Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Meyers Beach - Bayfield Sea Caves

Lakeshore Hiking Trail - Sea Caves

Hans gets a welcome drink in the one creek that wasn't dry. > > >

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

Eureka, we finally reach the Sea Caves > > >

< < < Looking down into one of the caves.

More Sea Cave views from above

< < < We walked further east on the trail and the Sea Caves continued along the shoreline, but the views of them weren't as good from above. Here they can be best seen from the water, by Kayak or an Apostle Islands Boat Cruise. The island in the distance in the photo 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 waterfront so walked the beach back to the parking lot. So we were able to see some different scenery than the hike into the caves.

Since our hike, pictured above, several years ago, the Lakeshore Hiking Trail to the Sea Caves has been substantially improved, with bridges and board walks over rougher and wet terrain. Here's a few pix from a 2017 hike our friends Scott Savage and Lynne Herrli took out to the sea caves.

See more pictures of the Mainland Sea Caves from the water.

See a Video of Devil's Island Sea Caves

Lakeshore Hiking Trail aerial photo

Here's an aerial view from Google Maps of the Meyers Beach Apostle Islands Recreation Area and the Sea Caves hiking trail.

Winter Hiking to the Sea Caves

Photos by Jason Reichel

Some winters Lake Superior doesn't freeze over enough to safely walk on the "water" to see the Caves covered in ice sculptures. But you can still see Mother Nature's works by snowshoeing or hiking the Lakeshore Hiking Trail in the winter.

Kelley Linehan, Marketing Director at the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, recommends hikers wear layered clothing as there are several up and down portions of the trail that will help heat up your circulation so you may find yourself "de-layering" to cool off! Generally the path is well trodden enough that you won't necessarily need snowshoes. But check conditions before you go in the event recent snowfalls have made snowshoes advisable. In any case you'll want somes sturdy boots (ice crampons might come in handy too) and pack some bars and water or beverages as the round trip could take up to 3 hours.

Need some help with outfitting or a check on conditions, phone or e-mail the Chamber for recommendations.  (715) 779-3335 or chamber@bayfield.org

The Winter Trailhead runs from the Meyers Beach parking lot. There is a $3 park service parking fee.

Other Ways to see the Caves

You can also rent a kayak or book a boat tour from Cornucopia, Wisconsin by Lost Creek Adventures or Good Earth Outfitters (see our links on the Cornie page).

Kayakers and boaters planning to visit the sea caves can get important information on wave conditions at the Sea Caves Watch Website.