Pictured Rocks Coastal Trail Adventure

Expedition Itinerary: Pictured Rocks Coastal Traverse

Primary Objective: end-to-end traverse

Trip Duration: 6 days

Total Estimated Mileage: ~42 miles

Experience Level: advanced

Terrain Type: coastal locked

- Cumulative elevation gain/loss (ft): 2200 ft

- Start and end trailhead: Grand Marais Trailhead, MI to Sand Point Trailhead, MI

- GPS coordinates: 46.6745, -85.9856 to 46.4705, -86.5495

PERMITS & ENTRY

- Requirement: Yes

- Issuing agency/jurisdiction: National Park Service

- How to apply: Apply via Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Permit page

- Application window & deadline: Spring 2025

- Processing time & approval odds: Medium

- Cost & payment: $15 per trip, credit card

- Required documents/ID: Valid ID with reservation

- Alternate options if permit unavailable: Verify on NPS website for cancellations

SHUTTLE / TRANSPORTATION

- Nearest major access point: CMX – Houghton County Memorial Airport, MI

- Pre-hike basecamp: Hotel in Munising, MI for acclimation, gear resupply

- Trail access type: point-to-point

- Parking: Free, secure, overnight parking at Sand Point Trailhead

- Shuttle/local transport: Local outfitter shuttle (contact Munising-based services)

- Recommended direction: East to West

- Post-hike basecamp: Hotel in Munising, MI for cleanup and recovery

- Backup transport: Local taxi service availability

DAY 1: Grand Marais Trailhead to Mosquito Beach Campground

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 14 miles, +600 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: North Country Trail

- Terrain description: Sandy and forested coastal paths

- Notable features or side quests: Waterfalls and scenic outlooks

- Key water sources: Mosquito River

- Campsite location: Mosquito Beach Campground

- Wildlife or safety notes: Beware of black bears, secure food properly

- Trail tip: Early start recommended to enjoy coastal sunrise

DAY 2: Mosquito Beach Campground to Chapel Beach

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 6 miles, +200 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: North Country Trail

- Terrain description: Clifftop views and mixed woodlands

- Notable features or side quests: Chapel Rock

- Key water sources: Chapel River

- Campsite location: Chapel Beach

- Wildlife or safety notes: Use insect repellent; timber rattlesnakes reported

- Trail tip: Swim at Chapel Falls if weather permits

DAY 3: Chapel Beach to Beaver Creek

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 7 miles, +400 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: North Country Trail

- Terrain description: Mixed hardwood forests

- Notable features or side quests: Beaver Basin Overlook

- Key water sources: Beaver Creek

- Campsite location: Beaver Creek Campground

- Wildlife or safety notes: Keep a safe distance from wildlife

- Trail tip: Maintain bee sting emergency plan throughout

DAY 4: Beaver Creek to Twelve Mile Beach

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 6 miles, +300 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: North Country Trail

- Terrain description: Sandy trails with beach access

- Notable features or side quests: Twelvemile Beach dunes

- Key water sources: Lake Superior

- Campsite location: Twelve Mile Beach

- Wildlife or safety notes: High winds can cause rough trail conditions

- Trail tip: Boil lake water to ensure safe drinking

DAY 5: Twelve Mile Beach to Hurricane River

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 5 miles, +300 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: North Country Trail

- Terrain description: Sparsely populated beaches and forest

- Notable features or side quests: Au Sable Light Station

- Key water sources: Hurricane River

- Campsite location: Hurricane River Campground

- Wildlife or safety notes: Watch for ticks in grassy areas

- Trail tip: Reserve time to explore the lighthouse

DAY 6: Hurricane River to Sand Point Trailhead

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 4 miles, +400 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: North Country Trail

- Terrain description: Changing landscapes from dunes to forests

- Notable features or side quests: Sand Point Beach

- Key water sources: Water refill at ranger station

- Campsite location: End of trail

- Wildlife or safety notes: Secure all food at night

- Trail tip: Arrive early to enjoy Sand Point Beach

CAMPSITE INTEL

- Camp names and elevation: Mosquito Beach, Chapel Beach, Beaver Creek, Twelve Mile Beach, Hurricane River

- Fire restrictions: Fires allowed in designated areas only

- Bear safety and food storage: Bear canisters required

- Best views (sunrise/sunset): Chapel Beach, Beaver Basin

- Noise level or solitude factor: Moderate solitude, popular in summer

- Nearest water source: Lake Superior's edge

WEATHER & ALTITUDE NOTES

- Typical temps: 50–75°F (seasonal average)

- Sun exposure: Intermittent cover with dense forests

- Acclimatization tips: Hydrate and pace to adjust to coastal climate

GEAR CHECKLIST (10 ESSENTIAL ITEMS)

- Navigation tools (map, compass)

- Water filtration system

- Sunscreen and sunglasses

- First aid kit with bee allergy medication

- Fire starter and matches

- Pocket knife

- Headlamp with extra batteries

- Shelter system (tent, tarp)

- Insulating layers

- Nutrition/snacks (high-calorie options)

Pro tips: Bring a bear spray for safety; pack a lightweight rain jacket

OPTIONAL UPGRADES

- Scenic side trips: Au Sable Light Station tours

- Photo-worthy moments: Chapel Rock and Beach

- Post-hike food or reward suggestion: Fresh seafood at local Munising restaurants

FINAL BRIEF SUMMARY

- Trail hours per day: 6–8 hours

- Wake/sleep rhythm: Early rise with sunset rest

- Estimated calories burned per day: ~3,000 calories

- Water needed per person: 3–4 liters

- Recommended pack weight range: 30–40 lbs

Prepare accordingly and respect all wilderness guidelines.

Your expedition awaits, Christopher Arace.