Isle Royale

I've been twice and would really like to go again. The logistics and expense of travel is the only reason that has not yet happened.

The unique microclimates of the island are the highlight for me. The bogs, small rocky ridges, little coves, etc. I'd advise trying to get a mix of trails in the interior and on the coast.

The bugs can be really bad. The tree canopy is also often thick, which limits views. Next time I go, I want to go either as early or late as possible, which should help with both factors.

A lot is made about how hard hiking there can be. I find this overblown. Even the reknowned Minong Ridge is not especially difficult (but is especially cool).

General conclusion: do it.

Out of all of the places I have hiked with my boys, and we've been a lot of places, Isle Royale was their favorite. We planned to do a loop, going along the coast and then back along the spine. We changed our plans and never left the water. The rocky coast makes for fun scenery and at night the loons lull you to sleep. During the day the otters swim by. I suggest getting a fishing license and make this a hike about having fun and not about the miles. It's just too beautiful to rush. You will love it there! And do bring a lightweight nylon shirt and pants and head net in case the bugs are bad. We had them bad once, when fishing an inland lake. Other than that, never a problem.

Never thought of the expenses. There is an REI class coming up about planning a trip to Isle Royale. Anyone taken that? I don't think I need a 2 hour "class" to find out about backpacking in a certain place but I might just give it a try.

Hypothetically you might save a bit of time researching the ferry schedules and seasonal weather averages, but shortcutting that takes the fun out of it.

Flying and/or driving to the ferry terminuses, and then the expense of the ferry, is not inconsiderable. If you have a 4-5 person group a float plane is almost as cheap, saves quite a lot of time, and is pretty darn cool. Last time I went was with my parents and sister, and hiring a plane helped us spend most of the first day hiking, rather than sitting on the ferry.

Yes I totally agree taking the plan can save you time, BUT many times it is significantly delayed OR cannot fly due to the weather. Depending on your position on the flight schedule this can set best set plan amiss…..this can happen both ways (going and coming from the island). May I suggest if you do plan on the plane take the first flight out in the AM (going or coming) as any time delay will be cut to a minimum.

The ferry ride from MN is faster and shorter that from MI, BUT (one of those) depending where you live, the drive to the ferry can place additional time on the road. One thing to note, the ferry from MN does travel around the island and on the first day after stopping at Washington Harbor from MN ferry dock it will proceed to McCargo Cove as a stop and then to Rock Harbor for the night.

Nathan,
My wife and I were there in 2007 and loved it. We went in late August and didn't have any problem with bugs. However, with that said, I would never go anywhere backpacking in the Midwest without a headnet and bug dope. Because of tapeworms you will have to bring a filter. If you google up Isle Royale forums they have a really good one. It is a fantastic place and you will enjoy yourself. I also advise taking your time and enjoying the trip. Here is a link to our trip pictures.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/d1948n/sets/72157614478306358

Dave

May I suggest a book and map that is comprehensive and will cover Isle Royale in detail?
Isle Royale National Park, Fourth Edition: Foot Trails & Water Routes ; by Jim DuFresne
National Geographic Isle Royale National Park Trail Map

Do not be intimated by the trail ratings you might see for the Minong Ridge Trail. My wife and four grand children (ages 11, 12, 13 & 13) did the trail as a culminating backpacking event last year for eleven days. I have been on the Minong three other times to break away from the crowds of the main trails and "chill out" as the girls would say at Little Todd Harbor.

You can go cross country but must apply as there are rules you must follow AND there are NO ENTRY ZONES because of the wolves/study areas where entry is not permitted.

I've been there several times (live in MN) and have gone from one end to the other every time. I know that I miss some scenery that way, but how I like to do it. Not particularly difficult hiking. Ironically, finding water can sometimes be an issue when you're on the Greenstone. Never pass a chance to top off a water bottle. It's a great place.