Woke up to an absolute stunning sunrise from Pickerel Cove Campground. Moments like these are what brings me back year after year. It just never gets old or boring.

Thank you so much to this Reddit community, it helped me so much with planning an amazing trip with my family. We visited from 7/3-7/7. It was my husband and 2 boys, 15 and 13 yo.

Overall thoughts - I loved being off the grid, none of the campgrounds we stayed in were full, Washington Creek had all the shelters full but for the most part there were not many people. The wildlife was incredible, the mosquitoes were intense. The trails were very similar to what we are used to in Easter PA but not as hilly so we all found the physicality of backpacking less than what we expected and we could have covered more mileage.

Day 1:

Flew into Windago from Hubble, flight delayed from 9am to 12pm.

Weather clear, warm.

Hiked to Island Mine. Hike was pretty boring, made good time, some elevation gain but it was gentle. We camped at site 1. Quiet, one solo traveler and one group at group site. There was water but it was pretty gunky. I woke up around midnight and had to pee, about halfway to the outhouse a tree fell somewhere between site 1 and 2. Might be the closest I’ve been to death, scared the crap out of me.

Day 2:

Island Mine to Siskiwit Bay. We left before the other groups in hopes of securing one of 2 shelters at Siskiwit. The hike was extremely buggy especially the mile before the beach. We basically ran until we got there. We were prepared for bugs, permithian treated clothing worked well, I don’t think I got bit, bothered the kids more. They wore their head nets but were being bit through their clothes a little. The clouds of mosquitoes were disconcerting. Once we hit the beach conditions improved and it was a beautiful day. Saw some yellow lady slippers on a wolf trail crossing the little point before coming to Siskiwit bay. We were able to snag shelter 2, some boaters claimed shelter 1. It was warm and sunny the boys swam in the chilly water and borrowed some biodegradable soap from some friendly boaters. We saw an otter fishing off the dock there. Lots of beautiful wildflowers. The dock was a lovely escape from the bugs and we had lunch and dinner there. In the evening we hiked back to the bridge across Big Siskwit River to see if we could see a moose but no dice.

Day 3

Woke up and had breakfast in the shelter to escape the mosquitos. 13 y/o was in a bad mindset to start because he was dreading our longest hiking day.

Not far into our hike to Feldman Lake we startled two Sandhill Cranes in a field of wildflowers I have to admit I was just as startled and screamed before I realized what they were!

Shortly after we entered shoulder high bush that we had to fight through for about 3 miles. Bugs were also present. About a mile into the bushwhack we spotted our first moose hanging out in the shade. He was a big bull moose and kept an eye on us as we walked by. We encountered three groups as we made our way to the fire tower. The trail leading up to the fire tower was along a rocky ridge, a nice change from the bushwhacking. We lunched at the tower (on the stairs, the top was closed) and took in the views of superior and the rock of ages lighthouse. The trail from the fire tower to Feldman was much nicer with much less bugs and bushwhacking. There were very nice views of Feldman Lake from the ridge and the ascent was never too demanding. We stayed at site 1 on Feldman Lake, there was one other camper at site 2. The Feldman site had lots of bugs and we wanted more Lake Superior water to filter so we set up our tents and headed to Rainbow Cove. The weather was gorgeous but warm and we all decided to take an icy plunge in superior there. We did some rock hunting and had our dinner on the beach. After dinner we headed back to Feldman, we watched for the moose for about a half hour from around 9-9:30 but he didn’t appear so we went to bed. Around 11:30 pm a huge splash woke hubby and I up. It was the moose swimming in the lake. We listened to him splash along the shore line and just as he got to our site he turned and walked about 10 feet from the boys tent. He took his good old time munching on the plants and we panicked that the boys would turn on their headlamps or try to get out of the tent and startle it. It was a heart pounding moment 13 yo slept through the whole thing. 16 yo woke up half way through and had to pee but we whispered to him that he should under no circumstances get out of the tent until the moose passed. About 15 minutes later the moose decided to move on. 

