Fall 2017 Family Backpacking Trip to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

On our 3 day family backpacking trip to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, we backpacked 18.2 miles (29.3 km) through rain and sun. We marveled at red and gold maples, and majestic views of Lake Superior. We camped at the busy Beaver Creek and quieter Seven Mile Creek backcountry campsites. Squirrels and chipmunks greeted us at every turn, begging for handouts. Even birds came by looking for a few crumbs. We played on the beach by day, and by night slept soundly in the cool autumn air. Time passed much too quickly.


When planning a backpacking trip to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, be aware backpacking is by permit only. Backcountry campsites can be reserved in advance online at this link. The National Park Service also publishes a very nice Backcountry Planner with maps, details on the  backcountry campgrounds, distances between  backcountry camping areas and the like. If you are looking for a beach experience, the eastern portion of the trail may be your best bet. If you are looking for views that include the dramatic cliffs along the lakeshore and waterfalls, the western portion of the trail is recommended.

Video of our family's 3 day backpacking trip to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Day 1 

On Day 1, we arrived at the trailhead. A cool, sunny October morning, Day 1 provided perfect backpacking weather. We backpacked 3.1 miles (5 km) across low-lying boardwalks, up a few small, sandy hills, through a forested area, and across the Beaver Creek Bridge to the Beaver Creek Campground. This backcountry camping area appeared popular and provided a very social atmosphere. At Beaver Creek, the campsites perch on a bluff overlooking a sandy beach and Beaver Creek.

Day 1: Trailhead parking to Beaver Creek back country campsites.

Hiking in.

Building cairns on the beach.

Loving our time on the beach.

Maples - my absolute favorite!

Sunset Day 1 - mostly behind the incoming clouds.

After setting up camp we had a late lunch and headed down to the beach to play. We made cairns, tossed rocks into the water, walked around, and people watched. Once we enjoyed our fill of sun, we went back to camp to relax and cook dinner. After dinner, we headed back down to the beach to try and catch a sunset, but the sky had clouded over. By now things were cool and windy. We enjoyed being the only people on the beach.

Later, our camping neighbors invited us to join their fire. We made some new friends and were excited to learn some of them were fellow canoe trippers as we exchanged stories. Sometime during the night the rain began to fall.

One notable comment regarding the Beaver Creek Campground. At Beaver Creek, there is one shared thunder-box (an open air vault toilet seat), and it happens to be parked right on the North Country Trail. Be mentally prepared to have hikers walk through you bathroom at any time.

Day 2

On Day 2, it rained all day. My family slept in waiting for the rain to stop. Eventually we came to the conclusion it would be best to move on as Beaver Creek was booked full for the evening and the next campers would be coming along. We hiked 6 miles (9.7 km) in the rain, slipping and sliding on mucky, wet trails.

We arrived at Seven Mile Campground, another backcountry camping area. We rushed to set up camp  and start drying things off. Only one other party camped at Seven Mile, leaving 3 of the 5 campsites unoccupied on a Saturday night. This campground is a longer hike from trailhead parking, and does not have a thunder-box. If you camp here, prepare to find plenty of used toilet paper around camp. It appears the 6" cat-hole rule is not necessarily followed by all campers.

Backpacking from the Beaver Creek to the Seven Mile Creek back country campsites.

The clouds are starting to break up!

Playing with rocks on the beach.

Here comes the sun!

Seven Mile Creek at sunset time.

After dinner, the rain seemed to be done. We went to the beach to play and check out the sky. Much to our delight, after a time the sun peaked out and we were rewarded with an unexpected sunset. The other party on Seven Mile invited us to join them at the fire ring, where we learned they too were canoe trippers. We exchanged a few stories about canoe tripping and headed off to bed. We hung our things to dry before turning in, and got them soaked in a midnight downpour.

Day 3

On Day 3, we woke to clear skies and wind. Dawn on the beach offered glorious views of Lake Superior. After breakfast, we packed up and began our 9.1 mile (14.6 km) hike back to the trailhead. The day started out cool and sunny, perfect for backpacking. The first 3.5 miles of the day's hike carried us through a shady forested area past an abandoned antique car. From there, the terrain became sandier and followed Lake Superior more closely. Things were very quiet from Seven Mile Creek on to the Trapper Lake and Pine Bluff backcountry campgrounds. When we got back to Beaver Creek, we began to run into a number of other backpackers and day hikers.

Hiking out from Seven Mile Creek back to Trailhead Parking.

Moon at dawn on Day 3.

An amazing pop of color in the morning sky along Lake Superior.

Antique car along the trail.

Boo!

Our clothes were wet, muddy, and stinky. We had a time trying to change in the busy parking lot with so many cars and people coming and going. Soon enough, we drove off to the Bear Trap Inn for sandwiches and fries, then we began the long drive home. On the way home, we agreed Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is truly spectacular, but that next year's fall backpacking trip will be planned for someplace less busy and popular.

Final Thoughts

At the backcountry campgrounds at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, one cannot expect solitude. These campground have tent pads for multiple groups, with one shared fire ring. Show up prepared for a social experience with other backpackers, particularly if you backpack on the weekends and during prime hiking seasons. Some people will walk over to your tent pad, introduce themselves, and be looking to socialize. Others will not want to be disturbed, and like to feel like they are having a solitary wilderness experience. 

Expect to see day-hikers hiking wearing their Sunday dresses and heels (oh yes, we did see this). Expect to  see backpackers dragging huge 30 pound tents and even ice chests into camp (yes, we did see this as well). Open your mind to the fact that all kinds of people show up to enjoy Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and not all of them share your experience and perspective. Let them hike their own hike. Never mind what the neighbors do, even if it seems a little cuckoo. Respect others rights to enjoy themselves. and keep the noise down. You will have a good experience with this attitude. 

That's all for now. Let's get outdoors and keep our wild places wild!

Late lunch at the Bear Trap Inn.