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Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Meyers Beach - Bayfield Sea Caves

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 a lakeshore 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.

meyers beach Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Looking towards Sea Caves from Meyers Beach, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Lakeshore trail Apostle Islands

Lakeshore Hiking Trail - Sea Caves

Hans gets a drink in the one creek that wasn't dry due to the August drought of 2005. > > >

sea caves apostle islands national lakeshore


< < < After hiking for about an hour through woods too thick to see the lake clearly, we get a scenic lake view..

 

bayfield sea caves

 

Hoorah, we finally reach the Sea Caves > > >

sea caves apostle islands national lakeshore

 

< < < Looking down into one of the caves.

sea caves apostle islands national lakeshore

sea caves apostle islands national lakeshore


More Sea Caves > > >

sea caves apostle islands national lakeshore

 

< < < 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."


Bayfield sea and ice caves

For some great views of the caves from the "frozen water" see our pix from our wintertime visits to the Bayfield Ice & Sea Caves. > > >

meyers beach

 

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.

Go Here for More Apostle Islands Links

- An interesting article and slide show on the Apostle Islands by Katie Thurmes

 


More Bayfield Area Pages

  Bayfield Wisconsin

  More Bayfield, WI Photos

  Things to Do in Bayfield, WI

  Bayfield Apple Festival

  Bayfield Iron Bridge Hiking & Nature Trail

  Bayfield Orchards

  Bayfield Lake Superior Ice Caves

  Big Top Chautauqua

  Campgrounds Bayfield Wi area

  Bayfield-Ashland Color Tour

  Ashland Wisconsin

  Ashland Mural Walk

  Apostle Islands

  Apostle Islands Cruise

  Meyers Beach - Apostle Islands Park

  Cornucopia - western gateway to Bayfield

  Madeline Island

  Lake Superior Facts

>>> Return to Lake Superior Circle Tour - Wisconsin

 


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The Apostle Islands--America's Wilderness In The Water

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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Resource Links:
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Madeline Island
Apostle Islands