Union Bay (Lake Superior)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Expert
- Skill Level
- Flat, Small waves, Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Union Bay is an exposed Lake Superior point break known for inconsistent surf that comes alive when northern storms sweep across the lake and generate strong windswells. The most reliable swell direction is from the north (often with a north-northeast component), while offshore wind conditions can occur when winds are from the south—helping groom the wave face. The shoreline and lineup are rocky, with large rocks and boulders reported as hazards both in the shallows and around the point. Even when waves are present, riders should expect a challenging environment: cold water and winter ice risk, plus the possibility of strong currents during heavy northerly swells. Rip currents are also noted as a hazard. For surfing, the wave can peel with a mixed character and is described as capable of producing long rides when the northern swell is working. Wave quality can vary widely, so the spot is best approached with experience and solid cold-water readiness. With the right north swell and offshore wind combination, it can offer a wilderness-style session on a rugged, exposed point. Crowding is typically low, but etiquette and local norms matter—sources emphasize being friendly and observing the locals. Because the area is remote, there is no on-site lifeguard or dedicated rescue presence; emergency response relies on reaching local services. Plan for self-sufficiency, and prioritize winter protection (winter wetsuit, neoprene hood, gloves, and boots) especially during the main late-fall through spring season.
- Northern-storm window (north / north-northeast) for windswells
- Offshore setup from southerly winds can groom conditions
- Rocky point-break hazards
- Low crowding
- Classic northern-storm window that can produce long, rideable point-break waves
- Offshore wind setup possible when southerly winds blow from the south
- Low crowding—typically not crowded even when waves are good
- Exceptional Lake Superior water clarity is typical for the region
- Inconsistent surf overall
- Exposed and rugged point-break setting
- Rock hazards in the water and submerged boulders near the point
- Cold water year-round; ice possible in winter
- Strong currents can occur during heavy northerly swells
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNW, NW, NNE
- Offshore directions
- S
- No-go directions
- S
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Primarily driven by west-to-east frontal systems across the Great Lakes (windswell power is largely from these systems).
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Heavy gusts — Storm conditions can bring strong gusts.
- Best Months
- September, October, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- Sheltered from southerly winds by surrounding hills.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Small waves, Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks — Rocky shoreline.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Wave size described as medium; best working swell window reported around 1.0–3.0 meters for surfing.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Conditions can be messy when northern winds are producing swell.
- Launch
- Medium — Beach access via the state park campground/day-use areas.
Through the year
Quiet in summer; can see several surfers in autumn during good swells.
Autumn brings frequent heavy storms and high wind events.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Possible only with strong northerly winds; rocky shallows and a point-break/rocky bottom setup make it more suitable for advanced riders.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Works best in strong northerly frontal winds with wave-riding along the point.
- Sail Sizes
- 4–5.5 m²
Not ideal due to rocky shallows and inconsistent swell; possible only for experienced riders if conditions allow deeper water.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Limited due to rocky/shallower bottom hazards.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed Lake Superior point break with inconsistent surf; best work comes during northern storms when windswells sweep across the lake.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NNE
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open point exposure to Lake Superior weather.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the south blow from the south and groom conditions; northern winds/swell create the waves but can be messier.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well but becomes very powerful with stronger currents; strong north swells can bring more challenging current conditions.
- Wave Quality
- Poor — Quality is described as inconsistent/poor overall, but can improve significantly during the right northern swell and offshore wind setup.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Can become very powerful with strong currents on bigger northern swells.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Peeling/mixed point-break wave character depending on conditions.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Long — Long rideable waves on good northern storm sets; sources describe rides commonly on the order of tens to 100+ meters.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Some reports describe good long rides and the possibility of rides over 100 meters on a good northerly swell; other sources suggest medium-to-long rideable waves.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Union Bay (Lake Superior) in the full forecast view.
Union Bay (Lake Superior) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–14 ktsGusts 29 kts
- Direction
- SSW201°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2414 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–0.9 m3s period
- Temperature
- 5–23 °C
Over the next 7 days, Union Bay (Lake Superior) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 29 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 0.1–0.9 m with a period of about 3s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Submerged boulders near the point
- Cold water
- Rip currents
- Ice in winter
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Remote shoreline with no dedicated on-site rescue.
- Emergency Info
- No dedicated on-site rescue. Emergency services available via 911; nearest medical facility is Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Local culture described as mild/local norms and friendliness expected.
Rules of the spot
Located within a State Park; follow park guidance. Park/vehicle pass required for vehicle entry (where applicable). No surfing in designated swimming areas during peak summer months.
- Vehicle pass required.
- No surfing in designated swimming areas during peak summer months.
- Be friendly and observe the locals’ unwritten norms.
- Watch out for submerged boulders near the point.
- If conditions involve ice for water sessions, take precautions to avoid freezing while waiting for your wave.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Duluth
- Nearest Town
- Ontonagon
- Parking
- Parking available at the Union Bay Campground and the adjacent day-use parking lot.
- Access
- Accessible via Highway M-107 through the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park; park at the Union Bay Campground / adjacent day-use parking lot and access the rocky shoreline near Middle Bay (as described by spot guides).
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — State park campgrounds and rustic cabins are available in the Ontonagon and Silver City area.
- Food & Drink
- Small shops and diners are available in nearby Silver City and Ontonagon.
- Equipment Rental:
- No local rentals available; riders must bring their own equipment.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A remote Porcupine Mountains wilderness setting for outdoor activities.
Large wilderness area with old-growth forests.
Local history of copper mining and lake shipping.
Scenic vista overlooking a pristine lake between ridges.
Dining experience with black bear viewing through large windows.
Waterfalls and hiking trails at the western end of the park.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Union Bay (Lake Superior)?
The best overall months at Union Bay (Lake Superior) are September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Union Bay (Lake Superior)?
Union Bay (Lake Superior) works with N, NNW, NW, NNE winds. Offshore directions are S. No-go directions are S.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Union Bay (Lake Superior)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Union Bay (Lake Superior): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4–5.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is Union Bay (Lake Superior) suitable for?
Union Bay (Lake Superior) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.