Big Marine Lake?

[Jeff G]

Have any of you east siders ever been kiting on Big Marine? One of my coworkers lives near there and thinks it would be a great place to kite. I think the public launch would be on the SE corner. It seems like it might be a good alternative to WBL.

[JRN]

I have been meaning to check it out since they opened that new park. Thanks for reminding me. I may do a little scouting of the area this afternoon.

[JRN]

Finally checked it out today...Nice new facility a block north of 170th on Manning. It is a Washington County Park, so admission is $5/DAY, $25/Yr, or $35/Yr.for 2. It is on the SW corner of the lake, so I think it should be a good alternative for N or NE winds.
Probably the quickest route is to go S. on Manning off 97. Maybe we should get a small crew up & try it out on the next NE.

[Jeff G]

thanks Jim, let me know if you decide to go. Maybe I'll see if I can get my van to go east. According to Travis there's also a peninsula with low vegetation that sticks out from the east shore and blocks the wind. There may be flat water kiting to be had behind the sandbar.

[Phillipl]

Jeff,

I've looked at Big Marine and tried to sail it once from that ramp on the SE side. It is a real clean clear lake and getting a mouthful of it wouldn't be disgusting. However I don't recommend giving it another look on any wind direction. It is relatively low and the surrounding terrain is hilly. Wind simply doesn't get to the lake in a linear fashion. Not much fetch either.
I have found Forest Lake to be good on some wind directions. The folks in the know go to 237th St. on first lake when the wind is South; to East-South-East. The town boat ramp works on NE. Lots of options in winter. There is a USGS topo overlay on Google Maps that shows why some wind directions won't work on a given lake.
Keep looking.
Phil