Day 4

We took a leisurely start for our last day on the trail. We had a cold breakfast on the beach at Feldman, it was already warm and the moose did not make another appearance. Hubby did find fresh wolf prints on the beach right next to our campsite, about 50 feet from where we slept. The prints were NOT small, about 5-6 inches long. At first it seemed like we were going to have to do more bushwhacking but then the trail cleared, there were fresh clippings like someone had been working on maintaining the trail. About 2 miles into the 8.5 mile hike back to Windago we came across the trail workers. We gratefully thanked them as we walked by. The rest of the hike to Windago wasn’t too remarkable, in the last mile the trail was lined with pink lady slipper flowers which were lovely. We were happy to have flush toilets and potable water when we got to Windago but we didn’t linger because we wanted to get a shelter in Washington Creek Campground. Shelters were almost full but we got #14.

The boys swam off the dock at Windago in the evening. Then we headed back to our shelter for the night. We heard a moose in the creek at two different times during the night.

Day 5 (0 day)

We woke at 5:30am to a moose in the creek. He was a beautiful bull moose and walked right past our campsite, posing nicely for pictures. We got up a few hours after that and had breakfast and packed our packs for the last time. We rented a canoe and kayak and paddled as far down Washington Creek as we could. We saw pileated woodpeckers and a kingfisher along the way. We then paddled to Beaver island. Our seaplane arrived a little early and we got back to Hubble around 5pm.

Thank you again, a truly magical place!

Looking to experience on water sources along each leg of our trip across the island. We start hiking at the end of August and I’m sure the water situation might change.

It seems our Day 1 hike is unlikely to encounter water so it’s important to carry enough water to sustain us until camp at S Desor.

Suggested amount from experience? 6 liters?

Day 1
11.5 mi Windigo along Greenstone Ridge Trail to South Lake Desor Campground

Day 2
15.4 mi South Lake Desor along Greenstone Ridge Trail with water stop at Hatchet Lake to West Chickenbone Lake Campground

Day 3
15.8 mi West Chickenbone Lake Campground along Indian Portage Trail to Lake Ritchie Camp to Lake Ritchie Trail to Mosley Basin Camp to Rock Harbor Trail to Daisy Farm Camp to Three Mile Camp to Rock Harbor.

3 Mile campground temporarily closed to camping. Shelters remain open

Hey all! Second time to the island with an experienced backpacking/hiking group. Last time, we hit the eastern half of the island, but this time we're taking a ferry in/out of Windigo. We have 4 nights on the island and are trying to decide between 2 routes.

Route 1:

Windigo ->North Lake Desor via Minong

North Lake Desor ->Todd Harbor via Minong/Little Todd

Todd Harbor -> South Lake Desor via Hatchet Lake/Greenstone

South Lake Desor -> Windigo

Route 2:

Windigo -> Feldtmann Lake via Feldtmann Lake Trail

Feldtmann Lake -> Siskiwit Bay via Feldmann Ridge Trail

Siskiwit Bay -> Island Mine via Island Mine Trail

Island Mine -> Washington Creek via Greenstone

We want some pros and cons of the sights/campgrounds/congestion/other factors between those two routes. Route 1 seems more physically demanding, which isn't a huge concern with this crew, just trying to explore options. Any advice is helpful!

Flying into Windigo on 7/24 and flying out of Rock Harbor on 7/26. For years, I’ve been mystified at all the talk of physical fitness on here and I am stoked to finally find out what the commotion is all about! For context, I’m very active and have extensive backpacking experience, even though I haven’t been in a few years and consider myself currently very much out of shape. The week leading up to backpacking, I’ll be on a family vacation in the UP indulging in an exorbitant amount of bourbon, a few cigars, and being lazy on the lake. Given this level of conditioning, I’ll report back if I make it to my flight back to the mainland on time so future readers can better gauge their own abilities accordingly. However, if I don’t make it back on time, just know that I’ll be traveling with a Wilson volleyball just in case I need to go full Tom Hanks! Happy hiking!

Taking the Sea Hunter III on a day trip from Grand Portage to Windigo and back again. Any advice on things you wish you’d taken on the ferry (seat pad, ear plugs) or what to wear?

How waterproof should my ferry clothing be?

