Difference between revisions of "Lake Superior"

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(Access Points)
(Twelvemile Beach)
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====Beaver Lake====
 
====Beaver Lake====
 
It may be possible to use Beaver Lake as an access point by using the boat ramp at Little Beaver Lake and paddling out to the trail that connects to Lake Superior, but would involve a 1/4 to 1/2 mile carry.  This would give the best access to the Eastern side of the Pictured Rocks cliffs if you were doing a day trip, the only other option is about a 15 mile paddle in from either direction.
 
It may be possible to use Beaver Lake as an access point by using the boat ramp at Little Beaver Lake and paddling out to the trail that connects to Lake Superior, but would involve a 1/4 to 1/2 mile carry.  This would give the best access to the Eastern side of the Pictured Rocks cliffs if you were doing a day trip, the only other option is about a 15 mile paddle in from either direction.
====Twelvemile Beach====
+
====Twelvemile Beach Campground====
 +
The banks here are high, but useable as an access point.
 +
 
 
====Hurricane River====
 
====Hurricane River====
 
====Log Slide====
 
====Log Slide====

Revision as of 00:25, 28 July 2014

Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. The water is always cold, and the air temperature is rarely warm.

Pictured Rocks

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is about a 40 mile (in a straight line) shoreline of Lake Superior. The actual "Pictured Rocks" portion is about 15 miles of high cliffs with interesting rock formations and waterfalls. There are small caves and arches, very large amphitheaters and two very large arches extending out into the water. The remainder of the park is made up of "12 Mile Beach" (about 12 miles long) and "Au Sable Dunes".

Access Points

Sand Point

Sand Point has an actual boat ramp, but very limited parking. It also has several beaches and it is usually easiest to just carry your boat to the water from there.

Miners Castle

Miners Castle is the access point used by most kayakers, including the outfitters. It requires a carry of several hundred yards, and down some stairs to access the beach. But it gives the most immediate access to the cliffs of Pictured Rocks with Miners Rock just to the West (as well as many other small caves), and the remainder of the cliffs to the East.

Beaver Lake

It may be possible to use Beaver Lake as an access point by using the boat ramp at Little Beaver Lake and paddling out to the trail that connects to Lake Superior, but would involve a 1/4 to 1/2 mile carry. This would give the best access to the Eastern side of the Pictured Rocks cliffs if you were doing a day trip, the only other option is about a 15 mile paddle in from either direction.

Twelvemile Beach Campground

The banks here are high, but useable as an access point.

Hurricane River

Log Slide

Grand Marais boat ramp

Camping

There are numerous back country and drive up campsites available. Camping is only allowed in designated sites. Most of the back country sites are accessible by both boat and foot, but you'll likely end up leaving your kayak unattended on the beach as most of the campsites are inland. Mosquito Beach and Chapel Beach are the only beach camping areas available and do not allow campfires.

Most of the drive-in campgrounds are also accessible by boat.

NPS Info

The NPS website has maps and other useful information. Free (non-waterproff) maps are available at the park office in Munising. They also have several guide books in their bookstore, though they are mostly geared towards hiking and backpacking.

http://www.nps.gov/piro/index.htm

Apostle Islands

Weather Information

The National Parks Service recommends having a weather radio available. However I've found that even weather radio isn't available in many places. So you have to plan ahead and have contingency plans if the weather changes.

Wave height http://www.crh.noaa.gov/greatlakes/?l=ls&p=a

Wind Direction http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/glcfs/glcfs.php?lake=s&ext=wv&type=N&hr=33

Water Temperature http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/glcfs/glcfs.php?lake=s&ext=swt&type=N&hr=00

Nearshore forecasts http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/marine/zone/gtlakes/mqtmz.htm