Map 2 - North Shore

Route Description
MN Department of
Natural Resources
DNR Trails & Waterways
500 Lafayette Road Box 52
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155
INFORMATION
Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources Information Center
Metro (651) 296-6157
1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367)
TDD Metro (651) 296-5484
TDD MN toll free 1-800-657-3929
DNR Trails & Waterways
(651) 297-1151
DNR Website
www.dnr.state.mn.us
Assistance Provided By:
Lake Superior Water Trail
Association of Minnesota
Matt Kania Map Illustrations
This map is not intended as a sole
source for navigational
information.
Printed on recycled paper with
30% post-consumer material.
TM
© 2005 State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources
• Travel with a companion or group.
Know the skill level of other paddlers in your group.
Discuss safety issues before leaving shore.
• Study shoreline features on your chart and
review exit points before launching.
Remember, cliffs can cause additional water turbulence and prevent you from going ashore.
• Each paddler is required to have a wearable U.S.
Coast Guard personal flotation device readily accessible and there must be a bright white light on
board each kayak or canoe after sunset to be displayed in time to prevent a collision.
• Fog frequently restricts visibility to zero.
Bring a good compass and know how to use it.
• Other items recommended for paddlers to carry:
A portable VHF radio to call for help in an emergency and monitor the weather channels; Spray
skirt; Float for paddle; Whistle and emergency
flares; Water, snacks and sunscreen; and compass.
Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake on our planet,
containing 10% of all the fresh water on earth.
The diverse natural history and cultural heritage of the
Lake Superior region offers paddlers a unique experience
on this remarkable global resource.
In Miles (0.0 at Minnesota Entrance -Duluth Lift Bridge)
Crazy Bay. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. Two
kayak campsites. West site is for kayakers only and
is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pit
toilet. [47° 11.075' N / 91° 23.975' W]. East site
(backpack/kayak site #3) is shared-use by kayakers
and backpackers. Reservations recommended. Fire
ring and pit toilet. [47° 11.145' N / 91• 23.935' W]
43.0
Split Rock Creek. Split Rock Lighthouse State
Park. Backpack/kayak site #1. Shared-use by kayakers
and backpackers. Reservations recommended.
[47° 11.405' N / 91° 23.175' W]
CAMPING OPPORTUNITIES
Camping is permitted at designated sites
only. The following options are available:
43.7
Little Two Harbors. Split Rock Lighthouse State
Park. Access to park and lighthouse, a Minnesota
Historic Site. Access, parking, campground, picnic
area and trails. [47° 11.865' N / 91° 22.620' W]
• Campgrounds - state park, municipal and private
campgrounds.
These are generally located inland. They make a
good base camp for day trips. Fees are charged and
reservations are advisable.
44.7
Gold Rock Point. Wreck of the Madeira, driven
ashore in 1905, lies scattered on the bottom in10 to
100' of water with portions clearly visible in calm
water. A popular recreational diving site, please be
alert to divers in the water. Rest area on small beach
nearby. No facilities.[47° 12.410' N / 91° 21.520'W]
45.5
Nadine Blacklock Lakeshore. Blacklock Nature
Sanctuary. Campsite is near N.E. end of cobble
beach E. of cabin (which is on point), in from Gull
Rock. The shallows leading out to Gull Rock give
some protection to this otherwise exposed beach.
Landing is on large cobbles, which can be difficult
even in good conditions. Trail system will eventually
lead up to road and into Split Rock State Park
(check sign at campsite for current trail system).
Note: the cabin is used by artists and writers doing
residencies at the Sanctuary. Please respect their
desire for solitude. [47° 13.070' N / 91° 21.025' W]
• This map is not adequate for sole use as a
navigational aid.
USGS topographic maps and NOAA charts of the
North Shore can be obtained from a variety of
sources, such as kayaking or camping gear retailers.
Learn how to use maps and a compass for navigation
before setting out on the lake.
• Water Trail kayak campsites. These primitive
sites are accessible from the lake only.
There is no parking allowed. They are available on
a first-come, first-served basis, with no fee charged
at this time. The campsites are intended for a one
night maximum stay, weather permitting. Group
sizes are limited to six paddlers; please be courteous
to others sharing adjacent sites. Fires are not allowed.
