The "Pictured Rocks" are a series of sandstone bluffs overlooking the southern shore of Lake Superior.   These 200 foot cliffs are so named because of the mineral stains to its face, derived from the constant ground water seepage through the porous rock.  The cliffs compose about 30 percent of the 40 miles of shoreline between the communities of Munising and Grand Marais.  Besides the cliffs, another senic feature is the five mile stretch of sand dunes that tower 300 feet over Lake Superior.  Making up the balance are sand and pebbled beaches.  Parts of the shoreline are accessable by roads, but for the most part is limited to hiking trails and of course by water.     (You need to Login or Register

I have been able to visit the area numerous times over the years, taking advantage of its primitive campgrounds during overnight fishing trips to the local trout streams.  I have hiked some of the trails atop the cliffs overlooking the lake, but never before paddled the shoreline.  Lake Superior demands precaution because of its cold temperature.  The cliffs offer no sanctuary for stretches of up to five miles.  Open water sea kayak experience is necessary and I choose therefore to book an outing with a certified instructor.     (You need to Login or Register provides guided trips of one, three and seven days from the Munising area.  All equipment was provided including sleeveless full body wetsuits and 17' Necky kayaks.  Three husband/wife teams without a single stroke of kayaking experience had also booked on that day and all did fine on the water, proving that sea kayaking IS a sport all can enjoy.  The day began with some basic instruction on exiting and re-entering the kayaks, launching in the 2 foot surf and paddle strokes.  We put in from the Miners Beach area and paddled to view the cliffs both north and south of the 1/2 mile long beach.  Water temperature was a balmy 60-65 degrees, very rare on Superior, let along this early in the summer.  The month long 85-90 degree average high "heat wave" here in the U.P. had everything to do with that.  We concluded our day at 4 pm, which gave me ample time to get to my favorite trout stream and catch a meal for breakfast.

The second day began with a "to go" mug of coffee from a Grand Marais diner and an early visit to the Hurricane River campground to claim one of the limited sites (which fill up by afternoon).  Paddling in this area is relatively without risk.  The lake is shallow close to shore and beach landings can be made anywhere should wind conditions stir up the lake. Senery includes the lighthouse at AuSable Point and further beyond, the Grand Sable Dunes.  To describe the areas natural beauty, I have included some   (You need to Login or Register in the Inukshuk Gallery.  Further online information can be found at the   (You need to Login or Register

-YB