The Apostle Islands

Our adventure on Sand, Oak, or Stockton Island is special because it provides an ideal setting for families and less ambitious paddlers to explore the Apostle Islands and simultaneously maintain a flexible itinerary. Because this trip will be base camped on an island, it gives our participants more time to do what they want rather than putting up and taking down camp everyday.

On Sand Island there are opportunities to visit the sea caves along Swallow Point, and to visit the lighthouse built in 1881 out of “Brownstone” (the local sandstone which is brown in color due to iron staining). From a basecamp on Sand Island there is also a chance to explore York and Raspberry Islands.

If you decide to basecamp on Stockton Island instead, you will get a chance to explore a different part of the Apostles. Stockton offers impressive cliffs, beautiful sand beaches, quarries, as well as miles and miles of hiking trails. It also boasts one of the highest densities of black bear in North America. Don’t worry though, there are food lockers provided, and you few are lucky enough to spot one of these native animals. They try to stay away from people, as long as camps are kept neat and clean.

Oak Island sports the largest vertical relief in the Apostle Islands, its highest point is more than 450 feet above the lake. Oak has some of the best hiking in the islands, a beautiful sand spit, a hidden cave, and half a dozen other nearby islands to explore as day trips, including Manitou Island and its historic fish camp. Day trips can consist of several short paddles or longer, more demanding crossings. All activities will place an emphasis on cultural, historical, and wilderness education. Although Trek & Trail has a full list of options to fill the days, there will be plenty of time for personal relaxation and solitude, if that is a desired component of the trip. Our guides are prepared to accommodate both novice and experienced campers.

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Thank you for choosing Trek & Trail as your guide for an extended outdoor adventure. Our Island Base Camp trip will teach you the techniques of sea kayaking and allow your family or group of friends to spend time together as you explore the wonders of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. On your four day trip you will have an opportunity to view several of the 22 Apostle Islands. Sand, Oak, and Stockton Islands are diverse and fun to explore; we can travel to other islands for day trips. All islands have natural histories rich with evidence dating back to the last ice age.

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From the junction of Hwy's 2 and 13 on the outskirts of Ashland, WI, turn onto Hwy 13 North. Bayfield is 21 miles north of Ashland on Hwy 13. Once in Bayfield, Hwy 13 becomes Rittenhouse Avenue, the “main street” of Bayfield. Trek & Trail's main store, reservation center and outfitting center is located in the Boothe Cooprage on 7 Washington Ave. Next to the Madline Island Ferry.

A Few Other Considerations:

*Please make your guide aware of any pertinent medical conditions you may have -- i.e. allergies, medications you’re taking, etc. If you have any questions concerning your personal fitness or your ability to participate, please be sure to consult your physician.

*We ask that all minors are accompanied by an adult on all of our tours and expeditions.

*Please remember that if you are late for a trip you are not the only one affected. Our trips are normally fully booked. Your promptness affects everyone’s allotted time on the water. Please plan accordingly.

*We cannot control the weather. Occasionally we are forced to alter our trip routes. Please be understanding.

*We recommend that all participants acquire travel insurance to cover emergency medical situations, evacuations and unforeseen last minute cancelations.

Day 1: After meeting your guide and fellow trip participants at 9:00 a.m., you will participate in a 2-3 hour Basic Safety Course. This course includes paddling technique, wet exits, kayak rescues, safety and weather hazards, and equipment packing. Be prepared to get wet! Trek & Trail will provide a wetsuit for the course and trip but you may want to bring along a set of clothing (long-sleeved ploypro shirt and/or wind jacket), specifically for the safety course, that you can leave behind. This way you’ll still have enough warm and dry clothing for your excursion. After the Basic Safety Course you’ll have lunch, then pack your gear and shuttle out to your departure site. Once on the island, we’ll set up camp, relax, explore, and have dinner around a campfire. This is the perfect time to share stories, review the day, and discuss all the possible adventures to come.

Day 2: After a breakfast overlooking the lake, you’ll spend the morning exploring the coastline of Sand, Oak, or Stockton Island. As you paddle, your guide can tell you about the area’s cultural and natural history, which includes the formation of the Apostles’ beautiful sandstone caves, the settlement of early native populations, and the development of the fishing and fur industries. After lunch, you’ll have an opportunity to explore the lighthouse (if on Sand Island) and perhaps do some fishing or hiking in the woods. Your group may choose to take advantage of your guide’s knowledge with a workshop on tracking, naturalist interpretation, or navigation.

Day 3: Today we’ll head out to circumnavigate the island or explore nearby islands. This is a good day to do some serious paddling now that everyone’s skills have started to develop. If on Sand or Stockton, it could be a good time to visit spectacular cliff areas.

Day 4: After a good breakfast, this last morning will be spent breaking camp and paddling the final crossing before loading up the vans to shuttle back to Bayfield. Once we’ve arrived at the Cooperage, we’ll sort through the gear, make sure all the boats are emptied, and debrief before everyone departs on their safe journeys home.

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Chances are you’ll be paddling through two of the splendid, sunny days which Lake Superior boasts. From experience, though, we know the weather conditions can vary greatly on any given day of a tour. For your safety and comfort you should come prepared by bringing the following:

___ Warm sweater or synthetic Pile jacket (not cotton)
___ Long underwear top & bottom (Synthetic works best)
___ Wind/Rain Jacket or paddling top
___ Shorts and pants of the “quick-dry,” synthetic or pile variety
___ Footwear that you can get wet
___ Light Stocking Cap (if cold)
___ T-Shirts
___ Swimsuit
___ Sun Hat
___ Sunglasses
___ Water Bottle
___ Sunscreen
___ Walking shoes or hiking boots
___ Wool socks
___ Gloves (if cold)
___ Flashlight
___ Insect Repellent
___ Binoculars
___ Toiletries
___ Sleeping Bag
___ Sleeping Pad

Trek & Trail Provides:

• Kayak
• Sprayskirt
• Paddle
• PFD
• Paddle float
• Bilge pump
• Farmer bill wetsuits (if needed).
• Tents (if you have one you like, bring it)

We offer a 10 % discount for all Trek & Trail trip participants on general kayaking items (gear, clothing, supplies, etc.) that you might find useful while on the water. Ask about our participant merchandise discount packages: 800.354.8735.

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Trek & Trail, Inc. 7 Washington Ave. Bayfield, WI 54814
1-800-354-8735