Kayaking Expedition Trip

Big Bay to Marquette is a beautiful 2 day paddle with an overnight stop at a small campground just open for sea kayakers a few miles south of Granite Point and a few miles short of the mid-point of the trip.

This trip starts in Big Bay Harbor and travels around Big Bay Point where you will see the Big Bay Lighthouse on the cliffs overlooking the lake. A few more miles down bound you will come to the mouth of the Iron River which is an excellent place to take a break for lunch.

Then continuing southbound around Yellow Dog Point it’s about 5 more miles to our overnight camping location.

Your guide will get you set up with a tent and has all of the cooking equipment and will prepare an evening meal and build a fire for an evening of excellent conversation and relaxation. You really need to bring along a sleeping bag and a change of clothes.

Other than a few cottages leaving the Big Bay Harbor this beautiful shoreline is untouched by humans except for a few small camps. You should see Loons, Eagles, and possible some whitetail deer along the way. The geology is mostly Lake Superior Sandstone with a forested backdrop of Pines, Birch, Sugar Maple, Cedar, and Spruce Trees. The shoreline can be very rocky is some locations, but not such that would inhibit you from reaching shore if you needed to.

On day two there is some beautiful scenery south of Granite Point as you pass by the Saux Head River and reach some beautiful rock beaches. Then just to the south is the beautiful Granot Loma Lodge which at one time anyway was considered the largest log home in North America. It was built by Mr. Lewis Kauffman in the very early 1920’s. Mr. Kauffman was a local banker and later in his career was the principal financier of the Empire State Building. The lodge has 13 fireplaces, multiple bed rooms, a huge great room, its own small marina and an under the lodge boathouse.

Thoney Point is next to pass and then you will see Little Presque Isle about 5 miles south.
Beautiful beaches and a change to large granite formations occur as you near Marquette.
Look for more wildlife and beautiful scenery as you pass under Sugar Loaf Mountain, around Partridge Island, Presque Isle Park, the Outer Harbor Light, and the end of your trip near the Presque Isle Iron Ore Dock.

The trip is about 25 miles long. You should be in good physical condition and be able to swim.

EQUIPMENT YOU SUPPLY FOR WILDERNESS CAMPING TRIPS

Clothing: It may appear from the following list that you will be preparing for an arctic adventure! However, these clothes should keep you comfortable under poor weather conditions: warm jacket (i.e., for fall conditions) or windbreaker with pile/fleece (e.g. Polartec) liner or wool sweater, long-sleeved shirt, t-shirt, warm wool or synthetic socks, one pair of pants, shorts, swim suit, undergarments, small towel.

Paddling gear: Cap, sun glasses, paddling jacket (synthetic windbreaker or rain-suit, preferably with elasticized cuffs), short pants of synthetic material, neoprene booties or water sandals (e.g. Tevas) or running shoes, synthetic long underwear (top and bottom), plastic water bottle, head strap for glasses. A "Farmer John/Jane" wet suit will be supplied by Paddling Michigan; however, to guarantee a good fit, a wet-suit can be purchased at many outdoor stores.
    Optional:
    Hand-held sighting compass.
    Note:
    Paddling clothes should be synthetic, or with minimal cotton.

Personal Gear:
Sunscreen, chap stick, bug dope, toilet paper, matches or lighter, soap, etc. On day trips, we will have enough "river" bags to accommodate most clothing, but bring ziploc bags for snacks and small articles. Sleeping Bag

EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES SUPPLIED BY Paddling Michigan

Kayaks and Accessories: Kayaks, paddles, PFD’s, Tow lines, Dry Bags

Wet suits are provided. Please indicate your lifejacket size and wet suit size when you send deposit or trip balance.

Camping Equipment: One tent for each couple or individual, thermarest, camp grill, coffee pot, water purifier, 19 ft. shelter tarp, camp saw, cook stoves, fuel, camp cookery, dishes, two large dry bags for your sleeping bag and bulky clothing, and smaller dry bags as required.

Safety Equipment: First aid kit, marine radio, compass, tow line.