Kayak & Backpack Adventure Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Date/Time
Date(s) - 08/26/2020 - 08/29/2020
Pictured Rocks National Seashore, Munising Michigan
Location
Pictured Rocks National Seashore
Categories
We have put a complete package together that will include a full week of exploring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Unlike any other place on Lake Superior, Pictured Rocks offers the opportunity to explore miles of pristine beaches, hike nearly 100 miles of trails, view towering sandstone cliffs and experience the serenity of northern woodlands. Pictured Rocks lies within the northern hardwood-hemlock-white pine region of the eastern deciduous forest.
We will guide you through some of the most beautiful parts of the Pictured Rock National Lakeshore and Pictured Rocks most breathtaking views. The complete package includes:
- 5 hour Kayak Tour along the colorful Pictured Rocks, exploring caves and coves
- Camp Cookout on Lake Superior with local craft brews
- 2 night backpacking trip on the edge of Pictured Rocks
- Scenic and beautiful Waterfalls
- Shuttle to and from Trail Heads
- Primitive Backcountry Camping
MINIMUM REQUIREMENT FOR THIS TRIP IS 3 PEOPLE
Day 1 - Wednesday, August 26th: We will be shuttled to the Chapel Beach Trail Head and Backpack in just over 3.7 miles to our first night of camping at the beautiful Chapel Beach Campground. On the way to the campground we will pass a gorgeous waterfall with no major rush to get back on the trail immediately. Once we arrive at camp and set up, there is option to self explore and extend the mileage up to an additional 3.4miles round trip to see Spray Falls. Localized exploration and shorter side trails are an option as well. This is entirely optional and not a part of the planned route. At camp, we will plan to soak our tired feet in a chilly cascading water fall that lets out directly onto the beach. Sunsets are spectacular here, weather dependent.
Day 2 - Thursday, August 27th: After breakfast and breaking camp, we will hike up to the beautiful Grand Point and overlook the grandeur of Pictured Rocks. This is by far the best view of Pictured Rocks along the entire length of the Lakeshore Trail. This is your time to linger a bit longer or take photos to enjoy the moment! The remaining relaxed 4.4 mile section of the trail is where all the main views of a very picturesque Pictured Rocks occur, continuing onto Mosquito River Campground. Mosquito River Campground sits very close to Lake Superior where we will be able to hopefully watch a beautiful sunset on the beach and enjoy camping next to Mosquito River.
This campground also provides additional side trail exploration for those wanting to increase their mileage.
Day 3 - Friday, August 28th: Enjoy the morning as we leisurely eat a hearty breakfast before starting our 5 mile hike to Miners Castle. Another beautiful day of hiking along the lakeshore. Miners Castle is our final destination along this trail, where our shuttle will be waiting to pick us up and return to camp. There are public restrooms here and must-see short side trails to witness the rock outcrops this area is known for. Once returning back to Bay Furnace, it's your own time to hang around Munising and get to know the town. In the evening we will cook for you, providing Local Brews, as we relax around the campfire together as a group.
Day 4 - Saturday, August 29th: It's an early rise this morning to get ready for our Kayak Paddle portion of the Adventure! Prepare for a few hour paddle, exploring just below and through the many caves of the Pictured Rocks you just completed hiking on! The launch for our Kayak Trip is right down the street.
We will paddle the most picturesque portion of Pictured Rocks! Highlights of the tour include Lovers Leap, Rainbow Caves, Indian Head, Grand Portal, Battleship Row, Flower Vase, Chapel Cove and Chapel Rock. This paddle trip is approximately 4-5 hours in duration, with around 2 hours—or 5 miles—of kayaking time. Your tour begins at the East Channel of Munising Bay and heads into Lake Superior where you will launch your kayak just past Painted Coves. Once finished with the paddle portion of the trip, re-board the boat for a ride back to shore.
After our Kayak Adventure, it is optional to return to Bay Furnace Campground for dinner (provide your own) and a fire after spectacular day of Kayaking. The price of the trip includes dinner only on Friday. We will be required to pack up and all leave the campground on Sunday Morning...after coffee of course!
BACKPACKING ADVENTURE:
Total mileage for this trip is 12.5miles over 3-days. It is considered Easy with brief Moderate portions. While the terrain is relatively flat, there are a few sections of brief steep incline. Terrain consists of thickly rooted wooded sections, sandy trail/beaches, and exposed cliff side with unstable edges of loose sand and gravel. If wet, conditions may become a bit more challenging overall as many sections of the trail can become extremely muddy at times.
Average temps this time of year consist of highs in the low 70's and lows in the mid to high 50's. Winds can be strong coming off the lake, which is where both our campsites are located very near to. Please come prepared.