Pleases leave campsites as clean or cleaner than
you find them and carry out all trash. For more
information on individual site capacity, refer to the
route description portion of this map.
• Low impact camping.
Please tread very lightly when you are on land. Use
only established trails. (Notice that even walking
on what appears to be a "plain" rock surface there
are many brightly colored lichens, mosses and tiny
plants.) Avoid walking on mosses and lichens along
the shore. The use of camp stoves at campsites is
recommended. Within state parks campfires are
allowed in fire rings only.
• Camp in groups of 6 or less. Camp only in
designated areas that are marked on the map.
• Respect private homes and property along the
shore! Please take breaks and camp only at designated areas.
DRINKING WATER
Drinking water is not provided at most of
the campsites. Be prepared to treat all water from
the lake and rivers.
LAKE SUPERIOR
(continued from other side)
42.3
• Kayak/backpack campsites in state parks.
These primitive state park sites are accessible by
water or foot trail only. Most of these sites have
fire rings. $7 fee charged. Reservations are required.
At these sites, all state park rules apply and all
vehicles must have a state park vehicle permit.
CRAIG BLACKLOCK
THE LAKE SUPERIOR EXPERIENCE
Lake Superior, born in fire and ice, has
offered adventuresome travelers endless miles of
discovery for thousands of years. The geological
history and features of the northwestern shoreline
reveals some of the oldest rock formations on earth
and are a testimony to the great forces of nature
which created this great lake.
Although the North Shore of Lake Superior
is located on the southern fringe of the boreal forest,
the cold, harsh conditions created by Superior's cold
waters resemble a subarctic ecosystem. Brilliant
lichens, mosses, wildflowers, and rare plants like
lignonberry, butterwort or cloudberry together with
spruce, white pine, aspen and birch soften the rugged
shoreline.
The North Shore's cultural history and diversity is no less impressive. The North Shore offers
the paddler an opportunity to learn about the people
and traditions of the First Nations of the lake and
the European influence of early explorers, missionaries and fur traders. Evidence of the history of the
lumber, mining, shipping, and commercial fishing
industries are found all along the shore.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
The many shipwrecks along the North Shore
are tragic reminders of the power and fury of Lake
Superior. That power is something every paddler
must respect and not underestimate. The same
dramatic features that enrich the shoreline experience, such as lake cliffs, can pose serious hazards
to unwary paddlers; placid summer waters can
change in minutes to life-threatening conditions and
cliff areas can prevent paddlers from seeking safety
on shore. A paddler needs to be prepared mentally
and physically to deal with these conditions and
possess the paddling skills necessary to assure their
own safety and that of others. Local marine weather
forecasts should be monitored before and during
any trip on the lake. A paddler needs to understand
the implications these forecasts have on overall lake
conditions, as well as the shoreline area you plan
to travel. Wave heights can be greatly increased by
shoreline features and currents.
• Choose your trip and daily travel distance in relation
to experience, fitness and a 2-3 mph average kayak
speed.
Changing lake conditions can greatly affect distances
traveled.
JOHN ANDERSON
This information is available in alternative
format upon request
• Seek instruction and practice kayak skills, including rescues, before paddling on Lake Superior.
Be certain your boat has adequate bow and stern
flotation and that you have access to a pump for
emptying a flooded boat.
CRAIG BLACKLOCK
“Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is available to all
individuals regardless of race, color, creed or religion, national origin,
sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual
orientation, age or disability. Discrimination inquiries should be sent
to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette
Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4031; or the Equal Opportunity Office
Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.”
• Anticipate changes in weather, wind and wave by
monitoring a weather or marine VHF radio, and using
your awareness and common sense.
The National Weather Service broadcasts a 24 hour
updated marine forecast on KIG 64, weather band
channel 1 on the maritime VHF frequency, from Duluth;
a version of this broadcast can be heard by calling 218729-6697, press 4 for Lake Superior weather information.
CRAIG BLACKLOCK
THE LAKE SUPERIOR WATER TRAIL
Established by the Minnesota Legislature
in 1993, the Minnesota portion of the Lake Superior
Water Trail extends from the St. Louis Bay in Duluth
to the Pigeon River on the Canadian border, a
distance of approximately 150 miles. Cooperative
efforts in Ontario, Wisconsin, Michigan and First
Nations will develop a Water Trail completely around
Lake Superior, primarily for use by sea kayakers.
