At the northern tip of Wisconsin you can find something wonderful— red and orange sandstone caves on the water with halls like cathedrals. After working as an Apostle Islands sea kayak guide for two years, I’m happy to help you find the Apostle Islands sea caves.

The first thing to know about the Apostle Islands Sea Caves is you should not paddle them unless you have sea kayaking experience. I’m talking ACA certifications, a sea kayak with sealed bulkheads, and excellent deep water rescue skills.

The second thing to know is that there are multiple ways to see the Apostle Islands Sea Caves! In addition to paddle them, you can hike above the Sea Caves, or take a multi-way trip out into the islands!

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What to pack for a weekend trip to see the Apostle Islands Sea Caves:

• 2 lightweight, long hiking pants. I wear a size 8 and am short, and find the REI trailmade to be super flattering as well as the Kuhl freeflex.
• A pair of shorts, and yoga pants with pockets 
• A fleece. Any fleece will do, but I really love my Patagonia Synchilla
• Wool baselayers. Five years of heavy paddling and my Smartwool baselayers are the only wool baselayers I’ve had that have really stood the test of time. For seven days, pack four baselayer tops. 
• Study hiking boots. I like my Briger Mids. Working in outdoor retail I literally never had anyone try on these shoes and not buy them. Pair with Darn Tough hiking socks and pack at least five pairs. In the alpine areas, trekking poles are also a great choice!
• hiking sandals
• Quick dry shots: I like Patagonia Baggies
• A puffy jacket. It can be cool even in the summer near the lakeshore, especially evenings. My partner Andy (also a wilderness guide) swears by the Patagonia Nano Puff. I like my Helly Hansen Liftloft. 
• If camping, a tent, packable sleeping bag (Nemo Disco) and pad (comfortable sleeping pad): Read my budget tent recommendations here!
• A day hiking pack: I love my Perimeter 35L. I was gifted this pack a few years back and it’s still my go-to day pack; a savvy packer can easily pack for a seven day hiking trip in this bag. 
• A raincoat. I love the Moss Raincoat from Helly Hansen; It’s affordable, cute, and super durable.

Apostle Islands Sea Caves: Jewels of the Midwest

The Apostle Islands are an archipelago of 22 islands (21 within the National Lakeshore) at the Northernmost tip of Wisconsin. The Apostle Islands sea caves are the primary attraction in the area. These caves formed due to erosion at the hands of Lake Superior, including wind, waves, and ice. Still, these same powerful forces that carved out ornate caves also make the area dangerous to paddle. If this is what the Lake can do to rock, imagine what it can do to you.

It’s a common misunderstanding that the sea caves are in one place, and you can visit all of these caves in one kayaking trip. This is not true. There are three types of sandstone that stretch throughout the islands forming different types of caves. The most detailed and ornate caves are on Devil’s Island; an island that can only be reached by kayak on a multi-day expedition. On Stockton Island there are blocky red rock sea caves and stacks, and similar formations on Hermit and the north end of Madeline Island. Still, the easiest and largest caves are actual on the mainland of Wisconsin. Here’s some of the best trips and ways to visit:

Hike the Apostle Islands Sea Caves

Are you short on time, nervous to paddle, or want to view the sea caves on a bad weather day? Hike 3-10 miles above the Mainland Sea Caves for views of the caves from above, including the land bridge over “the crack”. This is a moderate hike depending on weather and trail conditions, and it is approximately a mile and a half to reach the first cave. From that cave, impressive views of Lake Superior cliffline, caves, and the North Shore of Minnesota in the distance continue for over a mile.

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Park at the Myers Beach parking lot, small fee.

Paddle the Mainland Sea Caves of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

One of the most popular sea kayaking trips in the area is the Mainland Sea Caves of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and it is popular for good reason! This paddle is about 3-7 miles depending how far you go and how straight you can paddle. The safest way to do this trip is to book a guided tour. I recommend Lost Creek Adventures. I know many of the guides personally and can promise they are some of the safest guides and best people you’ll find in the area.

If you plan to go on your own, here are some important notes: You are launching from a protected bay. That means that the water from which you launch is much warmer and more calm than the water you will reach. By the time you reach that colder, rougher water at the sea caves, you will be one mile from the nearest safe landing point. If you capsize, you may only have minutes to get back in your boat before hypothermia becomes a severe risk.

For these reasons, this paddle is safest with a sea kayak. A sea kayak is more stable in big waves, and floats even if the center fills with water. This area is notorious for storms that pop up in minutes, and large waves.

Read more about kayaking safety here.

Apostle Islands Sea Caves through Boat Assisted Tours

If you want to reach dramatic sea caves out in the islands, but aren’t ready to paddle for several days or even several hours worry not! Book a gentler boat assisted tour with Apostle Islands Kayaking. These tours will take you on a cruise boat out to a safe paddling spot somewhere in the Apostle Islands. Potential sites include Stockton Island, Hermit Island, Madeline Island, Sand Island, or occasionally Bear Island.

This is a great tour for anyone nervous about the water. Your cruise boat captain and your sea kayaking guide will work together to find the safest possible trip for that day. On this trip, you paddle for around two hours and see some of the less crowded, less visited sea caves, while also cruising the Apostle Islands.

Apostle Islands Sea Kayaking Multi-Day Trips

If you’ve got a taste for adventure and want an experience of a lifetime, consider a multi-day sea kayaking expedition throughout the Apostle Islands. A trip like this will get you out to beautiful white sand beaches, lighthouses, and of course, some of the best and biggest Apostle Islands Sea Caves. These trips range in length and route, so call your outfitter in advance to get individualized advice on what trip is best for you. Again, I recommend booking with Lost Creek Adventures.

Personally, my favorite island is Oak Island. There are excellent hiking trails including an impressive overlook of the outer ring of islands, great swimming spots, and excellent potential for sighting and being chased by a black bear. Can’t beat it. The northeast end of Oak Island also has some lovely cliffs, small waterfalls, and caves.

Hiking in the Bayfield Peninsula for Families

Visiting with your kids? Most of the time, it’s hard to take young children on a serious sea kayaking trip in the Apostle Islands. Due to safety and weather concerns, most people do not recommend bringing children paddling on Lake Superior. If your seven-year-old needs to pull their weight in a tandem kayak for three hours in building waves, they will not be able to. Ultimately, this not only endangers your family, but your whole group.

That doesn’t mean that families can’t have fun in the Apostle Islands! Friendly Valley beach south of Washburn, WI offers incredible swimming, and protected paddling. Hidden in the far North, Cornucopia Beach near the Mainland Sea Caves also has shallow, warmer water excellent for swimming. For great family hiking, head to Houghton Falls, near Washburn, WI. Featuring a small sandstone canyon, this hike is one of the most underrated in the area, but remember to stay on trail! The canyon is suffering erosion due to overuse.

Lost Creek Falls in Cornucopia is another great, easier hike for families. This trail ends at a lovely little waterfall over Orientia layer sandstone, the oldest class of sandstone in the Bayfield group of sandstones. If you walk under the falls, be sure to look up! You can see fossilized river bed in the ceiling from when the sandstone formed.

Looking for more on the Apostle Islands and beyond? Hidden Gems of the Northern Great Lakes: A Trail and Paddling Guide will help you plan your Great Lakes Road Trip and help you find the best backcountry adventures in the Upper Midwest!

Where will your next adventure be?

• Explore the best kayaking spots on Lake Superior
• Discover hidden waterfalls on the North Shore of Minnesota
• Here are thirty Midwest Hiking Trails, ranked best to worst. Where does your favorite fall?

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