Located in Hollywood, Florida, and not to be confused with West Lake in the Everglades, this area offers a nice wilderness area in the middle of town. West lake is a 2-mile long shallow lake just west of the intracoastal waterway. There are 4 designated canoe/kayak trails through the mangroves. Birds are common. Not a great fishing spot but people try. Some of the trails are tough to pass through at low tide. During each full moon several night trips are available, such as with Full Moon Kayak company. This is a No Motor Zone except for a pontoon eco-tour boat from the park. For self-initiated night trips you can launch from the south end of Whiskey Creek and go in the creek along Dania Beach Blvd. There is also a public ramp on North Lake across from Holland Park on Polk St. between 8th and 9th Ave that stays open until 11pm or so.
Directions: Take I-95 to Sheridan St.east for the West Lake park put-in. The park entrance is on the right (south side). For Holland Park, take I-95 to Hollywood Blvd east, then turn left at 26th Ave or West Dixie to Johnson Street. Turn right and Holland Park is all the way at the end. The Ann Kolb Nature center is in the other half of West Lake Park at the beginning of the red trail. The entrance is on the north side of Sheridan Street. Although they have rentals there, you can't launch your own boat from Ann Kolb. I think you are allowed to paddle in and see the museum (for a fee) or climb the tower (free), but there is no secure place to leave your boat.
Entrance fee/parking: West Lake is $2.00 per car on weekends, free on weekdays. Parking is to the left by the boat ramp. Holland Park is metered parking at $1 per hour, master meter which takes credit cards.
Facilities: Both have restrooms. Rental kayaks are available at West Lake Park.
Put-in/Take-out (pink): West Lake has a floating dock to the left of the entrance. Holland Park has both cement boat ramps and a floating dock.
Route: From Holland Park head west to the south end of the lake, then explore. There are signs marking most of the trails. From West Lake Park head out of the marina, which takes you to the white trail. After passing under the bridge you can either go left or straight to get into the lake. Go straight during low tide. The green trail is the nicest and most natural in my opinion. The lake passes under Sheridan St. and the currents are never that strong. During high tide you can exit the green trail over some rocks and go to the intracoastal or explore a dead-end trail (yellow). The red trail also exits into the intracoastal. The south entrance to the blue trail is the best birdwatching area.
Wildlife: Herons, ibis, egrets, ospreys, vultures (see photos). Raccoons are in the area.
put-in at West Lake Park (white arrow)
Flying ibises
Yellow-crowned night heron
View of Port Everglades power plant
Maps from Mapquest.com
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