The development and maintenance of the Water
Trail is a joint effort of the Minnesota Department
of Natural Resources and the Lake Superior Water
Trail Association of Minnesota.
This map covers approximately 40 miles of
Lake Superior's shoreline in western Lake County.
Although generally lacking the spectacular high
cliffs that dominate the shoreline in Lake County,
this section of the Water Trail will reward the paddler
with many interesting geological formations embedded in the low basaltic shoreline outcroppings, views
of small villages from the commercial fishing era,
and broad vistas of the remnant peaks of the Sawtooth Range. Private development, particularly in
the Tofte and Lutsen areas, has limited the number
of public access points, and paddlers traversing this
area need to plan ahead with an eye on the weather
and personal needs.
• All watercraft (including non-motorized canoes and
kayaks over 9 feet in length) must be registered in
Minnesota or the state of residence.
• Be familiar with dangers of hypothermia and
dress appropriately for the cold water (32 to 50
degrees Fahrenheit).
Cold water is a killer - wearing a wet or dry suit is
strongly recommended.
CRAIG BLACKLOCK
LAKE SUPERIOR
ake Superior is the largest freshwater
lake on our planet, containing 10% of
all the fresh water on earth. The lake's
32,000 square mile surface area stretches
across the border between the United
States and Canada; two countries, three states, one
province and many First Nations surround Superior's
magnificent shoreline. The diverse natural history
and cultural heritage of the Lake Superior region
offers paddlers a unique experience on this remarkable global resource.
ENJOY
Lake Superior is a spectacular environment
for a sea kayaker to experience the world's largest
freshwater lake. The natural history and cultural
diversity will provide additional dimensions to the
experience. Enjoy all that Lake Superior has to
offer, respect the lake and tread lightly on her shores.
Have a great time!
HOW CAN I HELP?
For Association membership and information on becoming involved with the Lake Superior
Water Trail Association (LSWTA), write to:
Nadine Blacklock was one of the country’s leading
women nature photographers. As President of the
Minnesota Parks and Trails Council, she presided
over the addition of several North Shore parcels
into our state park system, including Gold Rock
Point. She died in an automobile accident in 1998
at the age of 44.
48.1
Cove Point Lodge. Private resort. Rest area.
Contact resort for lodging and other information.
[47° 14.795' N / 91° 18.775' W]
49.5
Beaver Bay. Rest area on beach only. No facilities.
Food and other supplies can be purchased nearby.
[47° 15.575' N / 91° 17.595' W]
50.5
Bayside Park and Silver Bay Marina. A city
park with access, parking, restrooms and picnic areas.
[47° 16.280' N / 91° 16.570' W]
51.0
Silver Bay Harbor. Caution! Large commercial
vessels transit this area 24 hours a day.
52.9
Northshore Mining Access. Carry-in access, rest
area and parking.
52.6
Northshore Mining. Rest area and camping.
55.0
Palisade Head. Tettegouche State Park. Sea cliffs
and caves. Caution! Wind and waves can quickly
create potential hazardous conditions in this area.
[47° 19.030' N / 91° 12.835' W]
55.5
Palisade Head Campsite. Four kayak campsites
and rest area. Pit toilet. No fires. First-come, firstserved. [47° 19.725' N / 91° 12.340' W]
56.2
Tettegouche State Park. Walk-in site. Shareduse by kayakers and backpackers. Reservations
required. Fire ring and pit toilet.
[47° 20.075' N / 91° 11.900'W]
56.3
Baptism River. Tettegouche State Park. Access,
parking, picnic area and trails. State park campground
is 1.5 miles inland. [47° 20.165' N / 91° 11.855' W]
56.8
Shovel Point. Tettegouche State Park. Dramatic
cliffs plunge into Lake Superior at this exposed,
projecting point.
57.2
Crystal Bay. Tettegouche State Park. Rest area.
No facilities. One of the largest North Shore sea
caves. [47° 20.830' N / 91° 11.075' W]
59.7
Mile 59.7 Rest Area. Beach area only. No facilities.