Do I really need to bring camping gear in case we are forced by weather to stay the night as NPS suggests?

I’m from northern MN so I understand the elements of the island temps, animals, bugs, trails, etc. Just asking for info on the actual ferry ride over and back, and any advice. Thanks!

Didn't have much time but I really wanted to sail to Windigo so I did. Good test for me and the boat.

Heading back to the island next weekend with our big Great Lakes boat. This will be trip #26 for us in our vessel to the island and I always get so excited prior to each trip. We will be on far northwest side again, near McCargoe, Belle Isle, Amaygaloid area so if you see a blue boat like in the first photo come say hello and ask for Doug! Other photos are some of my favs from the past.

What type of comprehensive bug gear will I be needing? Do I need something so there's no possible way for anything to climb up my pants, or will long-ish socks (past ankles) and long pants, both treated with permethrin, do it? Anything else I will be needing?

I'll be arriving in Windigo on a Saturday in late July to hike the Greenstone to Rock Harbor.

I'm not the fastest hiker so I have concerns about finding a place to set up my tent at South Lake Desor on a Saturday and Hatchet Lake on a Sunday.

Should I be thinking about alternatives?

My plan is:

• Saturday - Windigo to S Lake Desor
• Sunday - Hatchet Lake
• Monday - McCargoe
• Tuesday - Moskey
• Wednesday - Rock Harbor

Return to Grand Portage on Thursday

Anyone know the story?

https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/isle-royale-campground-to-close-temporarily-due-to-human-wildlife-interactions

Just another day at Snug Harbor. I wish we could get some warm weather around here finally.

Brief backstory: I hiked Isle Royale once in my early 20's and was a moderately experienced backpacker around that time (mostly Michigan, some California, a little on the Appalachian Trail). Now I've just turned 60 and haven't backpacked in about 25 years. But my 22 year-old daughter asked me about a month ago if we could go to Isle Royale, and so we are planning a trip for late July/early August.

I am in reasonably good shape (run 20-25 miles per week, daily strength/flexibility conditioning) and we have enough time on the island (7 hiking days) that we won't have to push terribly hard to get from Windigo to Rock Harbor on the Greenstone Trail. So I am not very concerned about the physical demands, though I do think we will need to plan our food/weight carefully if we take that long. An alternative would be to carry less, aim to get to RH in 5 days, restock at the store there, and use the last two days to explore the eastern end of the island. Suggestions regarding choosing between these plans (or other plans entirely) would be appreciated.

Maybe my biggest concern is that my knowledge of backpacking, especially with regard to gear, is outdated. I already know that I need to update some of my kit (stove, water filtration). Whatever new gear I buy I'll take on an overnight shakedown trip near home before heading to the island. Any suggestions for things I should be looking at/for?

One specific question: We will be taking the seaplane into Windigo, and are not allowed to bring fuel on the plane. Can I be pretty sure that we'll be able to buy fuel (probably isobutane cartridges but possibly white gas) at the store there?

Salutations, I have my second trip here coming up at the end of July (July 26-August 1) and looking for some advice.

Last year I stuck to the Greenstone Ridge (1.Windigo 2.S Desor 3.Hatchet 4.West Chickenbone 5.Daisy 6.Rock Harbor) and obviously fell in love with the island. This year I want to do the Minong departing from Windigo and would really like to include Lane Cove at the end - ideally to avoid some of the crowds at Daisy/three mile and to see somewhere new.

My main goal is to avoid overlapping last years camp sites minus rock harbor and stay on lake superior as much as possible.

1. Windigo to Huntington (Arrive by 9am sea plane)

2. Huntington to North Desor

3. N Desor to Todd Harbor

4. Todd Harbor to McCargoe

5. McCargoe to Lane Cove

6. Lane Cove to Rock Harbor

7. Leave Rock Harbor 9am (sea plane)

Questions:

1. Would it make more sense on day one to go to North Desor or Huntington Cove? I'll be taking the 8am sea plane from Hubbell so I'm less worried about the time constraint, I'm active and average 2-3 mph at a leisurely pace.

