: TPWD Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail & Markers in Google Maps

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2020 5:05 pm
by Neumie
Asalgado wrote:Are there any recommended areas to camp overnight near lighthouse trails?
Right now you'll be hard pressed to find enough dry land for a tent. You can't overnight camp within the park area of Lighthouse Lakes Park. Anywhere else along 361 between AP and the ferry is fair game other than the obvious private property. paddling in and camping on spoil islands would be difficult due to high waters, but maybe along the quarantine shoreline.

Re: TPWD Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail & Markers in Google Maps

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2020 9:02 pm
by Asalgado
Cool, I always appreciate your help. Im trying to do a BTB trip thursday morning. You interested or know anyone going BTB?

Re: TPWD Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail & Markers in Google Maps

Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2020 5:06 am
by Tombo
Asalgado wrote:Are there any recommended areas to camp overnight near lighthouse trails?
Cheapest camp site to Light House lakes is Fin and Feather RV park. Myself I would be leery camping along 361.

Re: TPWD Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail & Markers in Google Maps

Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2020 5:30 am
by Asalgado
I think im just going to camp on the beach and fish mustang island area, croaker hole, pink shack cove. Any experience/luck in those areas?

Re: TPWD Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail & Markers in Google Maps

Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2020 6:23 am
by Neumie
Asalgado wrote:I think im just going to camp on the beach and fish mustang island area, croaker hole, pink shack cove. Any experience/luck in those areas?
I would check with the city and make sure camping on the beach is allowed at this point. Things are still a bit wonky with covid restrictions.

Croaker Hole is very difficult to get to since the access point halfway down Wilson's Cut is no longer an option. Since the only option to launch is now at the end of Wilson's cut, you'd have to paddle the entire length to Corpus Christi Bay then paddle south and entire those water via Boot Cove.

Make sure to scout the access to Wilson's Cut, we've had prolonged high tides due to storms and what not so the roads leading back may not be in the best of conditions.

Re: TPWD Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail & Markers in Google Maps

Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2020 6:34 am
by Ron Mc
I can think of a lot of reasons to paddle with friends, but one of the better is splitting the cost of a cheap fishing shack overnight.

Re: TPWD Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail & Markers in Google Maps

Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2020 11:20 am
by Asalgado
I just read on Visit Corpus website the beaches are currently open for camping, not being from the area im guessing beach access is available?

Re: TPWD Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail & Markers in Google Maps

Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2020 11:33 am
by Ron Mc
Bird Island Basin in PINS is a great place to camp and launch a kayak to fish Upper Laguna Madre
https://www.nps.gov/pais/planyourvisit/camping.htm