Rain is a real possibility. This area is the second-most cloudy region of the United States. Rain is common in the summer months.
Stable Flies can be relentless and aggressive along the shoreline on hot and humid days with a south wind. Insect repellent does NOT work on them and they can makes things a bit miserable. They tend to target hiker's legs and ankles, so it is ADVISABLE to bring along or wear long pants and thick socks in case you need them. With these body parts covered, they should not bother you.
Fires are not permitted at either of our campgrounds during our Backpacking Adventure, due to high winds being a probability. However, we WILL have a campfire back at our base Campground on Friday night.
Do not expect your cell phone to work in the park's boundaries. Many areas do not receive reception due to cloudy conditions, hilly topography, heavy forest cover and a general lack of towers.
KAYAKING ADVENTURE:
Keep in mind that we will be paddling in tandem kayaks because of the improved stability. If you have an odd number in your group or you are a solo paddler, you will be paired with another Kayaker likely outside of our group.
Munising, Michigan is located in the Eastern Time Zone (EST). Be mindful of the clock when traveling to kayak with us, if not joining us at Camp the night prior.
Paddling will be achieved with the wind at the paddlers back whenever possible. The tour will run weather permitting with a safety first mindset. A back up trip will be offered in case of weather conditions if cannot safely kayak Pictured Rocks during our time-frame scheduled. Full Refunds will be provided if the weather forces us to cancel entirely. Please remain flexible in your travel plans to accommodate this, if required to adjust.
No alcohol or drugs are permitted on the tour.
The maximum weight capacity for two paddlers is 625 lbs. The cockpits are 17.3 by 35 inches in size and they are elongated. The maximum width is 17.3 inches. If you cannot comfortably fit into a space of about 17 inches it is highly likely you will not be able to fit into this space.
No previous kayaking experience is necessary for this tour. A basic safety and paddling course will be provided prior to the experience. There will also be ACA trained kayak guides with a safety first mindset available at all times and a passenger boat nearby for convenience and safety.
Provided on the Tour:
18 foot Looksha T Tandem kayaks manufactured by Necky Kayaks
Personal flotation devices + spray skirts (All passengers will be required to wear a provided personal flotation device, wetsuits will be available upon request.)
ACA trained guides with a safety first mindset
Passenger boat nearby for convenience and safety
What to Bring:
Trips are approximately 5 hours long, please be prepared for rain, wind and cold weather with appropriate layers.
Food & water (no designated meal breaks) Cookout at Bay Furnace Campground will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages; however, they do not allow large coolers or alcoholic beverages on board.
Jacket and shoes or sandals
Camera (waterproofed)
Sunglasses & hat, sunscreen, and/or insect repellent
Airports
Only options are: Sawyer International Airport in Marquette Michigan. Marquette is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and the county seat of Marquette County. The population was 21,355 at the 2010 census, making it the largest city of the state's Upper Peninsula.
Rental Cars:
Each airport has it's own rental car services. Your car will be secure at the docking location for the period of the duration of the Kayak Tour.
Lodging
Munising Motel - The Munising Motel is located in downtown Munising and within walking distance to many of the local Upper Michigan attractions. It is Pet Friendly. WiFi Internet, At Door Parking. Lot's of Shops right across the street. Great walking opportunities.
Sunset on the Bay Motel - Sunset Motel on the Bay in Munising, MI. Our unique Munising, MI lodging is located directly on the Lake Superior shoreline and is extremely accommodating for groups of all sizes. We have over 500 feet of private Lake Superior shoreline, picnic tables and grills for guest use. Great place to watch the sunset
Superior Motel & Suites - Superior Motel & Suites is centrally located in downtown Munising. We are located in close proximate to the Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore, Grand Island, and 17 Alger County Waterfalls. Our Upper Peninsula Lodging has 15 rooms and 3 suites that provide our guests with a variety of room types to best suit your needs. We also have free wireless internet service available.
Camping and RV
Bay Furnace Campground - At Bay Furnace Campground you can enjoy the scenic view of Lake Superior with its spectacular sunrises, sunsets, and occasional northern light displays. This convenient location makes it a perfect site for the traveler who would like to camp overnight. It is also a perfect place to stay while enjoying the recreational opportunities available in the Munising area.
Pictured Rocks RV Park - A place you can experience the beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with all the modern amenities of camping in your own backyard. Explore all the beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Grand Island while sleeping under the stars. Featuring full service hookups at ALL sites. Sewer, water, and electrical hookups so you can have everything you need in the comfort of your own tent, camper, or RV. Located in Christmas, MI!
Bookings
Bookings are closed for this event.
