The Beaver Lake area of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers several different hikes. This is a beautiful area with potential for wildlife sightings near the water.
The trail head is located approxiately 3 miles down on Little Beaver Lake Road. Little Beaver Lake Road is accessed by taking County Road H-58 east from Munising for 19 miles and following the sign for Little Beaver Lake.
Pets are permitted in the parking area and road, but are are prohibited on the trail into Beaver Basin and any of its trails.
No matter what length, any hike is more fun if you are properly prepared. Always wear sturdy shoes. If you plan to be out an extended time, carry a snack and water, and let someone know where you are going and your expected time of return. Carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Lake Superior modifies local weather and can change rapidly; be prepared for cool conditions and rain.
Sable Flies can be quite numerous during warm humid weather. Long pants, socks, and hiking shoes are recommended. Insect spray has does not effect these flies.
Practive Leave No Trace techniques. Please use toilets where provided; otherwise, bury waste 4-6 inches deep and cover. Thank you for carrying out your trash.
Trail Options:
The loop around Beaver Lake is 10 miles. This loop begins at the parking area, passes through the campground, continues around the eastern side of the lake and then back to the parking area hugging the west side of the lake and crossing Beaver Creek.
A modification to the Beaver Lake loop takes the Lakeshore Trail along the Lake Superior shoreline back to the parking area after reaching the north end of Beaver Lake. The Lakeshore Trail follows Twelvemile Beach along this portion of the National Shorline. This loop is 10.5 miles.
A shorter 5.5 mile loop heads northwest from the parking area past Little Bever lake, along the west side of Beaver Lake and turns toward the Lake Superior shoreline. This trail then follows the Lakeshore Trails west before it turns back to the parking area, once again passing along side Little Beaver Lake.
An out and back hike west on the Lakeshore trail will take you to Spray Falls. This falls can be seen from a viewing point atop a cliff adjacent to the falls. The falls are 4.1 miles from the parking area for total hike of 8.2 miles.