[47° 22.765' N / 91° 09.360' W]
Caution! There are currently no established public
landing areas or facilities for the remainder of this
section. Be knowledgeable of current weather
conditions. Plan accordingly.
Lake Superior Water Trail Association of Minnesota
Waters of Superior
395 S. Lake Avenue
Duluth, MN 55802
Visit the LSWTA website:
www.LSWTA.org
KE SUPERIOR
LA
62.8
Stone Hearth Inn. Emergency landing only.
Contact resort for lodging and other information.
[47° 24.645' N / 91° 06.435' W]
63.3
Fenstad's Resort. Emergency landing only. Contact
resort for lodging and other information.
[47° 24.855' N / 91° 05.890' W]
65.8
Manitou Falls and Arch. Private property. No
landing. [47° 26.565' N / 91° 03.805' W]
End of Route
WA
TE R TR AIL
T A
O F
M I N N E S O
61
cliffs
Crazy Bay
breakw
cliffs
Crow Creek
Lafayette Bluff
Encampment Island
Split Rock Point
ock
Split R r
Rive
Silver Bay Marina
33
cliffs
East Beaver Bay
Split Rock Cabins
Be
beach
in
Tw
ints
Po
Gooseberry River. Gooseberry Falls State Park.
Access, parking, campground, 2 kayak campsites
(water accessible only, available on a first-come,
first-served basis), picnic area and trails.
[47° 08.560' N / 91° 27.500' W]
40.5
41.5
41.9
M I N N E S O
© 2005 State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources
Illgen City
itou R.
e
et
s
Cr
e
ber r y
Rive
Mean lake level:
601 feet
Gooseberry River
Mean lake level:
601 feet
28
e
stl
n
Da
ge
r
C
Pa
k
ree
Superior Shores Lodge
Cotton Property
26
Cre
de
lisa
u
nito
55
radio tower
sea cave
ek
Willia
m
64
Fenstad’s Resort
Mar
e
Riv
ai s
(emergency landing only)
r
Little Marais
54
cliffs
63
Stone Hearth Inn
(emergency landing only)
s C
r ee
k
k
Mean lake level:
601 feet
Two Harbors
Split
Roc k
C r ee k
Split Rock
Lighthouse
State Park
34
ay
B
r
e
Silv
Day Hill
840 ft.
765 ft.
Corundum Point
ock
Split R r
Rive
43
5
cliffs
61
Northshore
Mining Company
52
tailings
61
Split Rock Point
61
61
Crazy Bay
985 ft.
60
Silver Bay Harbor
51
42
Crow Creek
700
tailings
r
breakwate
SCALE IN MILES
Mean lake level:
601 feet
Northshore Mining Access
cliffs
Lafayette Bluff
53
Little Two Harbors
ay
SCALE IN MILES
62
44
25
800
Palisade Head
Split Rock Lighthouse
35
61
848 ft.
61
65
36
(emergency landing only)
Castle Danger
te B
RTH
O
N
900 ft.
61
45
cliffs
Grand Superior Lodge
Burlington Bay
Aga
Manitou River
6
27
C
Gold Rock Point
rocks
740 ft.
nk
waterfall and arch
ive
56
y
Flood Bay
State Wayside
e
re
RTH
O
N
Little
Ca
61
r
37
iver
art R
S te w
d Ba
ive
mR
935 ft.
46
Nadine Blacklock Lakeshore
Stewart River
R
66
cliffs
cliffs
Gull Rock
F l oo
George H.
Crosby-Manitou
State Park r
cliffs
61
Gooseberry
Reef
r
sea arch
47
ek
3
Shovel Point
800
G oose
57
67
Po r k B ay
Ma
700
800
900
700
800
k
B
is
ap t
900
ee
beach
cliffs
NO
RTH
Cr
sea cave
y
cliffs Cr ys tal Ba
700
29
KE SUPERIOR
LA
TE R TR A IL
T A
n
NO
RTH
NO
RTH
925 ft.
P
lso
Pine Bay
Gooseberry Falls
State Park
Split Rock River. Split Rock Lighthouse State
Park. Rest area. No facilities.
