NPS photo Kayaking in the Great Lakes can be a fantastic experience, but it can also be dangerous. Whether you're kayaking at Pictured Rocks or anywhere, conditions can change rapidly. If you have an emergency here on Lake Superior, rescue could be hours away. At Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, we have responded to many rescues where kayakers were ill-equipped or ill-informed. Occasionally, kayakers will be properly prepared, and Lake Superior will still overwhelm them. We implore anyone interested in kayaking Lake Superior to seriously consider the risks, and to properly prepare before setting out. Even experienced kayakers have been overpowered by the lake. Before you set out to kayak Lake Superior, ask yourself these questions: Do I have the proper kind of kayak? Do I have the required life jacket and whistle? Do I know the marine forecast? Am I completely prepared for the conditions? Did I tell others where I'm going? Can I save myself (and get back in my kayak from the water)? |
NPS photo Paddling at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
The park is renowned for its water resources, from Lake Superior to inland streams, waterfalls, and lakes. The inland lakes are the best places for paddling. Grand Sable Lake, Little Beaver Lake, and Beaver Lake are easily accessed by vehicle. If you don't mind carrying your canoe or kayak, Miners Lake, Chapel Lake, and Legion Lake are good options.
Before you get to the park, make sure you have the right equipment and the right skills:
1. What kind of boat do you plan on using?
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2. Do you have the right safety equipment to go out paddling?
3. Can you save yourself? Help is not a phone call away! You are on your own! Cell phones may or may not work at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Even if you are able to get a 911 call out, help is still far away, 30 minutes at least. Rescue time of 60 to 90 minutes or longer is more likely. If the weather is very rough, no one will be able to respond until the weather calms down. You need to be able to perform a self-rescue. Read, research on-line, take lessons. And then practice, practice, practice! Always wear your life jacket! Wear a wetsuit. Cold water kills! Paddle with others. Make sure they know how to perform rescues too. Leave a float plan with someone who cares about you. Don't forget to tell them when you get back so they don't start a search. Make sure to read the Kayaking and Kayak Safety brochure (pdf) ![]()
If you're going out for the morning, pay attention to the afternoon forecast as well. Weather changes quickly and unexpectedly. Location, location, location - just because it's calm in the bay, does not mean it is calm along the more distant shores. Listen to the weather forecast and pay attention to wind direction. Visit the weather buoy site to see real time data and video. The Pictured Rocks extend for 15 miles and include sheer walls all the way to the water line. These exposed cliffs offer no way off the water if wind and waves increase.
Other things to keep in mind while paddling on Lake Superior: Cold water kills! Drowning is the #1 cause of death in national parks. Be aware of boat tours that leave Munising on a regular basis during the summer months. They run fairly close to the shoreline with a turnaround point at Chapel Beach or Spray Falls. Give them plenty of room and allow for their wake. Besides your PFD, wet suit, spray skirt, whistle/emergency signal device, bilge pump, and weather radio, consider bringing: lighting device, self-contained stove, extra paddle, compass, maps, first aid kit, insect repellent, tow line, rain gear, waterproof matches, and dry storage containers.![]()
For more information ...
Kayaking and Kayak Safety (pdf) |
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Last updated: August 27, 2019