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At the extreme western end of the mainland portion of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, about 5 miles east of Cornucopia, Wisconsin, is Meyers Beach. The Park Service has recently paved the road into the beach and created an ample paved parking area. While the beach itself is quite attractive and offers a nice spot for swimming, a picnic, or beachcombing, its popularity is mainly due to something about 2 miles away: the Sea Caves of the Bayfield Peninsula. The Bayfield Sea Caves make Meyers Beach a popular departure point for Kayakers wishing to explore the caves. The caves can also be seen by taking a 1.8 mile hike up the Lakeshore Trail. (Note for backcountry campers: there is a camping area 2 miles further down the trail near Sand Point.) Having no kayak, Jo and I chose the land route to see the caves. Although called The Lakeshore Hiking Trail, good views of the lake were rare until we got near the caves. The hiking trail runs near the lakeshore, but the woods were too thick to see the lake clearly. These woods with its variety of tree species would be especially attractive during the fall color season. The trail was rated moderately difficult because of the frequent up and down undulations; however, we found it well maintained with stair steps wherever the trail got steep. The trail crossed a number of creeks but all but one were dry due to the drought like conditions at the time. But even if the trail had been a drudge of a hike, the reward at the end, the Sea Caves, were worth it. 
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Lakeshore Hiking Trail - Sea Caves Hans gets a drink in the one creek that wasn't dry due to the August drought of 2005. > > >
Hoorah, we finally reach the Sea Caves > > >
< < < Looking down into one of the caves.
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< < < The Sea Caves continue along the coast to the east, but can be best seen from the water. The island in the distance is "Eagle Island."
For some great views of the caves from the "frozen water" see our pix from our wintertime visits to the Bayfield Ice & Sea Caves. > > >
On the return hike, we found a sand road that led to the beach so we were able to see some different scenery than the hike in.
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Here's an aerial view from Google Maps of the Meyers Beach Apostle Islands Recreation Area and the Sea Caves hiking trail
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- An interesting article and slide show on the Apostle Islands by Katie Thurmes |
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The Apostle Islands--America's Wilderness In The Water A handy "5 x8" guide to the Apostle Islands geared towards kayakers and boaters
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See our recommended
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