The Apostle Islands are an archipelago of 22 islands in Lake Superior off the Bayfield Peninsula in northern Wisconsin. The combination of diverse wildlife, cultural history and amazing sea caves all within a remote wilderness setting make the islands an ideal paddling destination for seasoned sea kayakers and paddleboarders. Managed by the National Park Service, the islands offer splendid camping via a reservation system as well as several options for day tripping, especially along the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. (Note: there is no drive-up camping within the islands, they are only accessible by boat.)
All-star Apostle Trip Ideas:
- For those looking for an easy introduction to the islands, consider an overnighter to Sand Island from Little Sand Bay. Sand Island boasts multiple sea caves on the eastern shore, lighthouse on the northern point and wonderful sandy beaches on the west. Pair this with a day tour along the mainland to explore more sea caves or even consider a longer paddle to Raspberry Island to visit the park’s iconic lighthouse and ranger station.
- For seasoned paddlers looking for a longer multi-day, consider a tour connecting multiple islands from Little Sand Bay to Devils Island. Devil’s Island is one of the outermost of all the islands, and thus has been exposed to the fury of Lake Superior for eons. The resulting sea caves and stacks that dot the northern edge of the island make for a truly amazing paddling experience.
- The itinerary of your tour will likely depend on which campsites you are able to book in advance, but there is also potential to primitive camp as well. Refer to the NPS for more information. The ranger staff is very helpful and is committed to helping people plan safe and manageable paddle trips. If your budget allows, private water taxis are available for drop-offs and pick-ups at locations across the islands.
Logistics:
Travelers will want to stop by Bayfield for provisions before a trip and a well-deserved lunch after. This coastal town boasts a large marina and is the location of the NPS headquarters, which is a good stop for those looking for permits, maps and other info. Camping is available at several nearby private campgrounds. Paddlers looking for an early start should look into overnighting at Little Sand Bay Campground.
The NPS does not offer guided trips, but there are multiple private options in the area to book full and half day guided trips, safety classes, and equipment rentals.
- Listing of authorized kayak outfitters
- Authorized water taxis who may transport paddlers and their gear to different locations around the Park.
There are several types of reservable camp spots on the islands. Paddlers can book individual or group sites. Some primitive camping zones are also available. Refer to the NPS website for more camping information.
In general, the paddling window for Lake Superior is rather short. Plan on mid-summer for the best weather.
Apostle Access:
Two main launch areas are available within the park.
- Meyers Beach, off Highway 13 between Cornucopia and Red Cliff. Be advised there is a $5 parking fee and stairs down to the beach to launch.
- Little Sand Bay Visitor Center, west of the harbor off Old highway K and Little Sand Bay road. Free parking.
Launching areas are also available outside the park unit in Bayfield and Red Cliff. Long term parking is available at these locations, but spaces fill up quickly on busy weekends and may be subject to launch and parking fees.
Hazards:
- Weather is the main hazard on Lake Superior. High winds and subsequent waves can come up quickly, from any direction. Lake Superior is the largest lake in the world and paddlers should expect ocean-like conditions. Given that some of the travel distances between islands can be over five miles, paddlers should come prepared for long open-water crossings and be able to self-rescue in deep water. Book extra days into your trip to allow for being wind-bound on an island.
- Stay up to date on current weather forecasts and current conditions on the lake with the NPS webcam. Carrying a marine VHF radio is highly recommended.
- Thick fog is also very common. Paddlers should come equipped with maps, GPS and compass and know how to use them. Cell service is spotty at best, so using these more robust forms of navigation is a must.
- Lake Superior is notorious for very cold water. Dress for immersion.
- The Apostle Islands boast one of the largest black bear populations in the country. Be bear aware and practice safe food storage. It can be common to see these bears swimming from island to island.
Gear for the Apostle Islands:
Given the ocean-like conditions, sea kayaks are the preferred craft for touring the islands. Paddlers should go with a spray skirt, extra paddle and complete cold-water kit. Several groups, mine included, have done multi-day tours on paddleboards. Open canoes are not recommended.
For a complete story on my team’s Apostle Islands paddling experience, visit Duct Tape Diaries at NRS.
