Kayaking Lake Superior

 

Duration:

3 minutes, 27 seconds

Help Isle Royale stay wild by following these best practices during your canoe or kayak trip.

 

Overview

Isle Royale National Park, an archipelago composed of over 400 islands, offers adventurous Lake Superior paddling opportunities for the experienced sea kayaker. Whether planning your own journey or joining a guided trip, all sea kayakers need to consider the following

A Sea Kayak is Necessary

A sea kayak is a boat that is at least 15’ long, has sealed bulkheads fore and aft, has deck lines and bungies, and has a cockpit you can sit inside of. Recreational (including sit on top) kayaks should not be used on Lake Superior, including Rock Harbor Channel.

Safety is Your Responsibility

Lake Superior paddling conditions can be hazardous and unpredictable. Prepare yourself by bringing proper safety equipment, being skilled in what to do when things go wrong and utilizing sea kayaking best practices throughout your trip. For more information refer to our kayaking saftey page.

Canoes Are Not Reccomended

Canoes are not a reccomended watercraft for Lake Superior. Many visitors choose to use canoes but there are elevated considerations that must be made. More information on canoeing the interior lakes of Isle Royale can be found here.

 

Rock Harbor Lighthouse located at the southwest entrance to Rock Harbor is the most viewed and visited lighthouse on Isle Royale.

John Paul Jones

Additional Considerations

Experience

• Possess American Canoe Association (ACA) Level 3 certification or higher. For trips with multiple people, the trip leader should have this.
• Able to self-rescue and perform an assisted rescue.
• Knowledge of how to use a map and compass or GPS for navigation, especially in fog.

Weather

• Dress for immersion. Lake Superior’s cold-water temperatures require a dry suit or wet suit depending on the time of year.
• Prepare for sea conditions on Lake Superior when it is windy. Waves of 1 to 3 feet (and larger!) can happen on an average day.
• Fog can be disorienting on the water, possibly causing you to become lost. Lake Superior’s cold temperatures can create fog during spring, summer, and fall.
• Route
  1. Evaluate your skill and fitness level for the length, duration, and difficulty of the paddling trip you have planned. Due to Isle Royale’s isolation, be conservative with your assessment.
  2. Beware of potential hazards along the shoreline, particularly points (i.e. Blake Point). Sometimes these points protect, whereas other times they create hazardous conditions.
  3. Plan alternate routes for hazardous weather. Consider altering your trip plan when you arrive by paddling in another area of the park or utilizing portages.

 

Weather on Lake Superior can change quickly so always be prepared and keep up to date with weather conditions.

John Paul Jones

 

Guided Trips

Take a guided kayak trip with a business authorized to provide visitor services in the park.

 

Permits

A backcountry permit is required to overnight at a campground or dock. Camping outside of campgrounds is allowed in designated locations, and requires an additional cross-country camping permit. Groups (7 or more people) must acquire a group camping permit, and camp at designated group campsites.

 

The Ranger III has been in operation since 1958 and is part of a rich history of vessels that have serviced Isle Royale.

John Paul Jones

Transportation

Ferry transportation services can transport kayaks for a fee. More information about transportation fees and regulations can be found on our Directions and Transportation page.

Campgrounds

These campgrounds are on Lake Superior and are accessible by boat, canoe, or kayak. View the boater accessible campgrounds and docks table for a list of boat-in locations and their amenities

• Campgrounds: Lake Superior Accessible.
• Lake Superior Accessible Campgrounds Table
• Campgrounds with Group Sites
• Campgrounds with Group Sites Table

Invasive Species

Vessel owners are legally responsible for invasive species decontamination prior to entering park waters. Before moving from Lake Superior to interior waters, wipe down your boat and gear.

 

Fishing

Enjoy fishing the waters of Lake Superior or Isle Royale's numerous interior lakes.

A Michigan fishing license is required for fishing in Lake Superior, including bays and harbors, and when transporting fish from island to mainland. Youth age 17 years or younger may fish without a license. Michigan fishing regulations apply. For state fishing regulations please visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website.

Licenses are not required to fish on Isle Royale's interior lakes.

 

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  Current Conditions

  Important park alerts, updates, and weather information for your upcoming visit.

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  Drinking Water

  Thirsty in the backcountry? Know your drinking water options before island arrival.

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  Paddling Safety

  Review important paddling safety tips and requirements prior to your trip.