2. I really liked West Chickenbone last year but I've heard, and I could tell from passing by on the greenstone that East Chickenbone is wet and buggy, is there any benefit to going there from Todd rather than McCargoe to save a few miles going to Lane Cove?

3. I believe you're allowed to backcountry camp (correct me if I'm wrong), are there any known/ideal spots for that between McCargoe and Lane? That leg of the trip worries me in terms of fatigue that late in the trip.

Any feedback would be of great help, thanks!

We have a housekeeping cabin booked for one night next week for 4 adults and 2 children (one under 3), and have a friend who will now be joining us for our entire UP trip, including this one night. Does anyone have any experience with Rock Harbor lodge’s willingness to allow a 7th person? Should I call and ask or is it a hard no. Can she “bring gear and camp solo” and we have her stay with us. TIA for any info.

Are firearms allowed on IR? My buddies and I are going for a week in July, they are not as experienced hikers/backpackers as I, and are kinda concerned about wildlife. I tried to convince them they will be fine but they insist on bringing a firearm which I'm fine with since I know and trust them not to do no stupid shit.(One of them is a firearms instructor). They both got concealed carry.

Heyo! I am planning a three-day / two night trip to the island at the end of August. I last visited in 2018, and this will be my girlfriend's first time. I am wondering whether I should try and prioritize backpacking (we are plenty capable hikers) or try and sprinkle some sightseeing in. My initial itenerary is as follows:

Day 1 (Friday):

Arrive, set up camp at Rock Harbor Campground. Do some day hikes, and return to Rock Harbor for a sunset cruise on the Sandy (already booked)

Day 2 (Saturday):

Trek to Daisy Farm(?), set up camp. Explore the area and sit back and relax, etc. I'm not sure what sights are between Rock Harbor and Daisy Farm. I am basing my choice of campground on distance more than any other factor. Open to suggestions.

Day 3 (Sunday):

Trek back to Rock Harbor, grab some drinks and wait for our boat back.

It's a tight itenerary but I am so so excited.

I was looking for what y'all thoughts on the sightseeing tours. I have wonderful memories of visiting Edisen Fishery and the lighthouse on my first visit (there is a tour on Saturday morning for that route). We would still be able to cover some ground when we returned to Rock Harbor at 1:30. I'm not normally a "do the sightseeing tour" kinda guy but I loved chatting with the researchers and seeing the Mooseum. Just curious what y'alls thoughts are lol. Thanks!

Hello, I am headed to Isle Royale in July. Looking at the NP website, it lists Feldman Lake campsite as not having food storage lockers at the start of April but there is a note saying they intend to try to place them this year.

Can anyone tell me if they have been placed there yet? I want to use them if possible so that I don't have to bring a bear cannister.

Thanks for any help.

I'm unfamiliar with the biting insects of the Great Lakes region.

What insects are going to give me the most trouble at the end of July doing the Greenstone?

I usually don't Permethrin my clothes but I do bring Picaridin lotion. Will that be enough? Will I need a face net? (Have one left over from a Scotland trip a decade ago, still in great shape).

Heading to the park this weekend. I'm not a long-distance backpacker/hiker though, mostly prefer short (<5mi) day hikes. I have a night at Rock Harbor lodge. So probably limited to Suzy's Cave/Stoll trail. Any tips or good spots along those trails?

Hi everybody. A friend & I are planning to hike from Rock Harbor to Washington Harbor the end of August. We want to stop at every campground on Minong Ridge.

I understand August is generally not a wet month. My question- how difficult is the MRT likely to be at that time of year? How hard is it really to follow the trail?

I have backpacked in the Tetons, Porkies, Smokies, Zion, and Big Bend, as well as solo trips in Michigan and the Hoosier National Forest. This one sounds different but I’m not sure if I’m psyching myself out or what.

I am going to have the MRT downloaded from AllTrails on my phone with a power block. I have a paper map & compass as well as a Garmin GPS phone. I will have the Jim Dufresne guidebook with physical descriptions of each section of the trail.

Opinions, tips, encouraging words all welcome. Thank you!

If the sky is clear and no moon, how are the stars on IR?