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Scaling Rocks To Reach Pellet Island: A Must-Do Trek For The Adventurous Minnesotan

As we adventured up Minnesota’s North Shore with Voyager Campervans, we came across a number of jaw-dropping sites. Favorites included High Falls at Tettegouche State Park, Enger Tower in Duluth and the large rocky cliffs of Palisade Head. But one of our favorite stops was the rocky climb out to Pellet Island!

So if you’re heading up the North Shore on a classic Minnesota road trip, Pellet Island is an awesome, adventurous addition to your itinerary!

Read: 20 PHOTOS TO PUT A MINNESOTA CAMPERVAN ROAD TRIP ON YOUR BUCKET LIST

Scaling Rocks To Reach Pellet Island: A Must-Do Trek For The Adventurous Minnesotan

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We picked up our Voyager Campervan in Minneapolis and drove north to Duluth. As we hiked and explored, eventually we made our way to Silver Bay, a beautiful town situated right on Lake Superior.

If you’re looking for someplace to stay near by, try camping at the Black Beach Campground! This is only a 7 minute drive from the Silver Bay Marina.

Park at Silver Bay Marina

One hour north of Duluth is the Silver Bay Marina. This is where you’ll want to park your car for the hike out to Pellet Island.

As you can see by the Google Maps below, it’s a straight shot from the marina out to the island.

Scaling Rocks To Reach Pellet Island: A Must-Do Trek For The Adventurous Minnesotan
Be prepared to possibly make the trek through the fog

The day we arrived at Silver Bay Marina, the fog was so thick, we could barely see. So we had no idea how long the walk out to Pellet Island was but we decided to go for it!

So we parked our car and headed out into the mist. We saw no pictures of the walk prior to arriving. And with the dense wall of fog, we could only see 10-15 feet in front of us at any point! The entire hike was a wonderful surprise.

Scaling Rocks To Reach Pellet Island: A Must-Do Trek For The Adventurous Minnesotan
Scaling Rocks To Reach Pellet Island: A Must-Do Trek For The Adventurous Minnesotan
Scaling Rocks To Reach Pellet Island: A Must-Do Trek For The Adventurous Minnesotan

Climb up onto Pellet Island Via The Ladder

When the island finally emerged from the mist and appeared right in front of us, we cheered! It was such a pay off to suddenly see the rocky ridges of a little island.

As you approach, you’ll notice a ladder is secured into the rock. This is the only way up to the island. Use the steps and the ropes to help you ascend!

Scaling Rocks To Reach Pellet Island: A Must-Do Trek For The Adventurous Minnesotan

Gorgeous Views At Pellet Island

Once you’re on top, there will be lots of birds and some awesome views, particularly of the smaller second island.

Bring a picnic if you’d like, just make sure to leave nothing behind.

Disclaimer: A Flat But Difficult Hike Due To Climbing Over Rocks

This is not a hike for families with little ones. There is no path, you are jumping over big rocks. Anyone with limited mobility would struggle on this hike. As you are climbing over the rocks there are gaps, revealing the water below.

So make sure you secure your phone, camera and water bottle. You’ll need your hands free and won’t want to drop anything into Lake Superior!

If the fog has cleared, you can appreciate Pellet Island from the shore. It’s a great place to stand and photograph the the long chain of rocks leading into Lake Superior.

Even if you don’t make the hike out, I encourage you to enjoy the views from shore!

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Emily Rose

Hi, I'm Emily Rose! In 2018, I sold all my stuff and moved into my suitcase to travel full time and work around the world! Follow along for the best travel jobs, photos to fuel your wanderlust and epic adventures!

2 Comments

  • Paula says:

    Hi there, We’re heading up there in a few weeks and planning time. How long did this hike take you?

    • Emily Rose says:

      Awesome, you will love it! It’s a short hike since it’s only about a mile but it does take a little longer to scramble over the rocks! We also enjoyed the views from the island for awhile but I’d say it took us about 45 round trip! If you were in a rush, you could probably do it in less 🙂

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