Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Two trails branch off of the Loop Trail. The Northwest Beach Trail travels for 1-1/2 miles through northern hardwood forest before ending at a secluded quarter mile long beach and two small campsites. The Overlook Trail crosses 1.8 miles to a scenic vista 200 feet over Lake Superior. On a clear day you can see ten islands and a sea arch off of Oak Island called, "the hole in the wall."

The Overlook Trail also has a spur trail on it called the North Bay Trail. The mile long trail climbs down a steep ravine to a sandy beach that has a spring-fed stream and a campsite. Finally the Sandspit Trail (yes there are two of them) heads 1-1/2 miles from the boat dock to the site of the first logging camp on the island. Along the beach there are two campsites, an artesian well and a pit toilet.

With more than fourteen miles of trails and ten thousand acres to explore it's no wonder Stockton Island is the most popular destination. Most treks start on the 3.6-mile long Quarry Bay Trail. The trail leads to the Presque Island Campground as well as the group campsite at Quarry Bay and the Quarry Bay Dock. Arguably the best trail in the park is the 2.8-mile long Tombolo Trail. The trail passes through towering evergreens, old peat bogs, and a sand beach before ending at the Julian Bay Trail. During certain times of the year a water crossing may be required. The Trout Point Trail is 4.7 miles long and heads north through the heart of the island to an old logging camp found at the far northern tip.

There are a total of sixty-four improved campsites spread out across fourteen different islands. Only Eagle, Gull and North Twin are off limits to campers, although there are several exclusion zones and regulations that wilderness campers need to follow. Basswood, Oak, Otter, Rocky, Sand, South Twin, and Stockton Islands have campsites with wells, bear lockers, picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets. The remainder of the islands has primitive campsites or permit wilderness camping. Permits are required when camping and cost $15.

Ocean kayakers are attracted to the park to explore the sea caves that line the shores of Superior along red sandstone cliffs. Over thousands of years wave action and temperature extremes have cut a number of spectacular caves and arches in the softer stone. Inside an eerie world of strange formation can be explored, but only when the waters are calm. Some of the caves are small only allowing one kayak in at a time while others run deep into the cliffs. Kayakers should paddle backwards into the cave so they are oriented to the opening at all times, allowing for quick exit when necessary. Kayakers should also wear wet or dry suits year round to protect themselves from the frigid waters and keep a watchful eye on the weather.

Scuba divers can explore from below the same caves kayakers explore from above. The exceptionally clean waters of Superior can offer as much as eighty feet of visibility when conditions are right. Not only can the caves be explored but also a number of shipwrecks, submerged docks, and sharp cliffs wait in the ice water rooms below. Divers are required to get permits and register with the park service when entering waters anywhere within the park boundaries. Divers should also be aware that along the shoreline and under certain conditions visibility could be reduced drastically, especially in the caves. Divers are also advised to wear dry suits to protect themselves from the frigid waters, which run at 39 degrees on average.

During the winter months Apostle Island National Seashore comes alive again when snowshoeing, cross country skiing, ice fishing, winter wilderness camping and over ice travel become possible. When conditions are favorable, typically in February and March, daring visitors can trek across the West Channel to Basswood, Hermit or Oak Islands. The crossing isn't easy and the ice on Superior can be very unpredictable, changing drastically in as little as a day. Cross country skis will get you there faster, but a snowmobile will get you there the fastest. Park visitors are strongly urged to check with the park on ice conditions before going out, and the axiom, "when in doubt, don't go out," should be well heeded.

Still if you can cross the lake to the islands a whole new world is available for exploration. Forests are not blanketed in white and the region is free of most people, as well as insects and the occasional marauding black bear. The shorelines are draped in ice sculptures of runoff and waterfalls suspended in time. But the real wintertime attraction is at the sea caves.

Starting from Meyers Beach off of Route 13 hardy visitors can hike about a mile across the ice of the lake eastward to the start of the caves. Huge rivers of frozen ice hang from the cliffs above like crystal columns holding up the mainland. Inside, the caves are filled with thousands of delicate needle like icicles and larger ice formations creating temporary stalactites and stalagmites. The colder the better, and the winter of 2001 may prove to be one of the best years ever to see the ice caves.

Whether your plans are for a secluded summer getaway or a wintertime adventure in near artic conditions, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a spectacular destination. Although its secrets aren't easily explored, for the determined visitor a fantastic experience awaits in the mystical waters of Lake Superior.

Just The Plain Facts