The silver bay marina has a short hike to a small island you can explore for views of Lake Superior and the marina area.
Round-trip: 1.5 km
Difficulty: Difficult
Location: Silver Bay, MN
This is a fun hike to a small island. You will see a hidden beach and some beautiful cliffs –and of course some breathtaking views of Lake Superior. This is a very photographic location. This hike is rated difficult due to the steep climb to get onto the island as well as the walk through the large boulders of the break-wall.
The back part of the island is home to a number of seagulls. I was nervous that they would not like visitors around their nesting area and tried not to bother them too much. They flew off and did not end up being a problem at all.
From Silver Bay, MN drive southwest on MN-61S for 1.8 miles. Turn left and drive for 300 ft then turn left again and drive for 150 ft. Take the first right and you will see the marina parking lot on the right.
From the marina walk past the docks and head out onto the big boulders of the break-wall. Pick your way through the boulders all the way out to the small island. You will see some fixed ropes that someone has placed there — use these at our own risk! Climb carefully to the top of the small cliff to get onto the island. Before you choose to climb up remember that you will have to come down this way too! From the top, you can follow the worn trail to circle the island.
That is funny! I was pretty nervous about the sea gulls when I went but luckily they didn’t bother with us too much! I nearly stepped on a bird in a nest on the rocks near the edge of the cliffs. It freaked but didn’t leave its nest and I bolted in the other direction. I have no idea what kind of bird it was but I was more scared of it than it was of me!
We hiked to this island a few years ago, to log a GeoCache. My son and I went on to the top of the island ,while my wife waited near the base and the rope as mentioned. She endured the wrath of several sea gulls that did not like her presents. We are not sure what time of year they are so defensive ,but be aware of them. Great hike, be careful on the large boulders on the way out.