News Release

Trail Impacted by Blowdown on Oak Island, Temporary Closure of Trail Sections

News Release Date: April 19, 2021

Contact: Julie Van Stappen, 715-209-2804

Bayfield, WI –The southeastern part of Oak Island was heavily impacted by a severe storm that created a large amount of tree blowdown and blocked access to trail sections. The following sections of trail are temporarily closed:

• The Sandspit Trail (between the dock and sandspit)
• The Loop Trail for 1 mile traveling north from sandspit
• Note – currently the sandspit is accessible by water only, not by trail and it is not possible to walk the entire Loop Trail

“The trail crew will be working on clearing, but with this much blowdown, opening these trail sections will take time. The good news is that the rest of the trails on Oak Island are open, providing access to most of the island,” said Superintendent Lynne Dominy. Visit the Current Conditions page for regular updates.

As you hike on Oak, remember that the island has a very high bear population. You can help keep bears wild and avoid creating problem bears by being “bear aware”.

Remember, the park is bear country and bears can occur anywhere within the park:

🐻 Remain at least 50 feet from a bear.

🐻 If you encounter a bear on the trail, let it know you are there and back away slowly. If it follows you or doesn’t back away, make yourself big (raise your arms), and yell, until it leaves the area.

🐻 If a bear approaches you near a dock, campsite, or picnic area, make yourself big (raise your arms), and yell, until it leaves the area.

🐻 If, after yelling at the bear, it doesn’t readily leave, report your encounter to park staff as soon as possible.

🐻 Be sure to keep your food and other smelly items locked on a boat or in a bear resistant food locker when not in use.

Thanks for your help staying safe and keeping our bears wild!

For information about the Apostle Islands 50th Anniversary, visit our website. Send 50th Anniversary inquiries via email to [e-mail]. To add an event to the 2021 Anniversary calendar, become a sponsor, or partner with “Friends” to create an anniversary logoed product, visit the website for Friends of the Apostle Islands. 

For more information about Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, please visit our website or call [phone]. Join Apostle Island’s online conversations on Facebook and YouTube.