Wisconsin
Apostle Islands Sea-Kayak
About this paddle route
The Apostles are 21 islands off the Bayfield peninsula in Lake Superior, and the crossings between them are open, cold water with real exposure. Raspberry Island has one of the best-preserved light stations on the Great Lakes; Stockton has the largest campground in the archipelago. Superior does not forgive. Water temperatures stay cold enough through summer that immersion is a survival problem, not a discomfort.
A Lake Superior island crossing from Bayfield out to Raspberry and Stockton.
Highlights
What earns the trip
- Raspberry Island Light Station, restored and staffed in season
- The mainland and island sea caves, when conditions allow
- Stockton Island has camping and long sand beaches
- Genuine open-water crossings rather than sheltered paddling
Stops
- 1
Bayfield Marina
Mainland launch and the ferry dock.
- 2
Raspberry Island
Restored light station with tours in season.
- 3
Stockton Island
Largest campground in the islands, with a ranger station.
When to go
Best time to go
July through early September, when Superior is at its warmest and calmest.
Planner estimate for the mapped line: 1h 47m
Before you go
Know before you go
- A wetsuit or drysuit is required equipment, not optional. Superior stays cold all summer.
- Camping permits are required for the island campsites.
- Check the marine forecast before every crossing. Conditions change in under an hour out here.
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