Apostle Islands Archipelago planning
Apostle Islands Archipelago trip packet
Print this. The checklist, the hazards, the emergency plan and the rules of the corridor in one place.
Packing checklist
Immersion & paddling
- Dry suit or wetsuit
- Spray skirt
- Bilge pump
- Spare paddle
- PFD with whistle
Navigation
- NOAA chart 14973
- Compass
- GPS
- VHF marine radio
Camp
- Bear-resistant food canister
- Water filter
- Insect head net
- Synthetic layers
Known hazards
- Lake Superior cold water — hypothermia in minutes, even in July
- Squalls and steep, fast-building waves
- Falling rock and ice at the sea caves
- Black bears active on nearly every island
- Biting stable flies (unbothered by repellent)
- Long dead zones with no cell coverage behind the outer islands
Water notes
Lake Superior water is clear but must be filtered or treated for Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Check the NOAA marine forecast for western Lake Superior before every crossing.
Emergency plan
File a float plan with a shore contact, carry a VHF marine radio (Channel 16), and wear a whistle and signal mirror on your PFD. A dry suit or wetsuit is standard equipment here, not an upgrade.
Leave No Trace
Camp only at designated sites, store all food and scented items in the provided bear lockers or a bear canister, and leave glass containers at home.