Kayaking and Kayak Safety

Kayakers Under Lovers Leap Arch

NPS photo

Kayaking is a great way to experience the stunning Pictured Rocks cliffs. It can also be dangerous. Sea kayaks are the only kayaks that should be used on Lake Superior. Recreational kayaks and canoes are best on the park's inland lakes. 

Visit the park's kayak page for more information on kayaking and kayak safety.
Visit the park's boating page for more information on other types of boating. 

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)?

Do You Have the Right Type of Boat?

• A sea kayak is a long, slim boat designed for coastal paddling. It is usually between 14.5 - 18 feet long, and between 18 to 24 inches wide. Sea kayaks have bulkheads to prevent water from flooding the entire boat. A sea kayak is the only type of kayak that should be used on Lake Superior.

• A recreational or general purpose kayak is for the casual paddler on placid rivers, ponds, or small lakes. It is smaller than 14 feet long and has a larger opening for the paddler to sit in. Recreational kayaks should NOT be used on Lake Superior or used on windy days.

• A canoe is an open boat that is wider than a kayak. Their height makes them hard to control in windy conditions on open water. Unless packed with flotation, they can also fill with water and more easily swamp. Canoes should NOT be used on Lake Superior!

If you are using a canoe or recreational kayak, consider paddling on inland lakes or nearby rivers (such as the Au Train River west of the park). Little Beaver Lake, Beaver Lake, and Grand Sable Lake within Pictured Rocks are easy to access by vehicle.
 

Before you go out on Lake Superior, check the weather.

• Check the marine weather forecast before venturing out. Watch the weather carefully while on the lake. The weather can change suddenly and unexpectedly. 

• The Pictured Rocks cliffs rise 50 to 200 feet directly from the lake, offering precious few protected places if the wind and waves increase. Also check local weather buoys for real-time data and video from the buoy cams at www.greatlakesbuoys.org 
   

Remember...

Cell phones may or may not work at the park. 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. This includes information such as your name, type of boat and equipment used, and your planned route and schedule. Don't forget to tell them when you get back so they would know when to start searching.

Kayaking with your pet is NOT recommended on Lake Superior. Please talk to a park ranger about other options for kayaking with your pet.

Details

Activity

Kayaking

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Kayaking with your pet is not recommended on Lake Superior. Pets are not allowed on boats in Little Beaver or Beaver Lakes since they are within the Beaver Basin Wilderness zone. The only inland lake in the park to kayak with a pet is Grand Sable Lake.

Activity Fee

No

There is an entrance fee for the park. There is no additional fee for using and launching your own boat.  

Location

Launching Locations for Lake Superior

Personal sea kayaks can be carried from parking lots to Lake Superior at these park locations:

• Sand Point Beach

• Miners Beach (both west and east ends; requires use of medium staircase)

• Twelvemile Beach Campground and Day-Use Area (requires use of long staircase)

• Lower Hurricane River Campground and Day-Use Are (requires use of short staircase)

Reservations

No

Season

Summer, Fall

Kayaking on Lake Superior is generally done in summer. Fall boating is best on the park's inland lakes during calm days.

Accessibility Information

Accessibility for kayaking depends on the abilities of the individual. A Mobi mat installed at Sand Point Beach in summer allows wheelchairs to get from the parking lot to the water's edge. A Mobi mat at the Grand Sable Lake accessible fishing dock in summer also allows wheelchair access to the water's edge.