Project Description
Pictured Rocks Backpacking
THE CARIBBEAN OF THE NORTH
About this Trip
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is affectionately nicknamed “The Caribbean of the North” by past Northpoint Adventures director Katie Singleton. The area absolutely lives up to this, as participants hike along stunning white sand beaches where emerald blue waters meet vibrant blue skies. Rich in history, the trip begins at the fabled Log Slide where logging operations once slid their logs to the waters of the big lake below. From here the trail follows the Lake Superior shoreline, past shipwrecks, the Au Sable lighthouse, and eventually into the wooded areas near Sevenmile Beach and Trappers Lake. Spend a night near The Coves and take an evening swim with towering and picturesque cliffs in the background. Enjoy a hot cup of cocoa as the fog lifts and sunshine gives way to another perfect day in the backcountry. Can you spot signs of Pictured Rocks history deep in the woods? Past trips tell stories of finding an abandoned car from the 1930s, stuck deep in the mud, along a lakeshore road which existed long ago! Pictured Rocks offers a mid-length backpacking experience and is perfect preparation for Isle Royale Backpacking, offered later in the Northpoint Adventures series.
Details
Pictured Rocks Backpacking teaches participants extended tripping skills; including Leave No Trace ethics, the importance of self and personal gear care in the wilderness, introductory goal-setting and achievement in the context of an extended trip, the importance of encouragement of fellow trippers and working together in a group atmosphere, additional hands-on wilderness cooking skills, the importance of wilderness hygiene, map reading and navigation, and wilderness safety. The trip also challenges backpackers with longer hiking days, up to 9 miles.
Future Trip Dates to Be Determined
Recommended for Participants ages 13+
Intermediate level backpacking experience – 25 miles over 4 days
Difficulty
Trip Length
Who’s Coming?
Future Trip Dates to Be Determined
Participants:
To Be Announced
Trip Leaders:
To Be Announced
Packing List
The following items are necessary for a safe and comfortable Pictured Rocks experience. If you have questions, please e-mail Northpoint Adventures.
THE BASICS
– 2 pair Synthetic Socks for hiking – anything other than cotton works, Smartwool brand hikers are best
– 1 pair Nylon Athletic Shorts
– 1 pair breathable Hiking Pants, or one pair Athletic Pants as a substitute works well
– 1 short-sleeve Polypropylene Hiking Shirt – a shirt other than a cotton t-shirt works well
– 1 long-sleeve Polypropylene Hiking Shirt – if you only have long-sleeve cotton, that’s fine – 1 Polar Fleece Top – not cotton, NO sweatshirts
– 1 pair Rain Pants
– 1 Rain Jacket – no ponchos, please – Nylon Raingear recommended
– 1 T-Shirt for sleeping
– 1 pair lightweight Pajama Pants
– 1 pair Socks for sleeping
– 4 pair Underwear
– Sports Bras as necessary
– 1 Swimsuit
– 1 Baseball Cap, Visor, or Bandana
FOOTWEAR
– 1 pair of Hiking Boots – comfortable but supportive hiking shoes or boots are suitable for Pictured Rocks
– 1 pair of Sandals you can strap to your feet (Chacos, Tevas, etc.)
EXTRAS (but still important…)
– 1 Chapstick or Blistex
– Toothbrush & Toothpaste
– 1 Headlamp – important to have your own
– Camera*
– Bug Spray – preferably Black Fly Formula
– Sunscreen
– Sunglasses
– 1 package of Wet Ones or similar hand wipes
– 1 small Towel or “Pack Towel”
– 1 small Sleeping Bag
– 2 Nalgene-brand Water Bottles (wide-mouth, one-quart size. MUST be Nalgene-brand to
work with our water purifiers.)
– 1 Crazy Creek Chair or Sleeping Pad – not both, space is limited*
*denotes optional item
Northpoint Adventures will supply packs, bungees, eating and cooking equipment, and the rest of the gear for the trip.
Photos
This mini-gallery is from our past trips! Additional photos are found on our Facebook Page.
Maps
Take a moment to explore the route!
