North Shore Lake Superior Trip
Paddle Lake Superior’s Wild North Shore
Two days. 18 miles. One unforgettable adventure.
Join me for a guided kayak and camping trip along Minnesota’s most spectacular coastline. We’ll launch from historic Silver Bay, paddle past the cliffs of Palisade Head, explore sea caves carved by centuries of waves, and spend the night camped on the shore at Tettegouche State Park.
July 17-18, 2027 | Limited to 10 paddlers | From $95
Beginners, experienced paddlers, and everyone in between are welcome. If you’re comfortable being active for a few hours at a time and ready for a night of camping, you’re ready for this trip.
What to Expect
Itinerary
Day 1: Launch and Paddle (Saturday, July 17, 2027)
We meet at the Silver Bay Marina at 7:00 AM, go over safety and gear, and launch onto Lake Superior. Over roughly 9 miles we’ll paddle the North Shore, with a break at the iconic black sand beach. We’ll stop for lunch just past towering Palisade Head and explore the sea caves along the way. By afternoon we’ll land at Tettegouche State Park, set up camp, and enjoy a relaxed evening on the shore.
Day 2: The Return (Sunday, July 18, 2027)
We’ll start the day at an easy pace so anyone who wants can enjoy a morning hike in the park. We leave Tettegouche State Park around 11:00 AM for the roughly 9-mile paddle back to Silver Bay. We’ll take one break at the black sand beach and see the coastline from a new angle.
Get Ready with Me
Once you register, you’re not on your own. You’ll get:
- Three group Zoom calls covering what to bring, how to pack your kayak, and tips to make the trip unforgettable. These are optional but strongly recommended, and they’re a good chance to meet your fellow paddlers before launch day.
- One-on-one consulting for any questions you have as a registered paddler, whether it’s gear, packing, nerves about the water, or anything else.
Your Guide: You’re in Good Hands
I’ve been kayaking for more than 20 years, and I’ve paddled this stretch of Lake Superior many times. I’m experienced in both self-rescue and group water rescue, and I carry the right gear on my kayak: a tow rope, a life-saving throw line, and a portable VHF/UHF radio that can reach the Coast Guard if we ever need it. I plan for what could happen, so you don’t have to think about it. I’ll handle the route, the timing, and the weather, and keep a close eye on conditions all day. Your only job is to paddle, relax, and soak it all in.
What to Bring
Kayak and Paddle Gear
- Kayak, paddle, spray skirt, life jacket and wetsuit (all included in the rental package if you choose Option 2)
- Life jackets must be worn at all times while in the kayak.
- Life jackets must be USCG Level 70 (legacy Type III). No other life jacket is approved.
- Water bottle or hydration pack is strongly recommended to have while kayaking.
For Camping
- Sleeping bag
- Tent
- Sleeping pad
- Stove
- Cooking gear, such as a pot or pan, depending on what you plan to cook
- Utensils
- Water bottle/Drinks
Food and Water
You provide all of your own food and water for the trip: lunch and snacks for the water, and your dinner at camp. Plan your dinner around what you’ll cook, then bring the cooking gear that goes with it.
- There is drinking water at or near the campsite. It is potable.
Nice to Have
- Sunscreen
- Paddle gloves
- Change of clothes
- Extra snacks
- Water purifier
A Note on Packing
Everything you bring has to fit inside your kayak’s hatches, and you’ll be paddling its weight for 18 miles. Pack light and pack smart. Don’t worry, I’ll show you how in the prep calls.
Registration Options for Everyone
Solo kayakers must be 18 or older. In a double kayak, at least one paddler must be 18 or older, and no paddler can be under 13.
Included in Both Options
* Guided trip with me, your experienced guide
* Kayak trip insurance
* Overnight camping reservation at Tettegouche State Park
Option 1: Bring Your Own Kayak
$95 per person (double kayaks $190)
You have a kayak and the paddling gear. Bring it and join the trip.
Kayak requirements:
- At least 14 feet in length
- Equipped with watertight bulkheads
- Life jacket: USCG Level 70 (legacy Type III)
- Spray skirt and paddle
- Wetsuit
Option 2: Rent Your Kayak Gear
$95 per person registration + kayak rental from “TBD” Company
(I am currently working to get us a group rate)
- No kayak? We’ll get you set up with a complete rental package.
- I’ll help with kayak pick-up and drop-off
Rental package from “X” Company:
- Kayak, paddle, spray skirt, life jacket and wetsuit
- Currently $120 per day with a 3-day minimum (about $360)
- Paid directly to ABC Company, who set the price and terms. You’ll sign the rental agreement with them.
Estimated total: about $455 ($95 registration + $360 rental)
Bad Weather Plan
Lake Superior sets the schedule, and your safety comes first.
Major storms in the forecast: If major storms are forecast, I’ll make a weather call on July 15, 2027. If we postpone, the trip moves to the alternate dates of July 24-25, 2027, or you’ll receive a full refund.
Rough conditions on the day: If the forecast looks rough, or high winds or waves are a concern, we’ll still meet at the Silver Bay Marina at 7:00 AM and I’ll make a weather call there with everyone present. If conditions aren’t safe for the full route, we switch to Plan B:
- Saturday: We drive the 20 or so miles to Tettegouche State Park for a day of hiking, then camp overnight as planned.
- Sunday: We launch from Tettegouche, paddle to Palisade Head to see the point and the sea caves, then return to Tettegouche. It’s a round trip of about 12 miles.
The only thing you’d miss is the black sand beach. You still get the cliffs, the sea caves, the camping, and the Lake Superior experience. Because the trip still goes ahead, no refunds are given for a Plan B switch.
Please read our cancellation policy for full details.