Points of Interest Along the Way

Among Sand Island's many assets are the impressive Swallow Point sea caves. The cliffs beckon explorers of all ages. Zigzags of hiking trails, spectacular views, great campsites, and remnants of old homesteads still remain as memories of a bygone era.

York Island was at one time two islands, but today, sand, flora and fauna bridge the gap between the two. York boasts one of the most breathtaking views of all the islands -- and a beautiful sand beach to boot!

Bear Island's looming shape is responsible for its name. Seemingly rising out of the depths of Lake Superior, this island boasts the grand mammal's outline.

Devil's Island possesses an extensive history. Formed with the aid of glaciers over 10,000 years ago, the exposed sandstone of the Devil's Island Formation makes its home along the northern shoreline of the island. The ancient red earthen cliffs appeal to all ages. Although the caves are tempting to explore, they can be extremely hazardous when seas are rough. The shoreline offers few safe landing sites; hence, the caves can only be visited when conditions are relatively calm.

Stockton Island and its nature trails, quarries, cliffs, and caves, offer extensive opportunities for hiking, camping, beachcombing, swimming, and bird watching. This island has evolved from aboriginal agricultural use, to commercial fishing and logging, to todays recreational use.

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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.

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Day 1: You’ll meet your guide and fellow trip participants at the Cooperage at 9:00 a.m. on the first day of your trip. You’ll begin the day with a 2-3 hour Basic Safety Course during which your guide will instruct you in paddling technique,“wet-exits,” kayak rescues, safety and weather concerns, and equipment packing. Be prepared to get wet! Trek & Trail will provide you with a wetsuit for the course and trip but you may want to bring a set of clothing (long- sleeved T-Shirt and/or wind jacket), specifically for the safety course, that you can leave behind. After the course you’ll have lunch, pack your gear, and then head out of Bayfield around 1:30-2:00 p.m. Once you’ve been shuttled to Little Sand Bay via van, our put in point about 12 miles north of Bayfield, it is a 3-4 mile crossing to Sand Island. Upon arrival you’ll explore the Swallow Point sea caves, and then do a 2 1/2 mile crossing to York Island. You should arrive at York with enough daylight to set up camp, have dinner, and relax around a campfire.

Day 2: Launching from York Island, the group will head to Devils Island, with a chance to rest at Bear Island. We’ll have opportunities to look out at large expanses of open water and Minnesota’s North Shore. We’ll hopefully explore the beautiful sea caves. Don’t forget to visit the historic lighthouse on the north end of the island. (Ask about Fluffy’s experience.)

Day 3: After breakfast at Devils we will head to Rocky Island for lunch on the beach, and we’ll then head over to set up camp on the southern end of Otter Island.

Day 4: This will be a relaxing day including a short paddle to Ironwood and its sandspit campsite, or we can explore some of the historic sites of the middle islands. One place you might want to make time to visit is the fish camp on Manitou Island.

Day 5: We’ll paddle to Stockton Island today. If you are ambitious and want to visit Outer Island, this is your last chance. Otherwise, Stockton has a lot to explore, especially its rugged shore at the on the north end, the spectacular Julian Bay with it back water lagoon, and the the brownstone quarry at Quarry Bay.

Day 6: It’s a 10 mile paddle to Bayfield. Upon arrival at the historic Cooperage, we’ll clean up and debrief the trip.

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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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