Beaches

Sunset over Lake Superior at Hurricane River.

NPS photo

Pictured Rocks has some of the most beautiful, pristine beaches found anywhere on Lake Superior. These beaches dot the lakeshore’s coastline from Munising to Grand Marais. Each beach gives visitors a stunning view of Lake Superior just perfect for wading, reading, photography, and other relaxing activities. Most park beaches are sandy, although a few are rocky and several are a combination of both. Beaches can also change dramatically from year to year, so when you come back to the park your favorite beach may look very different.

Some beaches are easily accessed via a short walk from a parking lot, while others require a longer walk and stairs. Vault toilets are available near the parking lots.

 

Safety First!

Please be aware of these swimming and safety issues at Pictured Rocks beaches:

• There are no lifeguards at park beaches, or any beaches in the surrounding area.

• The water is typically quite cold, occasionally rising to the upper 60s by late summer. Sand Point Beach, along Munising Bay, generally has the warmest water for swimming. Water temperatures at beaches that face the open lake rarely get above the low 60s.

• Rip currents can happen on any beach. Learn about rip currents, how to recognize them, and how to save yourself if you are caught in one.

• All park beaches can be reached by boat. Boaters, please make sure to watch for swimmers as you approach the beach. Swimmers, be aware of boats coming in to shore.
• Caution: Do not jump off rocks or cliffs into the water! It is illegal within the national lakeshore to jump off any part of cliffs or rocks higher than 15 feet above the lake level. Climbing to the top of Miners Castle from the water or on any part of Chapel Rock is prohibited. Areas for cliff jumping exist in Marquette.

 

Pets

Pets are allowed only on certain beaches. Check the Pets page for rules regarding pets at the national lakeshore. Where pets are allowed, they must be on a 6-foot maximum leash on the beach and in the water. Make sure to pick up after your pet!

 

Beaches

 

Sand Point Beach

NPS photo

Sand Point Beach

Sand Point Beach, just outside the town of Munising near the end of Sand Point Road, is the park’s most family-friendly sand beach. Sheltered along Munising Bay, it offers shallow water, less waves, and usually slightly warmer water than other park beaches. This is the only beach with picnic tables out on the sand, including one wheelchair-accessible picnic table. Also, a wheelchair-accessible mat extends from the parking lot all the way across the beach to the water's edge. Look for pink garnet sand in the beach area at the very end of the road. Leashed pets allowed.

 

Miners Beach facing east

NPS photo

Miners Beach

Miners Beach is a beautiful, nearly mile-long stretch of sand and some rocks with the main parking area at the west end (and access to Miners River) and a small parking area at the east end. From the west end a short wheelchair-accessible boardwalk leads through a pine forest and picnic area to a small platform offering a scenic view of the beach and Lake Superior. From here you can also see stunning Bridalveil Falls and the high cliffs to the east. A main staircase leads down to the sand from this platform. There are two other staircases to the beach, at the east and west ends of the beach. Leashed pets allowed.

 

Twelvemile Beach

NPS photo

Twelvemile Beach

As the name suggests, there is a 12-mile-long stretch of pristine sand beach extending east of the cliffs, approximately in the middle of the park. One access point is the day-use area at the east end of Twelvemile Beach Campground. It’s a short walk from the parking lot, but be prepared for a long flight of stairs leading from the bluff down to the beach. Leashed pets allowed.

 

Lake Superior Overlook Beach

NPS photo

Lake Superior Overlook Beach

Just past Twelvemile Beach Campground heading east on Alger County Road H-58 is a day-use parking lot with 38 steps leading to the beach. Stop here for a quick swim and stroll along the shore. Sullivan’s Creek empties into Lake Superior just west of the parking area. The overlook includes a wheelchair-accessible platform with a view of the lake. Leashed pets allowed.

 

Hurricane River Beach

NPS photo

Hurricane River Beach

The beach at the mouth of the Hurricane River is an interesting mix of sand and rock that looks different every year. Park at the day-use area of the Lower Hurricane River Campground. Picnic tables are nearby. Access to the beach is down a short flight of stairs. When lake levels are low it’s possible to walk the beach 1.5 miles east to the Au Sable Light Station. Shipwreck remains can be found along this beach. Leashed pets allowed.

 

Sable Falls Beach

NPS photo

Sable Falls Beach

The beach at the end of the Sable Falls Trail is both rocky and sandy, with views of the Grand Sable Dunes towering above. The trail from the parking lot is only about 1/4 mile long but there are 168 steps to the bottom of the falls and a few more steps along the remaining path to the beach. Please remember that collecting beach stones is not permitted within the national lakeshore. Picnic tables and a seasonal flush restroom are available near the parking lot. Leashed pets allowed.

 

Help Keep These Beaches Beautiful!

There are a few rules to keep our beaches clean, safe, and unspoiled for all visitors:

• Take only photos and leave only footprints! After you have enjoyed your time at the beach leave it just the way you found it.
• Glass containers are prohibited on park beaches for safety reasons.
• Littering, including leaving cigarette butts in the sand, is prohibited.
• Beach fires are not allowed except in the metal fire ring provided at Sand Point Beach, which is available first-come, first-served.
• Overnight camping is prohibited on all park beaches.
• Removing sand or stones from park beaches is prohibited.

Practice Leave No Trace principles.