[47° 10.920' N / 91° 24.440' W]
(continued on other side)
O F
Ne
68
y
38
Twin Points. Rest area. Access, parking. No
camping permitted. [47° 09.925' N / 91° 25.510' W]
WA
61
30
61
Thompson Beach. Four kayak campsites and rest
area. 2 pit toilets. No fires. First-come, first-served.
[47° 09.480' N / 91° 26.230' W]
Split Rock Cabins. Private resort. Fee charged for
use of boat ramp/docks. Contact resort for lodging
and other information.
[47° 10.545' N / 91° 24.650' W]
er
900
38.3
an
1000
Cotton Property. Emergency landing only.
[47° 07.270' N / 91° 30.025' W]
39.7
e
Si l v
ek
r Cre
Grand Superior Lodge. Private resort. Rest area.
Contact resort for lodging and other information.
[47° 07.135' N / 91° 30.265' W]
35.8
M
1200
1100
35.7
Silver Cliff
700
Caution! There are currently no established public
landing areas or facilities for the next 5 miles. Be
knowledgeable of current weather conditions.
Plan accordingly.
R iv
910 ft.
r eek
1
Cove Point Lodge
a
Isl et B
800
Halcyon Harbor Cabins. Rest area on private
beach below cliffs. No facilities.
[47° 04.545' N / 91° 35.095' W]
tunnel
850 ft.
u
30.8
58
49
tal C
Cr ys
39
900
Silver Cliff. Site of the longest highway tunnel in
the Midwest U.S. [47° 03.895' N / 91° 35.680' W]
(emergency landing only)
NO PUBLIC LANDING AREAS
30.0
r
700
Stewart River. Rest area, access, parking.
[47° 02.845' N / 91° 37.810' W]
ve
Tettegouche
State Park
800
28.0
Ri
ou
1170 ft.
Mean lake level:
601 feet
Beaver Bay
Thompson Beach
31
900
100
0
Flood Bay. State wayside. Toilets. No overnight
parking. [47° 02.270' N / 91° 38.520' W]
er
Silver Cliff Resort
800
27.1
Superior Shores Lodge. Private resort. Rest area.
Contact resort for lodging and other information.
[47° 02.060' N / 91° 38.525' W]
3
cliffs
700
27.0
Burlington Bay. Municipal campground east of
landing. Tourist information office nearby on State
Highway 61. [47° 01.455' N / 91° 39.665' W]
av
rib
69
Caribou Falls
State Wayside
59
985 ft.
48
Sk
26.0
e
nn
Ke
C
B e a v er B a y
1000
Halcyon Harbor Cabins
Route Description
Agate Bay. DNR boat access inside breakwater.
Parking. Toilets. Historic lighthouse and museum
at point. [47° 00.875' N / 91° 39.975' W]
50
dy
k
ree
4
Twin Points
e
Cre
Ca
tle
32
k
WARNING: Land only at
public landing areas.
Landing on private
property is trespassing!
25.3
940 ft.
Lak k Co
eC .
o.
Bayside Park
40
In Miles (0.0 at Minnesota Entrance -Duluth Lift Bridge)
Mile 59.7 Rest Area
Pellet Island
ater
42
41
Encampment River
60
51
Coo
61
SCALE IN MILES
700
cliffs
985 ft.
800
860 ft.
61
Northshore
Mining Company
NO PUBLIC LANDING AREAS
Corundum Point
43
Silver Bay Harbor
ek
NO PUBLIC LANDING AREAS
C
Cr e
tailings
Kennedy Creek to
Caribou River
700
Split Rock
Lighthouse
State Park
row
765 ft.
61
Beaver Bay to
Kennedy Creek
1000
900
800
700
800
C r ee k
34
700
Private land (NO LANDING)
City or town
Public land
Carry-in access
Boat access
Rest area
Kayak campsite
Backpack/kayak campsite
Campground
Picnic area
Parking
Lighthouse
Park office
Peak elevation
Contour elevation
Day Hill
840 ft.
Roc k
Split Rock Lighthouse
to Beaver Bay
800
800
Split
61
MAP KEY
765 ft.
Crow Creek to
Split Rock Lighthouse
Lit
Two Harbors to
Crow Creek
LAKE SUPERIOR
WATER TRAIL
Pellet Island
SCALE IN MILES
Mile 59.7 Rest Area
beach
SCALE IN MILES