Bayfield, Wisconsin means home to me in the summer. Hidden waterfalls, islands, beaches, and caves– I got to explore all of that in my two summers as a sea kayak guide in the area.
Wondering where you should go? Below are my favorite adventures, trails, and hidden gems in the Bayfield area.
Houghton Falls Nature Preserve
With sandstone cliffs, views of Lake Superior, and seasonal waterfalls, this 1.5-mile trail is an easy hike and a must visit. Be aware that in many areas going off trail is trespassing on private property, and the Bayfield Regional Conservancy asks hikers not to wander into the streamed, as it contributes to erosion.
A Little Sand Bay Sunset
One of the best spots to watch the sun set over Lake Superior might be Little Sand Bay. Here you can watch the sun sink behind Sand Island, and stroll down the pier, and out to a small river/estuary.
Corny Beach
Looking for a place to swim and get some of the best smoked fish around? Look no further than the small town of Cornucopia, right on Lake Superior. If you’re looking to add some mileage to your beach day check out nearby Lost Creek Falls for a little over a 2 mile hike.
Kayaking the Sea Caves in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
The Mainland Sea Caves are often what brings people out to Bayfield, and fairly so. Objectively glamorous, the sea caves are an incredible experience. You can head out with Lost Creek Adventures* to experience these caves!
If you’re planning on going without a guide, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first thing to remember is that Lake Superior isn’t really a lake; it is a freshwater sea. Just last fall, a 28.8 foot wave was recorded near Marquette, Michigan, and the weather at the Sea Caves can change very quickly, from glass to dangerous in under an hour. Kayakers should use ONLY sea kayaks, and have spray skirts, wetsuits, PFDs (which you should actually wear!!!), a bilge pump, a paddle float, first aid kit, and extra water, and all of this at the very least.
If you are going to paddle the sea caves and you have access to all of this equipment, great! Make sure you can either self-rescue or you are with someone who can T-rescue—preferably both. I would also recommend checking the marine forecast, and understanding what that forecast means. At the Mainland Caves, strong winds from the Northeast or West generate pretty large waves that can rebound off the cliff walls.
All this to say, if you don’t have sea kayaking experience and access to equipment, going with an outfitter is an excellent and much safer way to experience the sea caves! Check out Lost Creek Adventures and their various tour options here!
Kayaking the Islands
)While the Mainland Sea Caves are awesome, the whole of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore features more, less accessed sea caves. By touring the islands on a multi-day sea kayaking trip, you can experience more remote caves and garner some more experience sea kayaking. Check out Lost Creek Adventure’s different multi-day trips!
(For staff training this year we did a three day overnight that looked something like Beaches, Waves and Caves, but with a lot more capsizing and rescue practice! The sea caves on Sand Island are incredible, (even when you’re upside down in a kayak and freezing in them) and having lunch on the Raspberry Island Sandspit might be one of my favorite experiences to date, sunburn included. The photo above was taken from the Oak Island dock during an overnight trip. If you’re at all up for some island camping and interested in paddling, this is really the sort of experience you want to have in this lakeshore.)
Hike Meyers Beach Sea Caves
If you don’t get out in a kayak to the Sea Caves don’t stress too much—you can experience the caves from above the cliff line at the Meyers Beach. This trail is usually considered to be moderate, and is as long as you make it. Keep your eyes peeled for black bear, which are known to frequent the area, and try and make it out during a Lake Superior Gale for added drama.
Apostle Islands Grand Tour
Hop on one of the cruises starting in Bayfield to get a three hour tour of the Apostle Islands from a ferry! Try for the top deck of the boat for the best view, but be sure to dress warm—the air up there is cold and it only gets colder the farther out you go!
Lost Creek Falls
Lost Creek Falls is tucked away in Cornucopia Wisconsin. The trail is in easy out and back totaling less than three miles. My favorite thing about Lost Creek falls? If you walk under the falls and look up, you can see fossilized ripples in the ceiling!
*Lost Creek Adventures isn’t the company I guided with (Living Adventure retired, sad!), but I know a lot of the guides there, and everyone is completely awesome! They are the best way to get out to Myers Beach and out into the islands on overnights, and have my whole-hearted recommendation.
Looking for the best hikes, paddles, and hidden gems of the Upper Midwest?
Check out my book, Hidden Gems of the Northern Great Lakes: A Trail and Paddling Guide. Let me help you find not only the best adventures for your skill and comfort level, but also semi-secret photography spots, countless waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Northern Wisconsin, intrepid canoe routes near Traverse City, Michigan, hidden sea caves, and some of the best campsites the region has to offer.
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